Film Review: Breaking down the last 49ers-Chiefs meeting
By Grant Tuttle
13:53 3rd Quarter, 4th and 3
De’Anthony Thomas was doing his thing in 2014, too. This was a boost for the Chiefs as the defense had just made a stop. Thomas returned the punt for a big gain (WATCH), setting the offense up in good field position.
13:27 3rd Quarter, 1st and 10
The very next play, we see a peek of vintage Jamaal Charles on a 26 yard run (WATCH). Charles shows good burst to the outside after a little head fake to the inside. After finding the room to the outside, Charles finds a seam back to the inside and hits the hole without losing any speed. This is not great blocking up front, but Charles makes a man miss and gets a solid gain. I miss watching him glide around like this.
12:25 3rd Quarter, 1st and 10
After a nice pass to Dwayne Bowe, Smith and the Chiefs march down to the 17 yard line. On this play, we see some Andy Reid misdirection. Smith brings De’Anthony Thomas in motion to lineup in the backfield creating an offset I formation. Thomas, who was a running back at the time, lined up behind Smith with Charles as the other back to the left of the play. Smith snaps the ball and both running backs swing out wide. Thomas goes left, Charles to the right. The middle linebacker freezes in the middle allowing Thomas more space. With some decent blocking downfield, Thomas is able to find a crease for a touchdown (WATCH).
17-13 Chiefs
6:16 3rd Quarter, 4th and 25
After a long drive for the 49ers on the back of Kaepernick, the Chiefs hold the 49ers to a long field goal. Unfortunately for Kansas City, Phil Dawson nailed another 50+ yard field goal. 52 yards to be exact.
17-16 Chiefs
Both teams held each other on the following drives to punts.
After a series of short passes from Smith, the Chiefs were held out of field goal range and Dustin Colquitt had to punt yet again.
14:06 4th Quarter, 4th and 1
This is the game changer. The Chiefs think that they have stopped the 49ers for a second consecutive drive. After good pass-rushing from Justin Houston and Tamba Hali, the Chiefs held the 49ers to a 4th and one on their own 29 yard line. The 49ers lined up for a punt and faked it (WATCH). The 49ers took advantage of the way the Chiefs were lined up with a wide gap between the down linemen, Frank Zombo and Demetrius Harris, snapping the ball to up-back. Harris makes an effort to smash down the spot, but being a tight end, he does not have the strength to completely close the gap. This is a huge momentum swing in favor of San Fransisco.
12:14 4th Quarter, 3rd and 10
Speaking of that momentum, the Chiefs are one play away from making yet another stop. However, the 49ers come up big (WATCH). Lloyd makes a great adjustment on a ball thrown by Kaepernick. The Chiefs were inches away from making a sack and every receiver was covered well. The ball is thrown high and Lloyd makes a great catch against Sean Smith. The 49ers make a play and Kansas City surrenders 30+ yards as well as a first down.
9:05 4th Quarter, 4th and 1
After a series of good runs from Carlos Hyde and Frank Gore, the Chiefs ultimately hold San Francisco out of the end zone. The 49ers kick the short field goal taking a 19-17 lead.
19-17 49ers
The Chiefs got the ball back, but did nothing with it.The Chiefs stalled and had to punt after a three and out. It is painful to watch what the offense once was.
2:17 4th Quarter, 4th and 12
After a number of defensive breakdowns, the 49ers were able to set up a long drive. However, in Bob Sutton fashion, the Chiefs defense held them out of the end zone. “Old reliable” Phil Dawson marched out and hit yet another field goal. This one from 30 yards out.
22-17 49ers
The Chiefs got the ball back with one more chance to win the game. However, they would have to do it without any of their time outs.
2:07 4th Quarter 2nd and 10
After a misfire to Dwayne Bowe, Smith was nearly intercepted. Then, it happened (WATCH). The Chiefs squandered away their final opportunity. On this play, Smith thinks that he can float the ball over the defender. Unfortunately, he floated it over the head of Anthony Fasano. Perrish Cox makes a great play, intercepting the ball. If Smith would have waited just a bit longer, he would have had more open receivers.
The 49ers kneel and run out the clock.
FINAL: SF 22, KC 17