“Would have been nice to see a real game” - Trey Lance still bitter about missing out on Super Bowl

The Super Bowl is approaching Sunday, when the NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles will face the AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs.

The San Francisco 49ers and Cincinnati Bengals suffered defeats in the conference championship games. While the Bengals lost in a closely-contested game 23-20 to the Chiefs, the case wasn't the same for the 49ers. They were blown out 31-7 by the Eagles while suffering injuries to both of their active quarterbacks (Brock Purdy and Josh Johnson).

Second-year quarterback Trey Lance was primed for a big season, but got injured and watched the team fall apart from the sidelines. He didn't play at all in the NFC championship game.

During Super Bowl media week, when asked by NFL Network analyst Rich Eisen who he thinks will win the Super Bowl, Lance said:

"Chiefs. I mean, obviously, they're both playing a Super Bowl, so no disrespect. The Eagles have had a great season. The Chiefs have had a great season. It's just my prediction."

When asked if he was bitter, Lance said:

"I'm not bitter. I mean, it would have been nice to obviously see a real game. And I think both teams would agree with that. But it hurt a little bit more. You know, I mean, when you can't throw the ball and the other team knows you can't throw the ball, I mean, that's the reality of the situation. I think they would have they would agree the same thing.

"I'm not taking nothing away from them. They're a great team, and they beat us ... so I'm not going to take anything away from them at all."

San Francisco 49ers QB Trey Lance missed most of the 2022 season due to an ankle injury

Seattle Seahawks vs. San Francisco 49ers

Second-year quarterback Trey Lance was primed for a big season. He was drafted third in 2021 after the San Francisco 49ers traded up to acquire him.

He sat out most of his rookie season and was the backup to veteran Jimmy Garoppolo.

Heading into last season, coach Kyle Shanahn named Lance the starter. But after suffering an ankle injury in Week 2, Lance was declared out for the rest of the season.

It is unclear whether Trey Lance or emerging second-year QB Brock Purdy will enter next season as the starter.

If you use any of the above quotes, please credit Trey Lance, Rich Eisen, "The Rich Eisen Show," and H/T Sportskeeda.