Shanahan explains why Purdy hesitated on potential Aiyuk TD vs. Rams

The Los Angeles Rams' defense gave the 49ers a major opportunity to put Sunday's game away with a breakdown in the defensive backfield. But the Rams' mixup was so extreme that it even caught the 49ers by surprise. To the untrained eye, it looked as if 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy made a major mistake in not seeing Brandon Aiyuk wide open for a potential touchdown late in San Francisco's 27-24 loss to Los Angeles. .@49ers I thought this could have easily been the "nail in the coffin" as @THE2ERA was wide open. Cant figure out why Brock didnt throw it. #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/qMBZp6ez3v— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) September 23, 2024 But, according to coach Kyle Shanahan, it actually was a huge error by the Rams' defensive backfield that caused enough confusion for Purdy to hold onto the football a split-second too long. Leading 24-17 with approximately four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, the 49ers had a first-and-20 situation at their own 48. On the play, Aiyuk was open as he ran down the field. Purdy saw Aiyuk but did not let it fly. So what happened? Aiyuk changed his route because he recognized the Rams' mistake. Purdy saw Aiyuk, but he had to...