The 49ers caught the Rams slipping and took full advantage with Mac Jones at the helm

Stafford celebrating with TuTuCredit: Los Angeles Rams

What was supposed to be a very winnable game for the Rams during Thursday’s divisional game against the San Francisco 49ers turned into a nonstop uphill battle thanks to a few mishaps that ultimately sealed LA’s fate. 

Right from the opening kick-off of the match, the 49ers showed a higher intensity than the Rams, setting the tone in their favor immediately. Back-up QB Mac Jones stepped in after starting QB Brock Purdy was officially deemed unable to play due to a lingering toe injury. The Rams were unable to find their way into the end zone with a touchdown or a field goal in the first quarter, while the 49ers scored a touchdown thanks to a short pass to TE Jake Tonges and hijacked control of the momentum early on.

Upon the start of the second quarter, the 49ers picked up where they left off, scoring yet another touchdown via a 1-yard pass to RB Christian McCaffrey, jumping the score to 14-0. Things were looking extremely dire for the Rams. Despite a fumble from Stafford, the Rams were eventually able to get things rolling with a touchdown from RB Kyran Williams, who caught a 14-yard short pass to finally put LA on the scoreboard. However, the 49ers inched out an additional field goal, leaving the score at 17-7 at halftime. 

The Rams’ woes followed them into the 3rd quarter with kicker Joshua Karty missing a crucial field goal, further cementing the despairing energy found in the first half. The 49ers responded with a made field goal from kicker Eddy Pineiro, upping the score to 20-7. The energy around the Rams began to shift a bit, and the offense started to lock in and pick up the pace. Stafford was able to connect with WR Puka Nacua for a 1-yard short pass leading to another touchdown, climbing the score to 20-14, and giving the Horns a glimmer of hope. 

The Rams came out guns blazing in the 4th, with RB Kyren Williams finding the end zone once more for six points thanks to an 8-yard pass from Stafford. However, terror struck again when kicker Joshua Karty missed the extra point, leaving the score tied at 20-20. The Rams’ defense also began playing with a fiercer desire to win, containing the 49ers to only a field goal rather than a TD, putting the score at 23-20. 

LA could smell the blood in the water, the opportunity to take the lead was here. Making their way down the field, the Rams arrived at the end zone, practically smelling victory. What should’ve been a routine goal-line penetration for RB Kyren Williams blew up in the Rams’ face due to a timely move by 49ers DT Alfred Collins, who was able to knock the ball out of RB Kyren Williams’ fingertips just inches from the end zone, completely shutting down the Rams’ drive. 

You could feel the air being sucked out of SoFi. But thanks to a relentless effort from the defense, the 49ers were unable to put any more points on the scoreboard, while the Rams earned three points thanks to a vital field goal, tying the game at 23-23.

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Overtime was here, and along with it was a chance of possible redemption for the Rams. The 49ers got their hands on the ball initially, and thanks to the stellar Rams defense, had to resort to kicking a field goal for three points, gaining a 23-20 lead.

It was time for Stafford and company to close the game, to march into the end zone for a TD and move to a 4-1 record. But, head coach Sean McVay showed a little too much boldness that ended up costing the game. While in field goal range and having the chance to tie the game again on 4th and 1, McVay’s play calling took a questionable turn, opting to run the ball with RB Kyren Williams for the 1st down instead. It didn’t work, losing the game for the Rams. After the match, head coach McVay took responsibility for the loss and for putting his players in such a difficult position. 

Now sitting at a 3-2 record, the Rams have some self-reflection to do. Despite solid individual performances from WR Puka Nacua (85 receiving yards and 1 touchdown on 10 catches), WR Davante Adams (88 receiving yards on 5 catches, RB Kyren Williams (65 rushing yards, 66 receiving yards, and 2 receiving touchdowns), and QB Matthew Stafford (389 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions on 30/47 throws), the team as a whole did not seem like their usual selves. Whether it was due to it being a Thursday night game or the 49ers simply catching them off guard, the Rams will need to be much more careful with protecting the football from fumbles.

Next week, the Rams travel to Baltimore to face a Lamar Jackson-less Ravens, and it should be the perfect opportunity for LA to get its mojo back. We’ll see how the Rams rebound in week 6 and find their way back on track to total dominance.Â