The receiver extends his arm and creates separation while the ball is in the air, therefore it is offensive pass interference. – AL#SBLIV pic.twitter.com/hxAvggDqhS
— NFL Officiating (@NFLOfficiating) February 3, 2020
This is a tough one.
With the game tied at 10 and time winding down at the end of the first half, Jimmy Garoppolo threw one of the most impressive balls of his career. The 42-yard dime to George Kittle put the 49ers at the Kansas City 13-yard line with 14 seconds left. Until it didn’t.
The play was called back for offensive pass interference on Kittle, who looked to make contact with linebacker Daniel Sorensen, but of the minimal variety. The negated play led to a kneel down by Garoppolo, and an end to the first half.
Bizarrely, the play was not reviewed despite being under two minutes. Kyle Shanahan was reportedly “unhappy” about the call according to Erin Andrews.
If the 49ers lose by a score, expect this play to be a talking point for a long time.