AP

With the 49ers leading the Saints by three and less than four minutes remaining in the game and San Fran linebacker Ahmad Brooks sacking Saints quarterback Drew Brees and Brees fumbling and Brooks recovering, the game was over, right?

Um. No.

Brooks was flagged for roughing the passer. Specifically he wrapped his arm around Brees’ neck when hitting Brees.

It was, per a league source, the “absolutely correct call.”

And it was. The rules prohibit forcible contact with the head OR neck area. Brooks hit Brees in the neck.

Niners fans who are upset about the outcome should be upset with Brooks for choosing not to make clearly legal contact with Brees. If Brooks had, the 49ers possibly wouldn’t currently be tied with the Cardinals for second place in the NFC West.