No Call, Big Problem: Referee Explanation on George Kittle T D Sparks…
On National Tight End Day, of course, George Kittle had to score.
As the 49ers faced 3rd-and-goal from the Cowboys’ two-yard line midway through the third quarter, quarterback Brock Purdy found Kittle in the flat for an easy touchdown to extend the lead to 10. While the referees initially called wide receiver Chris Conley for offensive pass interference, they ultimately picked up the flag, allowing the touchdown call to stand.
George Kittle touchdown vs. Cowboys, explained
Initially, it appeared as though wide receiver Chris Conley illegally picked Cowboys defensive back Donovan Wilson, which would’ve negated the touchdown and backed the 49ers up 10 yards. However, head official Bill Vinovich announced that there was no penalty on the play, giving Kittle the touchdown.
On the NBC broadcast, former official Terry McAulay explained why the play was not offensive pass interference.
“It looks like the defender, one, steps in front of the receiver trying to run a route, and second, the other defender engages him,” McAulay said. “This is not offensive pass interference, this was correctly picked up.”
However, Cris Collinsworth did not agree with the call.
“If that’s going to be legal from here on out, we’re gonna have a lot of people taking acting classes,” he said.
The pick play is already one of the more controversial plays in the NFL, and this interpretation of the rule only adds a layer of confusion.
