Kittle admits he doubted 49ers’ play during spectacular TD catch originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
SANTA CLARA – The best play call in football is the one that works, a reminder George Kittle received in epic fashion during the Resounding victory for the 49ers 30-13 against the New England Patriots on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium.
Kittle’s spectacular touchdown drive stole the show Sunday, but the All-Pro tight end left the group a little tired of coach Kyle Shanahan’s aggressive play so close to the end zone.
“Oh dear, it was fantastic,” Kittle said of his touchdown reception. “I just wasn’t really confident in the play call, because it was something we initially called good further away. When he called her from 10 [yard-line]I had to check with Brock that it was the right game, and I was like, ‘All right, man.’ Throw it away. And he just threw it away. So that was pretty fun.“
“When he called it from the 10, I had to check with Brock to make sure it was the right play.”
Kittle wasn’t too confident before his touchdown, but he likes the decision now 🤣 pic.twitter.com/fUFv9HdSm7
– 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) September 30, 2024
Kittle described how the out-and-back route he originally ran was called much further from the goal line, which in theory would allow more space to separate at the top of his stem . Instead, Shanahan opted to call it quits in the shadows of New England’s goal post, with Kittle happily supporting the results of the process in that scenario.
“It was like an out-and-up that we initially called from the 40-yard line,” Kittle said. “So I thought we’d do it. Butwhat a superb piece of theatre. When it works, man.”
Future Hall of Famer Trent Williams praised Kittle’s acrobatic touchdown, with the 14-year NFL veteran calling it one of the most impressive catches he’s seen in his football career.
“I did it, I had a great view. And I was really amazed,” Williams said. “Honestly, I was speechless. I was just like, ‘I know this ball is going to go out,’ and when he got up to celebrate, I was like, ‘Wow.’ That’s one of the best shots I’ve seen in person.”
Kittle appreciated the compliment from his decorated teammate.
“That means something coming from Trent Williams,” Kittle said. “He played a lot of football, so yeah, that means a lot.”
A week after an unfathomable loss to the Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco bounced back in a big way on Sundaytaking care of business at home against a team they should beat – something championship-caliber teams do.
While that Week 4 tilt may get lost in the shuffle of a marathon season, Kittle’s remarkable snag in the back corner of the end zone won’t soon be forgotten.
