SANTA CLARA — Nick Bosa’s first unnecessary roughness penalty as a pro raised eyebrows, caused a concussion and, at least to the 49ers’ opponents, looked like a cheap shot.
Coach Kyle Shanahan vehemently disagrees with the “cheap shot” accusation, and he has a strong case.
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What happened was Bosa launched his left shoulder into an unsuspecting Brian O’Neill, the Minnesota Vikings right tackle, during Richard Sherman’s interception return about five minutes after halftime of Saturday’s 27-10 divisional-playoff win.
“People say cheap shot when someone gets hit violently,” Shanahan began Monday in Bosa’s defense.