Here’s a fun little nugget from Sunday’s San Francisco 49ers win over the Green Bay Packers in the NFC title game that clinched a berth to Super Bowl 54: Niners coach Kyle Shanahan shining a light on a penalty that an official would call on the next play.
Mics on the sideline picked up Shanahan talking to a side judge before a play about tight end George Kittle, saying he was going to be held by a Packers defender, telling him, “Watch!” And that’s exactly what happened!
You could say this is devious. After all, Shanahan knows the route Kittle is about to run. But you could also wonder how many times head coaches do this sort of thing in the NFL … and also, let’s face it, Kittle was certainly being held on that play, it’s pretty blatant.
Still, kind of a wild moment to witness:
Kyle Shanahan told the referee before the snap that the Packers defense would hold George Kittle.
The ball’s snapped and the Packers defense holds George Kittle. #49ers
(🎥: @JGPinoy916)pic.twitter.com/C9pDLDITQj— Rob Lowder (@Rob_Lowder) January 22, 2020
Fans were impressed:
Oh, this is just wonderful. Kyle Shanahan basically called his shot that there would DPI on this play. And the ref agreed with him. https://t.co/7IYp4jVfMU
— Kyle Cousineau (@KCousineau09) January 22, 2020
Kyle Shanahan is playing 8D chess while defenses play checkers. Absolutely the best version of Disrespectful Kyle. #49ers https://t.co/lWF6bpuQ1f
— Matt Barr (@MattBarr_) January 22, 2020
This is a great addition to Shanahan lore, but coaches shouldn’t be allowed to be in an officials ear right before a play. That’s low key mind control https://t.co/J8GTJeitZz
— Sigmund Bloom (@SigmundBloom) January 22, 2020
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