The San Francisco 49ers suffered another tough defeat after visiting the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. The defending NFC champions tried to claw their way back after being down 30-7 to open the final quarter but a controversial defensive call against safety Jimmy Ward late in the game threw away the 49ers chances to make an epic comeback.
Ward was called for unnecessary roughness against Russell Wilson after a helmet-to-helmet hit. The call evoked a number of takes on the matter, including from San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan.
“No. I mean, you could just give him the first down, which happens a ton because guys are scared as can be to get those penalties,” Shanahan responded (via 49erswebzone.com). “They're not trying to be cheap. They're also not trying to get fined. It's just a big point in the game. If they get a first down, it's pretty much over, and they're right there at the sticks. And [Wilson] is very good at what he did, waiting until the last second.
Though Shanahan understands the nature of the call and why it was deemed as unsportsmanlike conduct, the 49ers old coach believes that his player didn't have much of a choice coming into the collision.
“And it's just a huge challenge; not just our team has. The whole NFL has that. It's a tough play. I understand why we do it. We've got to protect the quarterback and protect everyone. But it's very tough for our guys. I thought they tried to do it and hold on as well as they can.” he added.
The penalty on Ward moved the Seahawks to the 12-yard line and gave them the first down. Wilson took full advantage of the play and turned the possession into a touchdown after Deejay Dallas rushed for a one-yard touchdown putting the game completely out of reach for the visiting squad.
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