The 49ers dial up a hook-and-ladder play to open scoring against the Cardinals

In Santa Clara, California, the San Francisco 49ers opened up the scoring against the Arizona Cardinals with a unique play on their third offensive possession. Coach Kyle Shanahan opted to run a rarely used hook-and-ladder formation, transforming a challenging third-and-12 situation into a 82-yard touchdown drive. Quarterback Brock Purdy executed a quick 6-yard pass intended for Mike Evans, who swiftly handed off to Deebo Samuel.

Samuel then broke free from a near-fatal tackle near midfield and sprinted down the sideline, breaking off a 76-yard touchdown run, despite not having a traditional catch. The play marked the first instance in nearly two decades where a receiver earned credit for 76 yards on a touchdown without actually catching the ball. Brock Purdy was acknowledged for the entire play, including the 82-yard pass and the subsequent touchdown.

This 76-yard receiving touchdown without a catch surpassed the previous record of 52 yards set by Miami's Kenyan Drake in a game against New England back in December 2018.