Kyle Shanahan, others discuss Jimmie Ward’s penalty after being baited by Russell Wilson during 49ers-Seahawks

San Francisco 49ers safety Jimmie Ward could be fined for his hit on quarterback Russell Wilson in the fourth quarter of Sunday's 37-27 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. The tackle drew some criticism on social media, but not because fans felt the 49ers defender did anything wrong. Fans were trying to figure out what the safety possibly could have done differently.

Wilson faked a slide in an effort to trick Ward before moving to gain more yards. The safety tried to tackle the quarterback in a way that would not draw a penalty, but Wilson's extra effort caused the two players' helmets to collide.

Ward was called for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for hitting Wilson in the head. The frustrated safety was seen after the play speaking with officials, probably asking what he could have done differently. Fans were probably as frustrated as Ward.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan was asked after the game if there is any other way Ward could have attempted to stop Wilson on the play. The penalty ended up being costly in the 49ers' comeback attempt.

"No. I mean, you could just give him the first down, which happens a ton because guys are scared as can be to get those penalties," Shanahan responded. "They're not trying to be cheap. They're also not trying to get fined. It's just a big point in the game. If they get a first down, it's pretty much over, and they're right there at the sticks. And [Wilson] is very good at what he did, waiting until the last second.

"And it's just a huge challenge; not just our team has. The whole NFL has that. It's a tough play. I understand why we do it. We've got to protect the quarterback and protect everyone. But it's very tough for our guys. I thought they tried to do it and hold on as well as they can."

Defensive lineman Arik Armstead was probably equally frustrated by the penalty but provided as diplomatic a response as he could when asked about the play.

"Offensively, obviously, they're going to protect the quarterbacks in the league," Armstead told reporters. "Going into the game, we know that. It's tough situations that are bang-bang plays that you just have to try to avoid. Jimmie plays fast, and was just playing hard, and got the penalty there.

"Going into the game, you definitely have to be conscious that they're going to call those type of things."

Injured defensive lineman Solomon Thomas, watching the game on television, was equally baffled by the penalty.