One official initially ruled Delanie Walker out of bounds at the 1-yard-line on what ultimately was correctly ruled a 12-yard touchdown reception of an Alex Smith pass. That official got an earful from Staley.
“I thought (Walker) was in. I saw it,” Staley said. “I saw that his feet didn’t go out of bounds. I might have a referee job in my future.”
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One indication Staley had kept his wits about him: When he was told that Jim Harbaugh called the second half the most physical 30 minutes he had seen the 49ers play since he became head coach, Staley at first seemed ready to list a few other physical halves.
He quickly realized he didn’t want to contradict Harbaugh.
Said Staley: “Yeah, sure, I’ll agree. Whatever he says.”