49ers player thinks NFL conspired against team after Purdy got hurt
On more than one occasion in Sunday’s NFC championship game, the 49ers beat themselves — whether it was multiple drive-extending penalties on the same drive, or a roughing the kicker on a punt, or dumb, late-hit penalties that fired up the crowd.
But at least one 49ers player believes it wasn’t a case of dumb mistakes from the visiting Niners, but rather a conspiracy at the highest levels to make sure the Eagles — and not the 49ers — advanced to the Super Bowl. Here’s more from Michael Silver’s story in he San Francisco Chronicle, which picks up right after Christian McCaffrey scored the Niners’ only points, tying the game at 7-7 in the second quarter. (Bold emphasis is my own.)
The Eagles responded with a 14-play, 75-yard touchdown drive facilitated by three defensive penalties that negated potential stops. Suffice it to say, the Niners weren’t thrilled with the officiating.
“It felt like once Purdy got hurt, someone at the league called down and said, ‘Make sure the Eagles get to the Super Bowl, and not them,’” one Niners player told me. I’m withholding his name because he would prefer to keep his money, rather than paying a fine to the NFL.
That may be a bit over the top, but let’s just say he wasn’t the only frustrated person in that locker room.
Johnson, thrown into a tough situation, fumbled a shotgun snap on the second play of the next possession, and Reddick recovered at the Niners’ 30 with 1:11 remaining in the half. When running back Boston Scott scored Philly’s third rushing touchdown with 21 seconds remaining, the 49ers were in a hellacious hole.
Michael Silver, The San Francisco Chronicle
Whatever helps you sleep at night, anonymous 49ers player.
— Matt Mullin
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