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The snowy touchdown celebration that might have cost the 49ers a touchdown

We had a feeling the San Francisco 49ers and Chicago Bears might have trouble scoring points Sunday. And the snow that fell before and during the first half of the game certainly played a part in that.

Just not exactly the part we imagined.

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After a scoreless first quarter, 49ers punt returner Dontae Johnson appeared to run one back for a score to end the scoreless tie. Johnson then capped off the would-be TD with a snow-angel celebration that earned him a flag.

The only problem? Johnson stepped out of bounds at the 4-yard line. So not only was it no touchdown, but now the ball was at the 19-yard line. Three plays and 6 yards gained later, the 49ers were forced to settle for a field goal.

Soldier Field is covered in snow, and that affected one San Francisco 49ers scoring play. (AP)
Soldier Field is covered in snow, and that affected one San Francisco 49ers scoring play. (AP)

Would they have scored a touchdown from the 4? Impossible to say. But with the weather conditions, it certainly would have made it easier.

There was an interesting parallel. A few real-time moments prior to the Johnson punt return — and about 200 miles to the north — Randall Cobb scored a touchdown and also did a snow angel. However, the referees there did not rule it a penalty. NFL rules prohibit players from going to the ground to celebrate, but no flag came out.

Randall Cobb went to the ground for a snow angel celebration but was not flagged. (AP)
Randall Cobb went to the ground for a snow angel celebration but was not flagged. (AP)

Maybe NFL referees need to brush up on their celebration rules — especially with it being snow angel season.

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Eric Edholm is a writer for Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at edholm@yahoo-inc.com or follow him on Twitter!