Playoffs: Non-penalized foul by Seahawks' Johnathan Abram energized the 49ers [View all]
The 49ers second-half avalanche in their 41-23 wild-card win over Seattle began moments after Abram tackled (49ers receiver Deebo) Samuel at the end of his 21-yard catch early in the third quarter and then, with Samuel on his back, twisted his left foot.
Samuel, an All-Pro who is among the teams most vital players, was playing in his second game after missing three weeks with knee and ankle injuries, which partly explained the 49ers white-hot anger as he initially remained on the ground.
For the games final 25 minutes the 49ers adopted a new mantra Ill kick your butt and turned a one-point deficit into a second-half demolition. Trailing 17-16 when Abram wasnt flagged for his tug, they outscored the Seahawks 25-0 in the following 19 minutes and 51 seconds.
I think it pissed a lot of people off, (headcoach Kyle) Shanahan said. I think it pissed our team off. And I think you could feel our team react to that after. I wish we were like that from the first play.
PAYWALL: https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/49ers/article/49ers-use-big-play-magic-stifling-defense-to-17718667.php
QUOTES (from the link):
It dang sure lit a fire. -- Left Tackle Trent Williams
Definitely influenced us to play a little bit angrier and a little bit more mean. -- Tight End George Kittle
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Intentional personal foul. Abram should have been disqualified.