49ers O-line coach takes blame for Burford’s Super Bowl mistake originally appeared in NBC Sports Bay Area
SANTA CLARA — Right guard Spencer Burford was particularly inconsolable after the 49ers’ devastating Super Bowl LVIII loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in February.
Burford admitted a mistake in overtime that left Kansas City defensive tackle Chris Jones unblocked on a critical third-down play. Jones pressured quarterback Brock Purdy into an incomplete pass. With better pass protection, Purdy could have easily hit Jauan Jennings for a first down or Brandon Aiyuk for a potential touchdown.
The 49ers settled for a short field goal, leaving the door open for Patrick Mahomes to march his team down the field for the game-winning touchdown.
“He (Burford) makes that mistake and I struggle with it,” 49ers offensive line coach Chris Foerster said Friday.
“It’s my fault. I prepare them to play. It’s my job to make him do it. It’s my fault. He didn’t understand.
“(Aaron) Banks missed something similar early in the game. Nobody talks about it. It was pressure and (Purdy) took the ball away.”
Burford played the last 41 snaps at right guard after starter Jon Feliciano left midway through the Super Bowl due to a chest injury.
Afterwards, Burford confessed his mental error.
“It’s weighing on me, of course, because of everything everyone has put into this,” Burford said. “I’m mad about the fact that we lost, don’t get me wrong. But it’s the extra.
“You think about them and it hurts you 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 better.”
Burford debuted last season as a starter and this summer is competing with Feliciano and rookie Dominick Puni as a starter.
Foerster takes his share of responsibility because he is the man responsible for teaching the players their tasks.
“It wasn’t covered enough,” Foerster said. “Or if it was, they didn’t understand. Because if they don’t understand, I can’t just say, ‘It’s their fault, not mine.’ Of course not, man. I’m responsible for these idiots.
“If these idiots don’t do it right, I’m the idiot. I’m the guy who’s not doing the job right.”
Foerster said he and Burford had in-depth conversations after the game. And the longtime assistant coach showed new emotions as he revisited the topic nearly six months later.
“I can promise you that as much as this weighs on me, it weighs more on him because he’s the one who has the shining light on him,” Foerster said.
