Recounting the 2019 Kansas City Chiefs historic run to a Super Bowl Championship

The Comeback, Part III

There were a number of reasons, aside from just winning the team’s first Super Bowl in 50 years, why the comeback against the 49ers was so spectacular. The 49ers were an incredible defense this season. So incredible, that they were the seventh team in the last 15 seasons to enter the Super Bowl having accrued 55 sacks or more.

How did the other six teams fare you might ask? Flawlessly. In the last 15 seasons, teams that had entered the Super Bowl with 55 combined sacks or more hadn’t lost a single Super Bowl. The 49ers pass rush was next to unstoppable for three-and-a-half quarters, and its impact on Mahomes and the offense was apparent. Yet, when it mattered most the combination of Mahomes, the offensive line and the play calling were able to neutralize it enough to explode.

"We never lost faith, that’s the biggest thing. Everybody on this team, no one had their head down. We believed in each other. That’s what we preached all year long. – Patrick Mahomes (Following the Super Bowl)"

That offensive explosion was record breaking in a number of ways. The Chiefs tied the Patriots, Saints, and Redskins for the second largest comeback in Super Bowl history. The only other team to trail by more and win was the 2017 New England Patriots, who erased a 25-point lead held by the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI. With the Chiefs 21-point explosion, they also set an NFL record for the most points ever in a fourth quarter.

Finally, with their third double digit comeback of the playoffs the Chiefs formed a company all their own. Before Sunday, no team had ever trailed by double digits in three straight playoff games and won all three. To put this in perspective, when initially trailing by double digits, the Chiefs had a jaw dropping scoring differential of 100-24.

"“Chiefs are Super Bowl champions here in Miami, as they win it in Super Bowl LIV” – Joe Buck"

Hail to the Chiefs

At the end of the day, what Chiefs Kingdom just witnessed was a special run by a special team. It’s the kind of run that inspires people and communities. With their backs against the wall in the darkest of circumstances, at least for a sports team, their leaders rose up and lead the team and Kansas City to a championship.

With all the talk of the Chiefs and their superstar signal caller potentially becoming a dynasty, these sentiments can easily be taken for granted. While I think a dynasty is a possibility, don’t forget to cherish this achievement as a fan. There are fans who have lived and died without ever getting to the experience this joy. Always remember that.

In the end, hail to the Chiefs! What a ride the last two seasons have been. Like Mahomes has said multiple times, they’re just getting started.

"The game is over! And the Chiefs Kingdom has firmly planted its flag on top of football’s highest summit, the Kansas City Chiefs are champions of Super Bowl LIV.” – Mitch Holthus"