Inglewood, CA – The Los Angeles Rams staged an impressive comeback to defeat the San Francisco 49ers 27-24 at SoFi Stadium. In a game filled with momentum swings, the Rams rallied from a 14-point deficit to snatch victory from the 49ers in the final seconds, thanks to a clutch field goal by rookie kicker Jack Karty.
First Half: 49ers Dominate Early
The 49ers started the game on fire, marching down the field on their opening drive with precision. Quarterback Brock Purdy, who was sharp throughout the game, connected with Jauan Jennings on a 13-yard touchdown pass to cap an 8-play, 70-yard drive, giving the 49ers an early 7-0 lead. Purdy’s efficiency was on full display, completing short passes and relying on the run game to set up favorable passing situations.
After forcing a quick punt from the Rams, Purdy and the 49ers offense went back to work. This time, a methodical 13-play drive that consumed nearly eight minutes resulted in another touchdown pass from Purdy to Jennings, this time from 4 yards out, extending their lead to 14-0 late in the first quarter.
The Rams’ offense struggled to get going in the first half, with quarterback Matthew Stafford finding it difficult to penetrate the 49ers’ stout defense. However, they finally found some rhythm late in the second quarter. Stafford led a 16-play, 87-yard drive that took nearly eight minutes off the clock. The drive culminated in a 15-yard touchdown pass to Kyren Williams, cutting the 49ers’ lead to 14-7 just before halftime.
Third Quarter: Rams Begin Their Comeback
The second half started with the Rams receiving the kickoff, and they took full advantage. After a false start penalty set them back, Stafford connected with Tutu Atwell for a 48-yard pass, getting the Rams deep into 49ers territory. Despite a couple of setbacks, including a sack by San Francisco’s defensive line, the Rams were able to find the end zone again. Stafford threw a 31-yard touchdown pass to Jennings, bringing the Rams within seven points at 21-14.
The 49ers responded immediately with an 11-play, 91-yard drive that ended with a 31-yard touchdown pass from Purdy to Jennings, his third of the day, pushing the 49ers’ lead back to 21-14. The Rams seemed on the ropes, but they refused to go quietly.
Fourth Quarter: Rams Complete the Comeback
Trailing by seven in the final quarter, the Rams needed a spark, and they got it from their defense. The Rams forced a punt from the 49ers, giving their offense the ball back with just under 12 minutes to play. Stafford orchestrated a drive that took them deep into 49ers territory. Williams, who had been the workhorse for the Rams all day, capped off the drive with a 4-yard touchdown run, tying the game at 21-21.
The Rams’ defense then came up big again, stopping the 49ers on their next possession. With just under six minutes left, Stafford led the Rams down the field once more. The drive stalled at the 49ers’ 15-yard line, but Karty stepped up and nailed a 33-yard field goal to give the Rams their first lead of the game at 24-21.
The 49ers weren’t done yet. Purdy quickly moved the 49ers into field goal range with under two minutes to play, and rookie kicker Jake Moody tied the game with a 26-yard field goal, making it 24-24.
With just 42 seconds left, Stafford led the Rams down the field in a hurry-up offense, connecting with Atwell for a 50-yard pass that set the Rams up at the 49ers’ 5-yard line. After a couple of short runs to drain the clock, Karty calmly drilled a 37-yard field goal as time expired, giving the Rams a thrilling 27-24 victory.
Key Performances
- Matthew Stafford (QB): Stafford threw for 221 yards and one touchdown, but it was his poise in the final minute that made the difference. His 50-yard connection with Tutu Atwell set up the game-winning field goal.
- Kyren Williams (RB): Williams was the engine of the Rams’ offense, rushing for 89 yards and two touchdowns. His ability to grind out tough yards and find the end zone was crucial to the Rams’ comeback.
- Brock Purdy (QB): Purdy had an outstanding game for the 49ers, throwing for 292 yards and three touchdowns, all to Jauan Jennings. His accuracy and decision-making kept the 49ers in control for most of the game.
- Jauan Jennings (WR): Jennings was Purdy’s favorite target, catching five passes for 175 yards and three touchdowns. His ability to make big plays in critical situations was a major factor in the 49ers’ offense.
- Jack Karty (K): The rookie kicker showed nerves of steel, making all three of his field goal attempts, including the game-winner from 37 yards out as time expired.
Defensive Standouts
Both teams had standout performances on defense. For the Rams, Byron Young and Bobby Brown were relentless, each recording sacks and disrupting the 49ers’ passing game. Quentin Lake and Taylor Rapp were key in the secondary, making critical tackles and pass breakups.
For the 49ers, Fred Warner and Nick Bosa were forces to be reckoned with, constantly pressuring Stafford and limiting the Rams’ running game. Javon Hargrave also made his presence felt, recording a sack and several tackles for loss.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, the Rams improve to 2-1 on the season and will look to build on this momentum as they face another tough divisional opponent next week. The 49ers, now 1-2, will need to regroup quickly as they try to avoid falling further behind in the NFC West race.
Final Thoughts
The Rams showed resilience and determination in this game, overcoming a two-touchdown deficit to claim a last-second victory. While the 49ers displayed their offensive prowess, they were unable to close out the game, leaving the door open for the Rams’ late-game heroics. As both teams look ahead, this game could serve as a turning point for the Rams in their pursuit of a playoff spot.
