Keyshawn Johnson Goes on a Rant Against Kyle Shanahan for Not Kicking a Field Goal at 4th & 6 Against Bucs

Keyshawn Johnson wanted Kyle Shanahan to hit a field goal from 4th and 6.

Keyshawn Johnson Goes on a Rant Against Kyle Shanahan for Not Kicking a Field Goal at 4th & 6 Against Bucs

Kyle Shanahan and Keyshawn Johnson (Image via IMAGO)

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Making tough decisions on the field is what truly sets elite coaches apart. Kyle Shanahan undoubtedly ranks among the best, but even he has his moments of questionable judgment. From Keyshawn Johnson‘s standpoint, Shanahan made a significant error by opting to throw the ball on 4th and 6 instead of taking the sure points with a field goal. It was a decision that raised eyebrows and highlighted the risks involved in coaching at the highest level.

The Buccaneers led by eight points in the fourth quarter, which kicker Chase McLaughlin extended to eleven after the match officials sounded the two-minute warning. 49ers Quarterback Mac Jones began the following drive by taking a sack, then an incomplete pass, before finding running back Christian McCaffrey, who failed to secure a first down.

The Niners stood on 4th and 6 with barely 35 seconds until the final whistle. Shanahan had a critical decision to make—either let Eddy Pineiro, who was 4 for 4 and had converted from 54 yards earlier in the game, or gamble with Jones on fourth down.

Shanahan chose the latter. Jones took the snap and connected with wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling for just his second catch of the night, but he was still a couple of yards short of a first down. The drive ended with a turnover on downs. Bucs QB Baker Mayfield took a knee to win the game for the NFC South leaders.

Retired NFL wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson wasn’t happy. He went on a rant against Shanahan and his “West Coast” style of coaching in a viral video.

If Johnson were in Shanahan’s shoes, then he would have sent Pineiro to kick the field goal and relied on the Niners’ defense to force a turnover or quickly shut out the Bucs and retrieve the ball for one final drive. Johnson said via Coach Yac/X:

I can’t stand these West Coast system coaches! Why not just take the 3 and let the D play? Kyle Shanahan has to always prove that he’s smarter than everybody else.

Would hitting a field goal have culminated in a favorable result for Kyle Shanahan and the Niners?

Johnson played in the league for a long time, so he has been part of similar situations. However, there’s absolutely no guarantee that the Niners would have won the ball back, considering Fred Warner went off injured, with Nick Bosa in rehab with a torn ACL.

Keyshawn Johnson Goes on a Rant Against Kyle Shanahan for Not Kicking a Field Goal at 4th & 6 Against Bucs
Kyle Shanahan (Image via IMAGO)

Mayfield completely overwhelmed the San Francisco defense throughout the game with his remarkable runs and pinpoint touchdown passes. As a Heisman Trophy winner, he doesn’t turn the ball over in high-pressure situations, especially during the two-minute drill, where he truly excels.

Needless to say, a 4th and 6 play in the final moments of a game is like Schrodinger’s cat—either the play works or it does not.

However, the Niners fans have to question Jones’ performance. He blew a golden opportunity five minutes earlier. Jones snapped the ball on 4th and 5 to throw a pass straight to Bucs’ cornerback Jamel Dean.

This was Jones’ second pick of the day, paired with a turnover caused by Lavonte David’s strip sack.

Jones completed 347 yards from 27 passes and was sacked 6 times. With Brock Purdy’s rehab near completion, Jones could be demoted back to the bench once again before the week seven fixture against the Atlanta Falcons.

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