In terms of producing meaningful plays, today was Jarryd Hayne‘s most effective game to date in the NFL proper.
After sitting out the entire first half of San Francisco‘s road clash with the New York Giants, Hayne was brought into the game when the Niners were in desperate need of a spark.
On paper, Hayne’s 2 carries for a total of 9 yards might not seem like much. But the reality is that those 9 yards put the 49ers to within striking distance, and ultimately lead to their first – and much-needed – touchdown of the game.
In fact, it could have been a watershed moment in Hayne’s burgeoning career, with an 8 yard redzone carry almost taking him to the house for his first ever NFL touchdown. A pack of blue Giants defenders saw that effort fall an agonising 2 yards short.
So. Hard. To. Tackle. #HaynePlayne. pic.twitter.com/sQZ8gVEXOk
— NFL (@NFL) October 12, 2015
Hayne also managed to show off the skills that brought him to the attention of NFL fans globally during the pre-season, with an impressive 16-yard punt return.
But even despite quarterback Colin Kaepernick finally finding some of the touch that has eluded him over the past handful of weeks, the Niners again could not contain their opposition.
The Giants fourth quarter comeback was completed via a masterful display of the 2 minute drill, culminating in an incredible game-winning Touchdown pass from Eli Manning (who had a banner night completing 44/51 for 441 yards with 3 TDs) to receiver Larry Donnell, who made the catch in traffic that more closely resembled midtown Manhattan gridlock.
26 seconds left.
Down by 4.
Eli throws it to Larry Donnell who makes an INCREDIBLE catch for the TD!
WOW. #SFvsNYG http://t.co/JYGlNF1Y2z
— NFL (@NFL) October 12, 2015
The Niners, now lagging last in the NFC West at 1-4, face a potentially season-defining clash at home against the Baltimore Ravens next week.
Photo: Norm Hall via Getty Images.
