Ahmad Brooks called for critical penalty for hitting Drew Brees in neck (GIF)

Ahmad Brooks was called for a critical personal foul penalty for hitting Drew Brees in the neck on 3rd and 2 play in the final four minutes of Sunday’s game between the New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers.

Brooks beat the Saints’ right tackle around the edge and just crushed Brees, causing a fumble that was recovered by Patrick Willis. But the refs flagged Brooks for a personal foul for hitting Brees in the neck. The penalty resulted in a first down for the Saints and allowed them to keep the drive going. They eventually kicked a field goal to tie the game.

Here’s a slow motion replay of the hit:

Just look at Brees’ neck when he was hit. It stretches like a cartoon character’s:

No surprise Brees was bloodied on the play:

The Saints forced a 3-and-out for the Niners on the next possession, and then they drove for the winning field goal after getting the ball back. You can very easily argue that the call on Brooks cost the 49ers the game. They lost 23-20.

Also see: Ahmad Brooks says penalty call was bulls—

GIFs via @cjzero