It was a kick from nearly midfield. And it was a kick that almost didn’t happen.

With just under three minutes left in the game and tied with the Los Angeles Rams, the 49ers had a fourth-down decision to make. In the past, field goals within 40 yards had everyone holding their breath due to the inconsistency. The ones attempted over the last four games had a different kicker: Eddy Piñeiro. That still didn’t stop Kyle Shanahan from being skeptical.

“It was close,” 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said when asked about a decision to punt instead of going for the lead. “We were pretty close on that line. Debated it for a little bit but said screw it, let’s see what he’s got.”

Piñeiro’s kick initially looked like it might be slightly off; instead, it sailed through the uprights, marking a suc

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