San Francisco 49ers: Top 10 plays from the 2018 NFL season
By Chris Wilson
49ers top play No. 5
If there was any question whether Kittle was one of the most dangerous offensive players in the game, the tight end put that question to rest against the Denver Broncos in Week 14. Kittle’s record-breaking first half was filled with highlight-worthy plays, but none more than his 85-yard catch-and-run touchdown score.
The 49ers were up by a score when they received the ball early in the second quarter of the game. Despite the Niners’ 12 personnel package, Kittle lined up as a fullback inside and behind tight end Garrett Celek and Goodwin, who motioned toward his quarterback prior to the snap.
Denver’s defenders were caught flat-footed and staring into San Francisco’s backfield, as they focused on the fake jet sweep to Goodwin, the play-action to rookie running back Jeff Wilson, and then the clear-out post route by Pettis. Meanwhile, Kittle snuck out of the backfield, across the formation and into the Broncos’ secondary on the opposite side of the field.
Mullens hit his wide-open tight end in stride, and the foot race between Kittle and the Broncos’ secondary began. And although he had three defenders to beat, Denver quickly learned that Kittle is no slouch in the open field.
With his surprisingly shifty moves, his breakaway speed and a willing blocker in Pettis leading the way, the stud tight end took the 15-yard reception another 60 yards for an untouched 85-yard catch-and-run touchdown score. Kittle would amass 210 receiving yards in the first half alone, as the 49ers essentially ended the Broncos’ 2018 playoff hopes with a 20-14 victory:
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