The New York Giants didn’t lose their “Thursday Night Football” matchup with the San Francisco 49ers because of the referees — but they didn’t exactly make things easier in Big Blue’s 30-12 loss.
With 1:42 left in the second quarter, the 49ers were driving the ball and looking to expand their 10-3 lead when Giants defensive end Leonard Williams was flagged for roughing the passer.
Yes, Williams hit 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy after he released the football.
But unless Williams can change the laws of physics, an object in motion will stay in motion, making his hit on Purdy unavoidable, and from all looks of it, perfectly legal.
The call left many football fans scratching their heads.
Among some of the best reactions on social media, one person said it was a “brutal call” while another tweeted “that’s pathetic,” noting that Williams hit Purdy as he was throwing, didn’t make contact with Purdy’s head and didn’t pile drive the quarterback.
However Williams drew the penalty, setting up the 49ers with first-and-goal, which San Francisco quickly cashed in on a Christian McCaffrey four-yard touchdown run, pushing the lead to 17-3.
It’s hard to say that one call changed the game, because without the penalty, the 49ers were facing fourth and short.
It’s quite possible San Francisco would’ve gone for it, secured another first down and still scored a touchdown before the half.
But the call certainly didn’t help the cause.
This wasn’t the only curious decision by the referees before the half, with 49ers offensive tackle Trent Williams getting a pass for punching Giants defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson.
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