The first half of Super Bowl 58 is over, with the San Francisco 49ers leading the Kansas City Chiefs, 10-3. The main story of the game so far has been the defensive efforts from both teams.
However, the one touchdown was an impressive trick play from the 49ers. How is the NFL world reacting to the critical play?
49ers Trick Play Warrants Major NFL World Reaction
The game started very slow, with a scoreless first quarter. However, the 49ers’ offense figured it out in the second half, scoring 10 unanswered points. San Francisco scored the first and only touchdown of the first half on a trick play involving Jauan Jennings and Christian McCaffrey.
Quarterback Brock Purdy passed backward to Jennings, who then launched back across the field to McCaffrey. Thanks to an entourage of blockers, McCaffrey took the screen 21 yards to the house, giving the 49ers their 10-0 lead. “I can’t believe that worked lol,” said one NFL fan on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Shanahan and the Niners’ offense in their BAG 😮💨#FTTB
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) February 12, 2024
The Chiefs did, however, respond with a 13-play drive that culminated in a 28-yard field goal from Chiefs’ kicker Harrison Butker. The score was much needed, as the Chiefs received the ball to open the second half with a chance to tie the game.
“Most boring game ever,” said another fan on X. “Here’s to hoping the Chiefs do a complete 360,” added another.
Jennings’ deployment on a trick play should come as no surprise to college football fans. Coming out of high school, he was ranked as the fifth-best dual-threat quarterback in the class of 2015. He was ranked over former first-round picks Sam Darnold and Joe Burrow.
After high school, however, he committed to and played for the Tennessee Volunteers, where he switched to wide receiver. “Tennessee legend,” said one fan. His most memorable moment with Tennessee was when he was hauled in a Hail Mary pass from Josh Dobbs to defeat Georgia in 2016.
Never forget. pic.twitter.com/V1A3bVRSyU
— Jakob Sanderson (@JakobSanderson) February 12, 2024
The 21-yard touchdown pass made Jennings the second wide receiver ever to throw a touchdown pass in the Super Bowl. He joined Antwaan Randle El, who threw one in Super Bowl XL.
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