[ad_1]
SANTA CLARA – Guard Spencer Burford took full responsibility for the overtime play in which the 49ers left Kansas City star defensive tackle Chris Jones unblocked.
It was a point teammate Jon Feliciano revealed on social media when right tackle Colton McKivitz was incorrectly blamed for the pass protection error for not sliding to his left to block Jones.
“No need for a quick cut if the guy who was supposed to block it blocks it,” Feliciano wrote the morning after the 49ers’ 25-22 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII.
Burford told NBC Sports Bay Area on Tuesday that he and Feliciano talked and cleared things up. Feliciano also posted an apology on social media, saying he “woke up hungover” and addressed Burford, writing, “You have nothing but greatness ahead of you. I’m sorry, brother.”
“It was just a lack of communication between us, man,” Burford said. “He apologized.”
Feliciano started at right guard but left midway through the game due to a pectoral injury. Burford played the final 41 plays.
Burford confirmed that he was responsible for the B-gap, the area between him and McKivitz.
“I should have played within the scheme,” Burford said. “I played by instinct. It was my fault. I don’t want anyone to say anything to Colton, whatever’s going on. Don’t blame him.”
On a third-and-4 play in overtime, Jones broke free and pushed quarterback Brock Purdy into an incomplete throw over receiver Jauan Jennings’ head on the right side. The 49ers settled for a short field goal, opening the door for Patrick Mahomes to lead the Chiefs down the field for the game-winning touchdown.
Burford, a two-year NFL veteran who started 13 games before Feliciano took over, reflected on what he meant to coach Kyle Shanahan and some of his fellow veterans, including Trent Williams, Kyle Juszczyk, Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, Fred Warner, Arik Armstead and others.
“It’s been a burden on me, of course, because of everything everyone put into it,” Burford said. “I’m angry about the fact that we lost, don’t get me wrong. But it’s the extra.
“You think about them and it hurts a little more. It means a little more. You’ve got the whole organization, dynasty, you know what I’m saying? “It’s a lot, but it will only make you feel better.”
Burford said he has received words of encouragement throughout the locker room, including from Armstead, who has a locker next to Burford.
“There are 160 plays and more with social teams that impact the game,” Armstead said. “One play doesn’t determine the game, and we had plenty of opportunities to get the win, but it didn’t happen, and that was for a multitude of reasons, not because of one play.
“Spencer is a great young player. He loves football. It means a lot to him. I practice against him every day. He has improved a lot. He has also helped me in my game. He is a great young player and will be fantastic for us in the future. I think this moment will make him better and he has a bright future.”
Download and follow the 49ers Talk podcast
