Hayne’s run can’t stop loss
A BARNSTORMING punt return by Jarryd Hayne has failed to ignite a dreadful San Francisco 49ers against the Arizona Cardinals.
San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick had a disastrous game in Arizona yesterday, throwing four interceptions that punished the 49ers and led to the 47-7 loss.
“A bad day,” 49ers coach Jim Tomsula said.
The only bright spot for Kaepernick was set up by Hayne.
With the 49ers down 28-0 late in the second quarter, Cardinals punter Drew Butler booted the ball downfield to where the former NRL star was waiting.
The punt was shorter than expected so Hayne was in full flight when he ran forward to catch it and with an open field in front of him he veered to his right.
San Francisco blockers in the special teams unit did their job, carving a path for Hayne who sped past two defenders before being shepherded to the sideline.
The 37-yard return had teammates on the sideline, with nothing up until that point to cheer for, on their feet and congratulating Hayne. Two plays later, with the 49ers near the end zone thanks to Hayne’s run, Kaepernick sprinted for their first and only touchdown.
Just before the game the 49ers announced running back Reggie Bush and punt-returner Bruce Ellington were out with injuries, heightening expectations Hayne would have more time on the field.
However, with Kaepernick repeatedly throwing the ball away – two in the first six minutes which led to Cardinals touchdowns – there were few opportunities at running back.
San Francisco chief running back Carlos Hyde had 15 carries for 51 yards, while Mike Davis was the second choice ahead of Hayne.
Davis, who was ineffective against the Pittsburgh Steelers in last week’s lopsided loss, again was easily chopped down and had just six yards from seven carries.
Hayne came on the field as a running back in the second quarter, but didn’t carry the ball. The 49ers return to their home field, Levi’s Stadium, next week, but the Green Bay Packers will again be formidable opponents.