Things looked pretty dismal for the San Francisco 49ers with 6:29 left in the third quarter of their NFC Championship game against the Detroit Lions. The home team was down 24-10, and they weren’t doing much.
The Lions had just lost safety Kerby Joseph to an injury, and it was apparently the time for quarterback Brock Purdy to throw deep to Brandon Aiyuk, who’s probably been the 49ers’ best downfield receiver all season long.
It worked out for a 51-yard gain, but not in the way you’d expect. Cornerback Kindle Vildor did a nice job of defending the pass, but Aiyuk caught it off the rebound, and nearly scored a touchdown.
AIYUK UNBELIEVABLE!
📺: #DETvsSF on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/gm8L5xwa9D— NFL (@NFL) January 29, 2024
Three plays later, Aiyuk scored the touchdown on a six-yard pass that closed San Francisco’s deficit to 24-17.
Feel like we need a name for when a guy scores the touchdown after making an incredible play during the drive. Whatever we land on, Aiyuk did that. pic.twitter.com/E39RfWwp2n
— NFL Fashion Advice (@fashion_nfl) January 29, 2024
For the first time, it’s anybody’s ballgame.