© Cary Edmondson | 2019 Nov 11
For the first time this season, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan took heat for the way he managed, or mis-managed, San Francisco’s final drive in Monday night’s eventual loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
With 1:50 remaining in overtime, the 49ers had the ball on their own 20 yard line, and proceeded to throw three consecutive incomplete passes, burning just 17 seconds in the process before punting the ball back to the Seahawks. Seattle proceeded to march into field goal range and kick the game winner as time expired.
Seattle had no timeouts, meaning that Shanahan could’ve had his offense kneel three times and ensure a tie. The move to air it out was seen by some as reckless, that Shanahan should’ve ensured the tie instead of taking the risk of trying to go for the win.
Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young was asked for his take on the situation with Tolbert, Krueger & Brooks Wednesday, and began by reminding 49ers fans that this is the coach they hired.
“Remember, Kyle Shanahan in many ways, the Super Bowl got away from the whole team, but him especially, because he’s so aggressive,” Young said referencing the Falcons’ blowing a 28-3 lead in Super Bowl LI. “And when we signed him that’s what you get. Don’t all of the sudden go, ‘aw I wish that he would’ve played for the tie.’”
That said, Young would’ve been slightly less aggressive on that final drive, and also said he would’ve gone for it on fourth-and-1 earlier in the overtime period, instead of attempting a 47-yard field goal, which replacement kicker Chase McLaughlin missed badly.
“I think I would’ve gone for the half yard. I think. That’s what I felt, that was my instinct.
“I would like them to have 35 less seconds if we have to hand them the ball back. To hand them the ball back with having only taken (a few) off, you would never repeat that…That’s not part of the plan.”
Listen to the full interview below.