The Patriots didn’t have many bright spots in their 33-6 loss to the 49ers on Sunday, and one of the few bright spots was overshadowed by an undisciplined play.
Down 7-0 late in the first quarter, Patriots safety Devin McCourty intercepted a pass from 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and returned the ball to the 49ers’ 37-yard line. During McCourty’s return, however, edge rusher Chase Winovich made an illegal blindside block on Garoppolo, forcing a 15-yard penalty and causing the Patriots to start their next drive at their own 48-yard line.
Winovich accused the 49ers quarterback of flopping to get the penalty called on the play.