Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan didn’t directly blame Kyle Shanahan for Atlanta’s epic Super Bowl LI collapse, but he left no doubt the new 49ers coach played a big role in the overtime loss to the Patriots.
Ryan revealed to CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco he was frustrated with Shanahan and questioned the offensive coordinator’s play-calling in the fourth quarter that led to New England overcoming a 25-point deficit.
Specifically, Ryan thought Shanahan’s inability to quickly call plays, and his choice of those plays, in the final 4-5 minutes doomed Atlanta. Foremost in his criticism was Shanahan choosing not to call a running play while the Falcons were in range to kick a game-clinching field goal, instead calling a series of pass plays that led to a turnover.