Former NFL wide receiver Roddy White has questioned whether Kyle Shanahan can lead the San Francisco 49ers to a Super Bowl title, pointing to what he believes is a major weakness in the head coach’s decision-making under pressure.
The 49ers have made an impressive start to the season and are among the favourites to lift the Lombardi Trophy. However, White believes Shanahan’s aggressive play-calling could once again prove costly when the stakes are highest.
Shanahan has reached the Super Bowl twice as San Francisco’s head coach but lost both times to the Kansas City Chiefs, leaving him still searching for his first championship in the role.
Roddy White questions Kyle Shanahan’s decision-making in pressure situations
Speaking on the Up & Adams Show, White was asked whether he believed Shanahan would win the Super Bowl. His response was blunt.
“No,” White said. “But they start like this every year. That team starts very fast every year.”
White praised Shanahan’s offensive ability but argued that his approach changes when games reach decisive moments.
“I think, me personally, that he’s a great offensive mind, right? But in tough situations, in pressure situations, the overaggressive play calls always get him in trouble.”
The former Atlanta Falcons receiver added that Shanahan does not always manage situations effectively, particularly against elite quarterbacks.
“And when you make it to a Super Bowl, you’re going to be playing against a great quarterback,” White said.
There is history behind that criticism. Shanahan was Atlanta’s offensive coordinator when the Falcons surrendered a 28-3 lead against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LI, eventually losing in overtime.
Atlanta had opportunities to extend its advantage late in the game but failed to capitalise, with a sack and a holding penalty pushing the Falcons out of field-goal range.
Shanahan later admitted his regret over one decision, saying in 2020: “I wish I didn’t call that play on second-and-11 that led to that sack.”
San Francisco experienced a similar collapse against Kansas City in Super Bowl LIV. The 49ers led 20-10 in the fourth quarter but failed to score on their next four drives as Patrick Mahomes led the Chiefs’ comeback.
The 49ers have the talent to challenge for another championship, but White’s criticism puts the spotlight on Shanahan’s decisions when games are on the line. San Francisco will need to show it can finish strongly if the coach is to silence those doubts.
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