Kyle Shanahan heard plenty of criticism after Sunday’s Super Bowl loss, as many fans believed the 49ers head coach should have deferred at the start of overtime to give themselves “last licks” and know exactly what was needed to win the game or keep it going.
BT and Sal disagree with the masses.
“This overtime stuff is nuts,” BT said. “You either set the tone, or based on the information you have, if you don’t take the football, you’re able to react to it.
“If that’s my team last night, if that’s the Jets, I’m not giving Mahomes a license to stick a touchdown down my throat. I’m gonna take the ball and try to carve out a touchdown, and if I’m able, at least I know I put seven on the board…I’m going for the touchdown.”
Sal understands there are benefits to starting on defense, but even with the new playoff overtime rules, the best path forward is to take the ball and put pressure on the opponent.
“I don’t even understand how you debate the other side. It makes no sense,” Sal said. “I think it’s the right decision any time to take the ball in overtime.”