The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Los Angeles Rams by a score of 26 to 23 on Thursday Night Football. Both teams entered the game 3-1 and were hoping to defeat their division rivals. 49ers backup quarterback Mac Jones stepped up in a big way in Brock Purdy’s absence, passing for 342 yards with 2 touchdowns en route to a thrilling overtime win. On the other side, Rams’ quarterback Matthew Stafford led them in a valiant effort, passing for 389 yards and three touchdowns. It was overall an exciting game, with the 49ers just outpacing the Rams for the victory.
The 49ers received the ball to start the first quarter. Without tight end George Kittle and their top three wide receivers, the offense drove 72 yards on 8 plays. Tight end Jake Tonges caught a 6-yard touchdown pass from Jones to cap it off.
After a Rams three and out, the 49ers poured on the heat, driving 91 yards on 17 plays to put the team up 14-0. The drive was a combination of short runs and passes, culminating in a 1-yard pass to running back Christian McCaffery for the score.
The Rams’ struggles continued on their next drive, which ended on a botched handoff by Stafford, whose fumble was recovered by 49ers Tashuan Gibson. Thankfully for the Rams, San Francisco was not able to capitalize on the mistake, as Jones and the offense ended their next drive with a punt.
Los Angeles was finally able to break through on the ensuing possession, with Stafford guiding the offense to an 8-play, 85-yard touchdown drive. The offense cashed in on a 14-yard pass from Stafford to running back Kyren Williams.
With the end of the half looming, Jones and the Niners moved the ball into field goal range and kicker Eddy Pineiro punched the ball through the uprights for the 37-yard field goal.
Starting out the second half with the football, the Rams were hoping for better results. The offense was able to move the ball into field goal range, but kicker Joshua Karty missed the 53-yarder wide right.
Back on the field, Jones and the offense were able to move the ball to the goal line of the Rams, but the defense held strong. They settled for a 20-yard field goal, putting the 49ers up 20-7.
In danger of falling behind, Stafford and the Rams delivered. On seven plays, the offense moved the ball 69 yards for the touchdown. The drive featured a pivotal 34-yard pass to wide receiver Tutu Atwell, as well as 1-yard pass to wide receiver Puka Nacua for the score.
San Francisco was unsuccessful in making progress on their next drive, ending with a punt. On their next possession, the Rams went 88 yards on 9 plays for the score to tie the game at 20 apiece, but Karty’s extra point attempt was blocked. Wide receiver Davante Adams played a big part in the drive catching 24 and 26-yard passes from Stafford.
Both teams traded punts before San Francisco pulled ahead on a 59-yard field goal by Pineiro after driving 57 yards on 12 plays.
With the clock running down, the Rams sniffed victory as Stafford steered the offense 63 yards to the San Francisco 3-yard line. However, San Francisco defensive lineman Alfred Collins had other ideas, punching the ball out of Williams’ arms for the fumble recovery.
While a first down by Jones and the Niners could have finished the game, they were unable to move the ball and punted back to Los Angeles with 53 seconds to go. With his back against the wall, Stafford authored a 20-yard, seven-play drive to set Karty up for the 48-yard field goal, tying the game at 23. Time expired on the kickoff, and the game went into overtime.
The 49ers received the kickoff to start overtime, starting with excellent field position due the ball landing short of the landing zone. The offense moved the ball into field goal range, with Pineiro making the 41 yarder to put the Niners up 26 to 23.
The Rams offense moved the ball 56 yards into field goal range, however on fourth and short, Los Angeles took the risk and went for it, but Williams couldn’t move the ball. With the Rams turnover on downs, the 49ers clinched the victory, moving them to 4-1 on the season, and first in the NFC West.
