San Francisco 49ers (6-8) – Los Angeles Rams (8-6): 6-12
The 49ers season has definitely gone down the drain. Ironically, water was very literally involved. Under a deluge during the first half, neither the Niners nor the Rams managed to get by offensively.
But when Los Angeles finally managed to string together a few field goals at the end of the match, Brock Purdy (14/31, 142 yards, 1 int) threw a decisive interception in the end zone. Matthew Stafford (16/27, 160 yards) and Kyren Williams (29 races, 108 yards) then ate almost five minutes of time to get a final kick 18 seconds from time. A penalty on the following kickoff gave the Niners the ball at midfield for an improbable last chance, but Purdy was the victim of a final sack, the symbol of this nightmarish evening.
A few days after winning the most prolific game in points of the season, the Rams won in the only meeting of the year without a single touchdown!
No thanks to the rain
What was expected to be a great match between two teams in the race for the playoffs was ruined by torrential rain during the first two quarters. Conditions which clearly hampered the two attacks, unable to progress. The Rams start with five punts! San Francisco is no better, with six punts.
At the break, the score is 3-3.
Kyren Williams carries the Rams
With better weather for the second part of the match, the Rams finally advance. Kyren Williams multiplies the good runs to advance the attack. The inevitable Puka Nacua (7 rec, 97 yards) also pitches in, with a 51-yard reception. It's just missing the finish. Because Dre Greenlaw, back for the first time since the last Super Bowl, and Nick Bosa, are watching. The Rams stall in the last yards and settle for field goals.
The 49ers managed one too. But no more. Because with good performances from Kobie Turner (2 sacks) and his teammates, the Rams defense is also solid.
It was 9 to 6 in favor of the Rams when Purdy and his teammates advanced into the opposing field for only the third time in the match. This is where the quarterback looks for Jauan Jennings but finds a defender. The only lost ball of the match, but one mistake too many.
The Rams remain well in the race for the playoffs, not far behind the Seahawks for the lead in the division. On the San Francisco side, on the other hand, even if it is not mathematically over, hopes are now slim.
