McGlinchey: 'They made plays when it was time to make plays'

The San Francisco 49ers came up short in Super Bowl LIV as the Kansas City Chiefs scored 21 unanswered in the fourth quarter to win 31-20. 

Right tackle Mike McGlinchey felt it was the little things that separated his team from the win.

"They made plays when it was time to make plays," McGlinchey stated following the game. "They had batted balls and guys who covered long. It's the kind of stuff that won them the game." 

It was quite the turnaround for the 49ers as a year ago they were watching from the couch after a 4-12 season. 

"It was the most fun I've ever had playing football this year," said McGlinchey. "We have the greatest guys in the world from top to bottom in this organization - from coaches, ownership to the players. 

"My heart breaks because it's not going to be the same because that's how the NFL is."

San Francisco led the NFL in rushing yards per game at 204.0, but mustered just 141 in the Super Bowl despite averaging 6.4 yards per carry.

"This was a hell of a year and a lot of fun," explained McGlinchey. "We deserved everything we got this year. Unfortunately, we didn't make enough plays to finish the job." 

Both teams had two turnovers, but San Francisco's interceptions were at critical times.

"Just a couple plays they made here and there," said McGlinchey. "A couple batted balls at the line of scrimmage that would have probably went somewhere. They held coverage when they brought pressure and caught us in a couple protections calls we weren't able to account for guys. 

"It's the way things go. They had a good game plan and adjusted well after the third quarter. We have to execute better down the stretch."