Super Bowl 58 came and went with the Kansas City Chiefs defeating the San Francisco 49ers 25-22. The win came in overtime, as Patrick Mahomes passed to Mecole Hardman for the walk-off touchdown.
Former NFL player Cam Newton was asked about Brock Purdy’s performance on his podcast, stemming from his recent game manager conversations. However, despite the loss, Newton blames someone else on the 49ers.
Cam Newton Blames San Francisco’s Coaching Staff for Super Bowl Loss
“Brock Purdy did not have a bad game,” Newton said on his podcast 4th & 1. In Super Bowl 58, Purdy completed 23 of 38 passes for 255 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions. In his second NFL season, he passed for 4,280 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He was a finalist for the AP NFL MVP award.
"It's not Brock Purdy's fault. He played well enough for his team to win."@CameronNewton thinks the 49ers coaching staff let them down, not Purdy. pic.twitter.com/dQrspNrjVD
— 4thand1show (@4thand1show) February 16, 2024
Purdy was taken with the final pick, No. 262, of the 2022 NFL Draft by the 49ers. He didn’t start most of his rookie year but got the nod late in the season and lit it up, taking the 49ers to the NFC Championship Game before getting hurt. Purdy received surgery on his throwing arm but returned in time for the season.
Now, having played 25 games, starting 21 of them, Purdy has passed for 5,654 yards, 44 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. His record as a starting quarterback is 17-4, and he’s ended his season in the NFC Championship Game or Super Bowl in both years of his career.
“There’s too many people who were exposed [in the Super Bowl]. They didn’t know the real rules of overtime,” Newton said. In the last couple of years, the NFL has had new overtime rules in which both teams are guaranteed one possession, even if the first team to receive the ball scores a touchdown. The rule was changed in 2022.
The 49ers and Chiefs went into overtime tied at 19. However, the 49ers won the toss and elected to receive instead of deferring. They then drove the ball downfield, kicked a field goal, and kicked it back to the Chiefs, who won the game with a touchdown.
Following the game, it was revealed by multiple 49ers players that they did not know the rule had changed. “I assumed you just want the ball because you score a touchdown and win,” fullback Kyle Juszczyk said. 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has, however, said the decision came due to the team wanting the ball third.
KEEP READING: Take the Ball First or Second in Overtime? What Was the Right Super Bowl Call?
“It’s not Brock Purdy’s fault. He played well enough for his team to win,” Newton said. “He made plays, and he made plays in time of need as well.”
Miss football? The 2024 NFL Draft is almost here, boss. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!
