SANTA CLARA, Calif. — It’s safe to say third-and-8 isn’t a normal running situation, but when you’re the San Francisco 49ers with one of the best rushing attacks in the NFL, there might be no such thing.
Facing third-and-8 at the Green Bay Packers’ 36 with 5:55 left in the first quarter, coach Kyle Shanahan dialed up a run for running back Raheem Mostert. Considering that part of the field, it was likely four-down territory for the Niners, allowing Shanahan to call a run in a spot normally reserved for a throw.
GOT HEEEEEM! @RMos_8Ball with the 36-yard TD ?#GBvsSF pic.twitter.com/YBrTMGNEk6
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) January 19, 2020
Mostert and the offensive line rewarded Shanahan’s faith as he darted off the left side and through Green Bay’s secondary for a 36-yard touchdown and a 7-0 San Francisco lead.
According to ESPN Stats & Information research, Mostert’s run was the third rushing touchdown this season on third-and-8 or longer with the first two belonging to the Miami Dolphins.
The most recent rushing touchdown on third-and-8 or longer in the playoffs came from 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick in the 2012 NFC divisional round against, coincidentally, the Packers.
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