Analyst says 49ers trick play in Super Bowl LVIII shouldn't have counted

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) catches a touchdown pass from wide receiver Jauan Jennings (not pictured) against the Kansas City Chiefs in the first half in Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium.

The first touchdown of Super Bowl LVII came on an incredible trick play late in the first half. However, upon further review of the score, one analyst believes it shouldn’t have counted.

At halftime, former NFL quarterback and CBS analyst Boomer Esiason pointed out that the 49ers center Jake Brendel should have received a flag for an illegal man downfield penalty on the play.

The overhead view tells a different story, as the pass was behind the line of scrimmage and appeared to be in the air before Brendel was downfield.

Despite what Esiason might think, the 49ers looked to have executed a perfectly drawn-up play, well, perfectly.

First, Purdy took the snap, throwing the ball behind the line of scrimmage to wideout Jauan Jennings, who tossed a lob across the field to running back Christian McCaffrey. The Niners’ standout back made no mistake from there, rumbling into the end zone for six.

Up until that point, the game had been a defensive struggle featuring more turnovers (two) than scoring plays (one). The 49ers walked into the halftime break nursing a seven-point advantage thanks to the touchdown, so to say the play was a momentum shifter would be an understatement.

If the officials let one slip by, it could end up being the difference in what’s already been a neck-and-neck game. However, the play seemed on the up-and-up, especially after countless looks.

Though, you can bet if the game ends with the two teams separated by a touchdown, analysts and Chiefs fans alike will be revisiting the play.

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