San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brian Hoyer passed for 332 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception on Thursday night against the Los Angeles Rams. The 49ers put 39 points on the scoreboard in front of a scarce Levi's Stadium crowd, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Rams, who scored 41 points.
Despite the interception thrown to start the game, Hoyer's 87.7 grade by Pro Football Focus was his best of the season and the third-best among 49ers players on Thursday night. Only defensive lineman DeForest Buckner and wide receiver Pierre Garçon graded higher.
Rookie wide receiver Trent Taylor had three catches for 32 yards. However, it was an offensive pass interference call against Taylor that was crucial to the 49ers' defeat in the final two minutes of the game. The reception would have given the 49ers a first down at the Rams' 39-yard line during what could have been a game-winning drive. Two plays later, on fourth-and-20, Hoyer was sacked by Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald and the 49ers' chances at a comeback win were over.
Below is the play from Hoyer to Taylor, courtesy of Rob Lowder of Niners Wire. You be the judge.
From this angle, which isn't a good one, that looks like a horrible offensive pass interference call. #LARvsSF pic.twitter.com/d8qRLCEkY4
— Rob Lowder (@Rob_Lowder) September 22, 2017
Our own Al Sacco, who was covering the game for 49ers Webzone, had the following to write about the penalty call.
Officials making a borderline call to effect the outcome of a game like this is a travesty. What a joke #49ers #49wz
— Al Sacco (@AlSacco49) September 22, 2017
Following the game, Hoyer was asked about the penalty on Taylor.
"I don't want to get fined," Hoyer said.
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Hoyer was then asked what he thought he saw during the play.
"I don't see it because I'm throwing to the spot but in that time of the game, I mean, I think you would let people play," Hoyer said. "But I haven't seen it. I have to go and watch the film. You know what? You don't want to leave it up to the ref's hands anyways. You hope you make a few plays earlier in the game to change the outcome. If it comes down to that, then that's what it is. That's what the guy's job is to do."
The 49ers have now lost each of their three games to open the season and will have 10 days until they play another game, which will be an October 1 road matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.
"Unfortunately, it's been three games and we still haven't got a win," Hoyer said. "But I think we have the right people in that locker room and the right coaches and once we put it together, it will be good and we have to play a complete game. When the defense plays well, we have to score points. When we play well, we've all got to play together and figure out a way to win. Whatever it takes."