23 January 2023 , 03:44
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There have been some amazing catches this NFL season, bu t San Francisco 49ers star George Kittle has made a late case for play of the year.
The tight end is always a reliable outlet for the 49ers, and has made rookie quarterback Brock Purdy's life a lot easier too since he came into the side. But even Kittle stunned fans with what looked like an impossible catch, that was caught after bouncing off his helmet.
Kittle was a full stretch, and juggled the ball while running at full speed. The 49ers star managed to keep his eye on the ball and even dodge an incoming tackle before catching it off his helmet.
The 49ers have progressed to the NFC Championship game after they beat the Dallas Cowboys 19-12 at Levi's Stadium, meaning they'll face the Philadelphia Eagles next Sunday. It was always going to be a tight game with two of the league's best defences locking horns, and Christian McAffrey's touchdown in the fourth quarter was enough to claim the 49ers a huge victory.
It was a game of fine margins, with only two touchdowns being allowed all game. And due to that there weren't too many offensive plays to shout about, other than a brilliant CeeDee Lamb grab, which was then upstaged by Kittle.
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Kittle finished the game with 95 receiving yards off just five receptions, but his star highlight came from an extraordinary grab. Just when the ball appeared out of reach, Kittle managed to grab it after it came off his helmet, and he even had the awareness to avoid a hit while the ball was still in mid air.
Even the commentators couldn't contain their excitement, as they began to freak out following the play. "What a catch by Kittle! Are you kidding?"
Kittle and the 49ers roll on the the NFC Championship, and Purdy will content for the conference crown in his rookie season. It's been a stunning season for the very last pick in the 2022 NFL draft, and he's yet to lose a game while starting.
Injuries to Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo saw Purdy handed an unlikely chance, and the 23-year-old has been so impressive that the franchise are even left facing a tough decision. They gave up a lot of picks to secure Lance, but in this form, dropping Purdy would surely not be an option once he returns.