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49ers rookie Mustapha enjoyed first taste of NFL success vs. Titans originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
NASHVILLE, Tenn., — Malik Mustapha’s welcome-to-the-NFL moments were felt throughout the 49ers’ 17-13 loss to the Tennessee Titans.
During Tennessee’s third drive of the game, quarterback Mason Rudolph had his offense poised to score, driving 78 yards down the field. But on the 17th play of the drive, on fourth down, Mustapha let his presence be known.
Rudolph handed the ball off to Hassan Haskins in the backfield, needing only one yard for a first down and two for a touchdown. Mustapha assessed the play and flew out of the end zone like a rocket, driving the ball carrier a few yards back.
The rookie celebrated, running nearly to midfield after the play was over.
“When those out-of-body experiences happen, those big plays like that in a game — I was fired up,” Mustapha told NBC Sports Bay Area after the game. “I just kind of let my body take control in that moment and expressed whatever I was feeling – the tenacity and fire I like to pay with.
“I just let it loose on that play and post-play. It was definitely an exciting moment and a momentum shift.”
Initially, the officials awarded the Titans a first down, but 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan was confident that his rookie had made the play. Shanahan challenged the call, which was overturned a few moments later.
“It reminds you, if plays don’t go your way, on the next play, get back on it,” Mustapha said. “I’m glad it went our way and hopefully it won’t be the last.”
Shanahan was very pleased with the rookie’s performance in his exhibition debut, as it only validated what they had seen from Mustapha in his college film.
“It was awesome,” Shanahan said. “It was huge. Right when he cut it back, Mustapha coming from the middle there, couldn’t hesitate. We knew he was a hitter so we were excited to see him hit someone else besides our own guys in practice.”
The Wake Forest product…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/49ers-rookie-mustapha-enjoyed-first-183428372.html
Author : NBC Sports BayArea
Publish date : 2024-08-11 18:34:28
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