49ers Stun Rams with Overtime Stop in 26-23 Victory
The San Francisco 49ers pulled off a stunning 26-23 victory over the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday Night Football, securing the win with a crucial defensive stop on fourth-and-1 in overtime. The 49ers entered the game significantly depleted, missing key players including Brock Purdy, Ricky Pearsall, Jauan Jennings, Brandon Aiyuk, George Kittle, and Nick Bosa.
Despite the absences, San Francisco jumped to an early lead. Jake Tonges scored a touchdown, and Christian McCaffrey added another on a reception, giving the 49ers a 14-0 advantage early in the second quarter. mccaffrey, coming off a 31-touch performance against Jacksonville just four days prior, was a focal point of the 49ers’ offensive strategy. A Rams fumble recovered by the 49ers further fueled the momentum, making it appear as though the Rams were the team battling injuries.
The Rams managed to score late in the second quarter, but a subsequent 49ers field goal extended their lead to 17-7 at halftime.
The Rams mounted a comeback in the second half, led by quarterback Matthew Stafford. Puka Nacua scored a touchdown, followed by a second touchdown catch from Tutu Atwell, tying the game at 20-20 in the fourth quarter. However, the extra point attempt was missed, leaving the score tied.
A 59-yard field goal by Eddy Pineiro with 2:52 remaining gave the 49ers a 23-20 lead. the Rams responded with a drive that reached the 10-yard line, but a crucial strip-sack by defensive lineman Alfred collins dislodged the ball from Kyren Williams just before he crossed the goal line, with Collins recovering at the 1-yard line.
Despite the turnover, the Rams still had all three timeouts. the 49ers were forced to punt after a short, three-play drive. Stafford converted a fourth down with a 13-yard pass to Williams, setting up a game-tying 38-yard field goal by Joshua Karty to send the game into overtime.
Overtime began with a lucky break for the 49ers, as the kickoff did not reach the end zone, giving them possession at their own 40-yard line. After their drive stalled, Pineiro kicked a field goal off the upright to regain the lead.
The Rams quickly moved into field-goal range, but on a fourth-and-1 attempt, the 49ers’ defense stuffed Williams for no gain, securing the victory. The win sparked a celebratory atmosphere rarely seen during the regular season, a testament to the 49ers’ resilience in the face of adversity.
