The play in question was a block on Carolina Panthers All-Pro linebacker Luke Kuechly during Vance McDonald’s 78-yard touchdown run after the catch. San Francisco wide receiver Quinton Patton came across the field and drove Kuechly out-of-bounds with a blindside block that allowed McDonald to score easily.
The Panthers’ linebacker returned to action during the next series and promptly intercepted San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert. However, he did not meet with the media following the game leading to the question Rivera faced during Monday’s press conference.
“Really? He got blocked. Let’s not try to create something that’s not there,” Rivera told reporters Monday.