The San Francisco 49ers scored a crucial first-quarter touchdown in the first half of Super Bowl LVIII on a trick play to star running back Christian McCaffrey. But upon further review, there’s some debate as to whether or not the play should have counted.
On the play, Niners quarterback Brock Purdy threw a backward pass to Jauan Jennings who then threw a pass all the way across the field to Christian McCaffrey, who caught the ball and ran for a relatively easy touchdown.
But CBS Sports analyst Boomer Esiason claims that a flag should have been thrown on the San Francisco 49ers for an illegal man downfield.
CBS broadcaster and former NFL QB Boomer noted at halftime that 49ers C Jake Brendel should've been called for illegal man downfield on Christian McCaffrey's touchdown.
San Francisco's TD should not have counted 🤔pic.twitter.com/RhaQVyIheX
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 12, 2024
“By the way, Jake Brendel – the center for the San Francisco 49ers – should have been called for an illegal man downfield,” Esiason said. “This touchdown should not have counted.”
During the play, Brendel is downfield looking for a block before McCaffrey caught the pass, which should have signaled a penalty for an illegal man downfield. However, as many fans quickly pointed out, Esiason was not actually correct in his criticism since McCaffrey caught the ball behind the line of scrimmage.
Pass behind LOS, Boomer is incorrect
But as usual, won't stop Chiefs fans from complaining, even though their OL holds on every play https://t.co/Gx3fVPd25m
— P.J. (@Palimo) February 12, 2024
Pass was behind the LOS. You, and he, are wrong
— Dañiel Simpson (@DSimpson88) February 12, 2024
Its 100% clean since the pass was behind the LOS
— Zachary Ament (@zach13090) February 12, 2024
? The play was behind the line of scrimmage.
— Rafael Delaghetto (@PrinceOfPeaceee) February 12, 2024
It’s behind the line of scrimmage…. You and him are both incorrect.
— KeySportsTakes (@TylerRobertKey) February 12, 2024
Not if the pass is completed behind the LOS.
— Brian Gilbert (@Brian__Gilbert) February 12, 2024
It’s not clear why Esiason thought it was a penalty, but it caused a lot of controversy in the biggest game of the year.
