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Kyle Shanahan's Genius Gives 49ers Edge as NFC's Top Contender

Tony Avelar/Associated Press

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan reached the pinnacle of his play-calling prowess Saturday while his team pushed its way toward achieving professional football's greatest feat.

But it didn't always look like he'd get near a potential title again.

Nearly three years ago, Shanahan reached the lowest point of his professional career. His suspect play-calling directly contributed to the Atlanta Falcons' embarrassing Super Bowl LI loss after the team established a 28-3 first-half lead over the New England Patriots. Tom Brady and Co. orchestrated the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history, and the Falcons still haven't recovered.