The San Francisco 49ers stopped the Los Angeles Rams on a 4th and 1 in overtime in the red zone for a 26-23 victory to take sole possession of first place in the NFC West.
Even though he was clearly dealing with injuries, San Francisco backup quarterback Mac Jones had an excellent game, completing 33/49 passes for 342 passing yards and two TDs. Meanwhile, new wide receiver Kendrick Bourne had a career-high 142 receiving yards, even though he signed with the Niners less than a month ago.
The 49ers were able to get on the board on the game’s opening drive despite two penalties. Kendrick Bourne had a 35-yard catch-and-run that got San Fran into the red zone. That set up a three-yard touchdown reception by tight end Jake Tonges for a 7-0 lead.
The Rams didn’t have the same level of success on their first possession of the evening. Matthew Stafford was sacked for an 11-yard loss by defensive end Bryce Huff, which forced LA to punt a few plays later. With that takedown, Huff eclipsed his sack total from the 2024-25 season.
At LA’s 39 yard line, the 49ers converted a 4th and 1 to keep their next drive alive and bring this game to the second quarter. On the first play of the second frame, wide receiver Demarcus Robinson made a toe-tapping 18-yard catch on a 3rd and 9, which led to a Christian McCaffrey touchdown reception a little while later to increase the Niners’ lead to 14-0.
Los Angeles running back Blake Corum dropped a halfback toss, which was picked up by the 49ers for their fourth takeaway of the season. That turnover killed a Rams drive that made it down to San Fran’s 24 yard line. They finished the game with two lost fumbles.
It was at this point that LA decided it was ready to start playing. Matthew Stafford completed five straight passes for 74 yards and an eventual TD catch by running back Kyren Williams to cut the lead to 14-7 just before the two-minute warning.
San Francisco would get on the board once more before the half. They picked up 48 yards in 2:07, allowing them to kick a field goal to go into the break with a 17-7 advantage. Quarterback Mac Jones accounted for 32 of the Niners’ yards on the drive.
LA made another blunder to start the second half. After getting onto San Fran’s side of the field, the Rams missed a field goal that would’ve brought the score to 17-10. That was kicker Joshua Karty’s third missed field goal in the last three games.
The banged-up Niners then took another blow. On a 3rd and goal at the Rams’ two, Mac Jones took a huge hit and had to briefly exit the game with an undisclosed injury, forcing the 49ers to settle for a field goal and a 20-7 lead. Thankfully, Jones would return to the field on San Francisco’s next drive.
Last week’s hero, Rams wideout Tutu Atwell, made another big play tonight. He had a 34-yard catch that eventually led to a one-yard touchdown reception by wide receiver Puka Nacua to narrow the gap to 20-14. Nacua finished the game with ten receptions for 85 yards and a touchdown.
After a 49ers punt, Rams wide receiver Davante Adams came alive. He caught two passes for 50 yards, which paved the way for an eight-yard touchdown pass from Matthew Stafford to Kyren Williams. However, the extra point attempt was blocked, leaving us with a 20-20 tie in the fourth quarter.
In the shadow of their own end zone, the 49ers were able to gain 62 yards in 5:03 to get to LA’s 41 yard line. Though the drive stalled, it would be enough for them to kick a 59-yard field goal to retake the lead 23-20 with 2:52 left in the game. That signifies a new career-long for kicker Eddie Pineiro.
The Rams answered back. Matthew Stafford connected with Puka Nacua and Davante Adams on back-to-back plays for 29 yards. Two downs later, Kyren Williams broke off a 20-yard run to get into the red zone with about a minute to go in the game. Then, disaster struck. As Kyren Williams was running into the end zone for a go-ahead touchdown, San Fran forced a fumble to end the drive prematurely.
The Rams forced a quick three-and-out and got the ball back at midfield with 42 ticks left on the clock. Facing a 4th and 4 with 25 seconds left in the game, Matthew Stafford completed a dump-off pass to Kyren Williams for a seven-yard pick up and a first down. That allowed LA to attempt a 48-yard field goal, which Joshua Karty made with ease to force overtime.
Even though the Niners made it to Los Angeles’ 14, Mac Jones took a sack on a second down in the red zone, which killed the drive’s momentum. That led to them taking a field goal for a 26-23 lead in OT.
LA’s offense took the field with 5:46 left in the game. Matthew Stafford hit Tutu Aywell on a deep crossing route for 38 yards to get to San Francisco’s 20. A little later, on a 4th and 1 at the 11 yard line, Kyren Williams was stuffed for a gain of zero yards, securing the win for the Niners.
With that loss, the Rams fell to 3-2 on the season. For the time being, they currently sit at third place in the division behind the 49ers and the 3-1 Seattle Seahawks.
*Author’s note: all information and statistics are tracked in real time and are provided by the game’s broadcaster, NFL.com, and ESPN.com*
%20(3).webp?ssl=1 "Isack Hadjar on Red Bull, the daunting second seat next to Max Verstappen and faith in his ability")
