49ers’ Super Bowl loss to Chiefs four years ago driving players in different ways

Martin Rogers

FOX Sports Insider

LAS VEGAS — Nick Bosa has forced himself to watch the replay of his first appearance in a Super Bowl, even though it hurt to do so.  

The San Francisco 49ers edge rusher was a rookie in February 2020 when his team opened up a 10-point lead over the Kansas City Chiefs, before ultimately falling victim to a Patrick Mahomes-inspired comeback. 

Bosa remembers a lot about the occasion in Miami. He often reflects on key plays and significant moments, and like most competitors, feels in his heart that everything might have been different if not for a couple of plays that went the Chief’s way. 

“Very thin margins,” Bosa told FOX Sports this week. “There are a lot of moments that you think back to, that kind of get stuck in your brain. What would have happened if I went with this rush here or did that differently — it stings.” 

As the Niners prepare to square off with the Chiefs again at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Bosa has the opportunity he wanted. Having come so close in his first year in the league, he has dreamed of the chance to put it right, so having the same opponent on the docket is some sweet symmetry. 

Bosa can recall almost every defensive play of Super Bowl LIV, both from memory and from repeatedly watching it. The ones that burn him the most are a play when he missed a scrambling Mahomes by the width of a fingernail in the open field, and a near-sack on the quarterback just after halftime. 

“I understand what it means to be here again,” Bosa added. “I am very grateful and excited for the opportunity — against the same team. We have got to make the most of it and we’ve got to make it count this time. 

“You want that chance, it motivates you. That’s what we’ve been pushing for the last few years, here it is.” 

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Publish date : 2024-02-06 23:09:18

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