Russell Wilsons controversial slide has 49ers confused about what they couldve done
has 26 touchdown pa ses through his first seven games -- the second most in league history --- but the quarterback became the talking point for a play where he didn't throw the ball in Sunday's win over the . In the fourth quarter of Seattle's win, Wilson ran with the ball and faked a slide attempt to gain a few extra yards. He was hit in the helmet by 49ers defensive back once he actually did slide.Ward was penalized 15 yards for unnece sary roughne s on the 4-yard scramble by Wilson, Jon Lester Jersey as the Seahawks were facing a second-and-6 with just under four minutes remaining. Seattle, up by 10, was awarded an automatic first down and scored a touchdown four plays later to seal the 37-27 victory.The 49ers were confused by the call due to the deception by Wilson. Kyle Shanahan wasn't sure how Ward was supposed to defend on the play."I mean, you can just give him the first down, which happens a ton because guys are scared as can be to get those penalties," Shanahan said. "They're not trying to be cheap and they're not trying to get fined. It's Cole Hamels Jersey a big point in the game if they get a first down, it's pretty much over and they're right there at the sticks."He is very good at what he did, waiting until the last second. It's just a huge challenge that not just our team has, the whole NFL has that. It's a tough play and I understand why we do it, you have to protect the quarterback and Brad Brach Jersey protect everyone, but it's very tough for our guys. I thought they tried to hold on as well as they can."Here's a look at the play.If Ru sell Wilson wants the protection of a sliding QB thats given himself up, he should be required to make it plainly obvious thats what hes doing. The added fake and last-second slide e sentially baits Jimmie Ward into Dillon Maples Jersey initiating a tackle. Rob Lowder (@Rob_Lowder) If the flag wasn't thrown, Seattle would have faced a third-and-2 at the San Francisco 24-yard line. The 49ers could have kept it a two score game, but the opportunity to steal a victory was still a long shot regardle s of the penalty. Niners defensive tackle, who's currently on injured reserve, was confused by the ruling.What do you do in that situation????? Cmon..... Solomon Thomas (@SollyThomas90) Niners defensive end couldn't figure out what the 49ers should've done, either."Obviously they are going to protect quarterbacks," Armstead said. "Going into the game we know that. It's a tough situation and they are bang-bang plays that you just have to try to avoid. Jimmie plays fast and he was just playing hard and got the penalty there. Going into the game, you just have to be cautious they are going to call those type of things."Ward was unavailable for comment after the game. It's certainly Justin Steele Jersey not clear what defenders can do better in such situations -- if anything.