During the 2023 offseason, a number of coaching changes were made by the Baltimore Ravens. Although Todd Monken replaced Greg Roman as offensive coordinator, which garnered the greatest attention, other coaches were also changed about.
Tee Martin, the wide receivers coach, was given the responsibility of coaching the team’s quarterbacks, Lamar Jackson, and himself to improve his performance. Martin cited his pre- and post-snap preparations in response to a question about where he thinks Jackson has made the most progress.
The 49ers’ 25-22 overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII was caused by more than one factor. There was more than one play, one choice, or one standout theme. Being the best player on the field, Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes set the tone for the entire event.
Perhaps it is more difficult for everyone connected to the 49ers to accept the team’s defeat because there isn’t a clear-cut explanation for it.
On fourth down, quarterback Patrick Mahomes was expected to hold onto the ball, so the 49ers should have made it harder for him to gain those eight yards by putting his legs around the right tackle.
It would have been preferable to appoint someone to be a spy on him, even if it meant giving up some coverage. It would have, at the very least, forced Kansas City to execute a high-pressure pass. The 49ers ought to have forced the Chiefs to make a play instead of not even attempting to challenge Mahomes when he had the ball in his hands, as they had more interceptions this season than any other NFL club.
Perhaps there were hints before the snap that Trent McDuffie, the cornerback, was about to go on a blitz. Perhaps tight end George Kittle, who was positioned in the backfield, saw it and slid to his left to protect a pass. Perhaps Brandon Aiyuk might have received a quicker pass from Brock Purdy.
The 49ers may have been able to run out the majority of the clock in regulation to set up Jake Moody for what may have been a walk-off field goal try and a potential 22-19 victory if they had converted the first down.
Tommy Townsend hit 49ers blocker Darrell Luter’s leg with a short punt, which resulted in a turnover for the team. Luter was reportedly unaware of return man Ray-Ray McCloud’s warning to move away from the ball.
Then, instead of falling on the ball and trying to get possession by any means necessary, McCloud attempted to pick it up and remain upright as it became live.
