In Super Bowl LVIII, the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers 25-22, and the first score came at 14:48 of the second quarter when Jake Moody made a 55-yard field goal.

In the Chiefs' 28-18 victory on Sunday in the first game back between the two teams, the game started scoreless for more than 13 minutes, and then the first points were a 55-yard field goal by the 49ers.

“(Anders) Carlson knocked down that kick. But it’s really funny that it happened in both games,” Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker said. “It just felt like a slow game and without a lot of action… both defenses did a really good job in both games.”

Just as Super Bowl LVIII got off to a sluggish offensive start, Sunday's early start was dictated by defenses.

There were interceptions by both teams in the first quarter alone. The 49ers didn't get a first down until their fourth possession, and the Chiefs failed to convert a first down on a fake punt.

That resulted in an eight-point halftime lead, similar to the seven-point lead in Super Bowl LVIII at the same time.

And once again, Mecole Hardman, who had the walk-off touchdown in Super Bowl LVIII, was one A thorn in the side of the 49ers. The last time he played at Levi's Stadium he had three touchdowns.

To what does Hardman attribute his success against the 49ers?

“I don’t know,” he said. “I guess it's just one of those things that happens.”

Hardman, who signed a one-year, $1,125 million deal to rejoin the Chiefs, is obviously saving his best for the 49ers.

He only had four catches entering the game against the 49ers.

But on Sunday, he had an 18-yard end-around for a touchdown and a 55-yard punt return, leading to a scoring drive that gave the Chiefs a 14-game lead with 6:53 left in the first half. 3 provided.

Hardman's touchdown gave the Chiefs a 28-12 lead with 3:09 to play.

Differences from the Super Bowl

In previous Super Bowls between the teams, the 49ers took the lead in the fourth quarter.

But this game spiraled out of control largely due to a poor performance from 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy.

The third-year quarterback has the most team-friendly deal in the NFL. Because he was a seventh-round pick, he has a four-year, $3.7 million contract, including just $985,000 in cash this year.

While he represents great value, his three misses were far from productive.

“I definitely need to play better,” he said, “with my shots and some decisions.”

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes also threw two interceptions, but one was due to a pass deflection and the other was caused by rookie Xavier Worthy, the intended receiver, slipping.

Although Mahomes didn't always look accurate with his throws, his legs proved to be a difference maker in the game.

He eluded linebackers Fred Warner and Dee Winters on a 33-yard run.

“We know Pat has what it takes, man,” linebacker Drue Tranquill said. “So it was cool to see him scurrying around on the side.”

Four plays later, Mahomes hit rookie safety Malike Mustapha, one of the 49ers' hardest hitters, for the touchdown run.

Mahomes joked that his father would help him, but his teammates said the one-yard score showed his strength.

“Pat is bigger than people think,” running back Kareem Hunt said. “He dropped his shoulder on him. I like it.”

The 49ers' misery continues

Since head coach Kyle Shanahan took over in 2017, the 49ers are 0-5 against Kansas City, including two home losses and two Super Bowl losses.

To prepare for Sunday's game, the coaching staffs of both teams watched film of Super Bowl LVIII.

“Everyone understands we lost two Super Bowls to them,” Shanahan said. “I mean, that can cause a little bit of post-traumatic stress when you turn on the tape. I think it’s human nature.”

Seven current 49ers players – Nick Bosa, Kyle Juszczyk, George Kittle, Deebo Samuel, Warner, Dre Greenlaw (who is on injured reserve) and Mitch Wishnowsky – played not only in the last Super Bowl, but also in Super Bowl LIV, which the Chiefs won 31-20 won.

“I will always remember this game,” Warner said. “It was devastating.”

While the 49ers are left to wonder what went wrong in another loss to the Chiefs, Kansas City remains undefeated and once again the team to beat.

“They win these tough games,” Kittle said.