In a wild matchup, the Los Angeles Rams were defeated 26-23 by their division rival, the San Francisco 49ers, on Thursday Night.
The 49ers were largely overlooked in this game, entering the day at 8.5 point underdogs. This was, in large part, due to the substantial amount of injuries that have plagued the team thus far. Tight end George Kittle is out with a hamstring pull, quarterback Brock Purdy (toe), defensive end Nick Bosa (ACL), wide receiver Jauan Jennings (ribs) and wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (knee) were all inactive for the game.
However, despite this early season adversity, backup quarterback Mac Jones took charge, throwing for 342 yards and two touchdowns in Purdy’s absence.
While the 49ers led for the majority of the game, the Rams had two opportunities to potentially win the game.
Their first chance came late in the fourth quarter, with the Rams trailing 23-20.
The Rams had first and goal at the 49ers three yard line with just over a minute to play. What seemed to be a great opportunity soon turned sour, as running back Kyren Williams fumbled the football at the goal line and 49er defender Alfred Collins recovered.
The Rams were able to regain possession after the 49ers went three and out, and they kicked a last second field goal to help tie up the game and send it to overtime.
Los Angeles once again would have a chance to close the game out; however, they would blow another opportunity.
After the Rams defense held the 49ers to a field goal on the opening possession of overtime, quarterback Mathew Stafford drove the team down the field, hooking up with wide receiver Tutu Atwell for a 38 yard completion.
However, on a fourth and one in the redzone, the Rams elected to go for the win instead of opting for the game-tying field goal. They controversially decided to run the ball and try to pick up the first down, but they got stood up at the line of scrimmage and the 49ers came out victorious.
It was an overall frustrating game for the now 3-2 Rams, as turnovers and missed field goals contributed to the loss.
Yet, it wasn’t all bad news for the team.
Despite his late-game fumble, Kyren Williams had a strong day on the ground and through the air, rushing for 65 yards and catching eight passes for 66 yards and two receiving touchdowns.
Stafford also put on a show, passing for nearly 400 yards and throwing three touchdown passes.
What seems to be his favorite target so far this season, Puka Nacua, had himself another huge week, catching 10 passes for 85 yards and a touchdown.
Nacua now has 52 receptions and 588 receiving yards through the first five weeks of the season, leading the league in both metrics. At his current pace, Nacua is set to break the single season receptions and receiving yards record.
The 49ers improve to 4-1 on the season, and claim sole possession of the NFC West division lead, as the Rams fall to 3-2, and sit just one game behind the 49ers.
The Rams look to bounce back next week as they travel to Baltimore to take on the Ravens at 10:00 A.M. PST on Sunday.