SF 49ers: Counting down the top 10 plays of 2020 season
By Robert Smith
SF 49ers Top Play No. 1: Brandon Aiyuk goes airborne
This is not much of a surprise. In fact, it could very well be in the NFL’s top plays of the year.
It has become affectionately called the “Aiyuk kidding me?” play.
Brandon Aiyuk created some buzz in training camp with a strong work ethic and play making ability. However, until a rookie player hits the regular season and starts to consistently produce, it’s all just conjecture, potential, and hope. Nothing more.
Going into the Week 3 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, Aiyuk already had seven receptions for 91 yards along with a rushing touchdown after the first two games.
With the Eagles up 8-0 on the Niners with 29 seconds left in the first quarter, Aiyuk made his impression felt in front of a national audience watching Sunday Night Football:
On a 3rd-and-7, he took a Nick Mullens pass behind the line of scrimmage at the Eagles 44-yard line, raced down the right sideline before hurdling Eagles cornerback Marcus Epps at the 5-yard line and sticking the landing in the end zone for a spectacular, highlight-reel touchdown.
More from SF 49ers All-Time Lists
- Building the greatest 49ers all-time offense in franchise history
- 49ers all-time best NFL Draft picks by each round
- Famous 49ers players who jumped ship and joined Raiders
- 10 tailgate foods (and recipes) 49ers fans should try and will love
- The 10 worst tailgate foods 49ers fans should hate (but don’t)
And although the Eagles ultimately won the game 25-20, Aiyuk was just getting started with this play.
Aiyuk battled injuries, COVID-19 protocols, and played a large portion of the season without fellow offensive weapons like Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, and Raheem Mostert and with a carousel of quarterbacks throughout the year.
Yet in just 12 games, Aiyuk still hauled in 60 receptions, 748 receiving yards, five receiving touchdowns to go along with six carries for 77 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Had he stayed on the field for 16 games, he would most assuredly have broken SF 49ers legend Jerry Rice’s rookie receiving record of 927 yards.
The 2020 season had more than its fair share of heartache for Niner fans, but there were still some shining moments along the way.
Next. 4 reasons why 49ers bounce back into playoffs in 2021. dark
Hopefully, 2021 brings more incredible plays, memorable moments, and a few more wins as well.