We noted earlier that the second-quarter out-of-bounds tackle from Packers outside linebacker Clay Matthews on 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick resulted in offsetting penalties and a replay of third down. And on that replay of third down, the 49ers capitalized with a Kaepernick-to-Anquan Boldin 10-yard TD pass.
However, did the officials err in resetting the down to third down as opposed to giving the 49ers fourth down at the Green Bay six-yard-line?
Former NFL officiating executive and current Fox analyst Mike Pereira says that’s the case.
“QB #7 was short of the first down. Dead ball fouls offset. Should have been 4th and 2. Might have cost GB 4 points,” Pereira wrote on Twitter.
To review, the Niners faced a 3rd-and-6 from the Green Bay 10. Kaepernick gained just four yards on his scramble. If the down counted, the 49ers would have faced 4th-and-2 from the Green Bay 6, and the result well could have been a Niners field goal attempt.
Instead, the 49ers got another shot at third down — and they capitalized.