Overview
- The 49ers opened the game with a hook‑and‑lateral on Sunday when Brock Purdy threw to Mike Evans and Evans immediately lateraled to Deebo Samuel, who ran 80 yards for a touchdown.
- Official stats credited Purdy with an 82‑yard pass, Evans with a 2‑yard catch, and Samuel with an 80‑yard receiving touchdown despite not being credited with a catch.
- Tight end Luke Farrell delivered a key block in front of the play and continued to execute his block after the lateral, helping clear the sideline for Samuel's run.
- The NFL posted video of the play and national outlets widely shared it, making the call the defining early highlight and giving San Francisco an immediate 7‑0 lead.
- Hook‑and‑lateral plays are rare and high risk, and this successful call reinforces Shanahan’s reputation for creative game plans while showing how official stat rules can produce unusual yardage credits.