In the closing moments of the first half between the San Francisco 49ers and the New York Giants, tensions flared as the Niners held a 17-6 lead. Quarterback Brock Purdy decided to take a knee to run out the clock and head into the locker room. However, the Giants’ defensive line had other plans. A’Shawn Robinson surprised left guard Trent Williams with an unexpected rush, leading Williams to respond with a shove. This exchange escalated as Robinson got in Williams’ face, prompting a confrontation that required intervention to prevent further escalation. In a bid to have the last word, Trent Williams seemed to throw a right hook towards Robinson’s facemask.
Normally, such actions would result in an ejection. But the referees chose not to take that course of action, deeming jab not severe enough to warrant an ejection.
This incident was notably different from the Saturday night clash between Florida and Tennessee. Where multiple punches were thrown during a kneel-down play, resembling a boxing match between a Gator and a Volunteer player.
On a different note, on Monday, it was observe that Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson also avoided ejection despite appearing to push a referee.
The first half of the game heavily favored the 49ers, with a 17-6 lead largely attributed to two crucial third-down conversions, both with long yardage situations (15 and 13 yards to go). Additionally, a somewhat questionable roughing the passer call on 3rd and 12 in the second quarter gave the Niners an automatic first-and-goal. Which Christian McCaffrey capitalized on with a touchdown. This touchdown extended McCaffrey’s scoring streak to 12 consecutive games.
In contrast, the Giants had a comeback victory the previous week. Overcoming a 28-7 deficit to secure their first win of the season. Meanwhile, the 49ers were striving to maintain their perfect 3-0 record for the year.
