Kyle Shanahan has a reputation for creative play calling and design in the National Football League.
He showed this early in Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals.
In the San Francisco 49ers opening drive against the Cardinals, the offense faced 3rd and 12 deep in their own territory. For most offenses, there aren’t many plays on the scoresheet for this situation. But that didn’t stop Shanahan from getting one.
The old hook-and-edge.
Shanahan called the trick play, and the 49ers executed it to perfection. Quarterback Brock Purdy targeted wide receiver Mike Evans, and immediately after the play, Evans returned the ball to Debo Samuels.
80 yards later, Samuel was in the end zone:
The low-level aspect of this call and design? Check out #89, San Francisco tight end Luke Farrell, getting in front of the play and blocking Evans’ pass, but making the block behind Samuels:
Great design, great performance and a beautiful 80-yard touchdown for the 49ers.
