Not a single touchdown was scored, but the Los Angeles Rams earned a crucial NFC West victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday night, 12-6.
The Rams improved to 8-6, while the 49ers fell to 6-8.
Both quarterbacks, Matthew Stafford for the Rams and Brock Purdy for the 49ers, had fantastic performances in Week 14, leading many to believe this game would be an offensive attack.
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Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, #17, walks to the field before start of the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. (Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images)
Instead, with some rain in the first half not helping matters, the two offenses were out of sync and big defensive plays were made to thwart some of the game’s best weapons on the ball in hands.
The first half saw just six total points put on the board, with the 49ers’ Jake Moody kicking a 53-yard field goal on the team’s second offensive possession, and Josh Karty finally getting the Rams on the board with 1:05 to play. half to make it a 3-3 match.
Every other drive ended in punts — 11 to be exact — as the Levi’s Stadium crowd began murmuring about the lack of field goals.
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When the second half began, consecutive field goals made the score 6-6, although the Rams managed to be the first team in the red zone with the ball down to the four-yard line of the 49ers. But nevertheless, no one found a salary.
The Rams were able to take their first lead of the game after forcing a three-and-out, and Puka Nacua, who had two scores and over 170 yards last game, escaped for a 51-yard catch to return immediately. 49ers territory.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, #13, throws a pass against the Los Angeles Rams in the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. (Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images)
However, Los Angeles was unable to convert from two yards out for a first down, and Karty came back to score his third field goal of the game.
Purdy and the 49ers offense were dying to respond, and the signal-caller took a deep shot to Jauan Jennings, another receiver who scored twice in Week 14. However, veteran Darious Williams received the pass for an interception.
While head coach Kyle Shanahan couldn’t believe his eyes at the way his offense was playing, Stafford and head coach Sean McVay looked to be methodical in running the clock down and hoped they could close out the game.
That’s exactly what happened, as Stafford dissected an excellent 49ers defense, picking up key first downs in the passing game, while Kyren Williams also chewed up yards.
Karty made his fourth field goal with just 20 seconds left to force the 49ers into a touchdown for the victory. With no time left to do so, the Rams gave themselves big playoff chances, while the 49ers’ hopes became even slimmer than they already were.
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings, #15, looks toward the sideline before a play against the Los Angeles Rams in the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. (Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images)
Looking at the score from the box, it wasn’t pretty as Stafford went 16 of 27 for 160 yards, but Nacua accounted for 97 on seven receptions. What’s shocking, however, is that Cooper Kupp didn’t catch a single pass on three targets.
Williams also totaled 108 rushing yards on 29 carries to lead the way on those scoring drives.
For the 49ers, Purdy was 14 of 31 for 142 yards with his interception, and George Kittle was their best receiver, getting four catches for 61 yards.
It’s also worth noting that Deebo Samuel Sr., who said he wanted to get the ball more after not producing his usual amount this season, had a shaky performance in this one. He finished with just three catches for 16 yards and three yards on two carries.
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, #9, calls a play against the San Francisco 49ers in the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. (Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images)
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Plus, maybe the only touchdown of the game would have come when Purdy hit Samuel right between the numbers on a slant route with tons of open field to work with in Rams territory. However, Samuel dropped it and boos flooded the field with the rain, as 49ers fans knew what their star said entering this game.
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