SANTA CLARA — Center Jake Brendel had a moment of dread on Sunday, knowing he made what could have been a costly mistake.But his 49ers teammate, rookie running back Kaelon Black, bailed him out. And three days later, he was still grateful.
“I got very lucky on that one,” Brendel told NBC Sports Bay Area on Wednesday.
The 49ers faced a critical fourth-and-1 play in the third quarter of the 49ers’ Week 4 game against the Denver Broncos. The game was tied at 3-3, and the 49ers had the ball at the Denver 19-yard line.
The 49ers already has failed on a fourth-down play in the first half.
Coach Kyle Shanahan decided to go for it on fourth down after Black was stuffed for no gain on third and 1.
The play call was another run play for Black.
Purdy lined up behind center. Then, he shifted to the shotgun formation. But something got lost in translation.
Brendel, known among his teammates as someone who rarely has a missed assignment, did not hear Purdy signal he was making the shift to 5 yards behind center.
Brendel thought Purdy was directly behind him. Brendel snapped...
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