Shanahan's fourth-down gamble pays leads to timely Jennings TD
Shanahan's fourth-down gamble pays leads to timely Jennings TD originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Kyle Shanahan took a risk in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl LVIII, and it paid off big time for the 49ers.
Faced with a fourth-and-3 on the Kansas City Chiefs' 15-yard line while trailing 13-10, Shanahan kept the 49ers' offense on the field.
Quarterback Brock Purdy completed a 4-yard pass to tight end George Kittle for a first down.
Kittle CLUTCH on fourth down 🔥 pic.twitter.com/MpNE581n2l
— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) February 12, 2024
Two plays later, Purdy completed a 10-yard pass to wide receiver Jauan Jennings for a touchdown, giving the 49ers a 16-10 lead before kicker Jake Moody missed the extra point.
JAUAN IS LIKE THAT! NINERS TAKE THE LEAD 🔥pic.twitter.com/d6UuFIWcYY
— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) February 12, 2024
Shanahan took a risk, opting not to tie the game on a Moody field-goal attempt, instead playing for the lead -- and it paid off big time.
Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell's fourth-down play-calling was a big storyline in San Francisco's NFC Championship Game win two weeks ago, decisions Campbell stood by after the game when Detroit came up empty on those costly fourth-down attempts.
Shanahan's gamble, however, worked to a tee.
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