One can’t help but wonder if the legendary game manager quarterback Joe Montana had been under center for the 49ers. Would the outcome of the game have been different? Or would Patrick Mahomes still have led the Kansas City Chiefs to an overtime victory in Super Bowl LVIII?
The San Franscico 49ers jumped out to a 10-point lead in the first half thanks to a trick play touchdown pass from Jauan Jennings to Christian McCaffrey. However, sloppy play and turnovers allowed the Chiefs to claw their way back into the game. A missed extra poiint by kicker Jake Moody after a Jennngs touchdown catch ultimately proved costly.
Kyle Shanahan’s Decisions Scrutinized…Again
Head Coach Kyle Shanahan’s decision to receive the ball first in overtime drew criticism. The Chiefs ultimately won the coin toss game by scoring the game-winning touchdown on their overtime possession. This narrative surrounding Shanahan’s game management is all too familiar. His Falcons blew a 28-3 lead in Super Bowl LI. And his 49ers blew a 10-point fourth quarter lead against these same Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV.
The Mastery of Joe Montana’s “Game Manager” Style
In his four Super Bowl victories, Joe Montana epitomized the “game manager quarterback” role to perfection, throwing 11 touchdowns with zero interceptions. Montana’s West Coast ofense was predicated on secure ball protection, taking what the defense gave, and complementing a strong running game and defense. It’s hard to imagine Montana making the same mistakes as Brock Purdy and the 49ers in crucial situations of Super Bowl LVIII. While Purdy had an excellent season, he ultimately made the kind of yourthful errors that the cool, calm Montana simply would not have.
While the “game manager quarterback” label is sometimes used as a backhanded compliment, Joe Montana showed it can be the higheste praise. His ability to minimize risks, make smart decisions, and lead his team to victories defined his Hall of Fame career. Perhaps with Montana’s guidance, the 49ers could have secured their sixth Lombardi Trophy rather than watching Mahomes and the Chiefs become champios once again.
Barry Schustermann
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