While the San Francisco 49ers have been inconsistent through the first four games of the season, the defense has been outstanding. The emergence of safety Talanoa Hufanga has been one of the big reasons why. And in Monday night’s game against the Los Angeles Rams, Hufanga came through with a play to put the game on ice.
Trailing by eight points, the Rams had gotten the ball across midfield. On first down, Matthew Stafford looked to find Cooper Kupp on a short route by the sidelines. But Hufanga read Stafford and got into the passing lane. After briefly juggling the ball, Hufanga came down with it and sprinted 50 yards to the end zone. It briefly appeared as though Stafford had a lane to tackle him, but Hufanga easily ran by the quarterback for the pick-six.
What a play by Talanoa Hufanga for a 49ers pick-six on a Matthew Stafford pass! 🏈 pic.twitter.com/hqU3KcNqDW
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) October 4, 2022
The second-year safety had earned the attention of the NFL world over the season’s first three games, consistently being near the ball and making big plays. He’s even earned lofty praise, being compared to fellow former USC safety and Pro Football Hall of Famer, Troy Polamalu.
That only grew with this play as the NFL world sent praises
Talanoa Hufanga is becoming a superstar before our eyes.
— Steve Berman (@BASportsGuy) October 4, 2022
HUFANGA
The only thing missing this season for this outrageously great #49ers D was a signature TD … ✅— Brian Murphy (@knbrmurph) October 4, 2022
We have done nothing to deserve Talanoa Hufanga.
— Niners Nation (@NinersNation) October 4, 2022
Hufanga is special
— Marcus Thompson II (@ThompsonScribe) October 4, 2022
Hufanga is a star.
— Chris Biderman (@ChrisBiderman) October 4, 2022
Hufanga already one of the most electric players in the NFL 📈📈📈📈
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) October 4, 2022
This was his second interception and first pick-six of Hufanga’s young career.
