Rams’ Sean McVay finally gets the best of 49ers’ Kyle Shanahan in comeback win

Head coach Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of a NFC championship football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, January 30, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Defensive end Aaron Donald, left, of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates with head coach Sean McVay after the Rams 20-17 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in a NFC championship football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, January 30, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Defensive end Aaron Donald, center, of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates a stop against quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) of the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of a NFC championship football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, January 30, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Defensive end Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates after the Rams 20-17 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in a NFC championship football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, January 30, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Defensive end Aaron Donald, left, of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates with quarterback Matthew Stafford after the Rams 20-17 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in a NFC championship football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, January 30, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) of the San Francisco 49ers scrambles away from pressure by nose tackle Greg Gaines (91) of the Los Angeles Rams the second half of a NFC championship football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, January 30, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Defensive end Aaron Donald, center right, of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates with outside linebacker Leonard Floyd after the defense makes a stop against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of a NFC championship football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, January 30, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers throws an interception under pressure from defensive end Aaron Donald #99 of the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth quarter of a NFC championship football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, January 30, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Defensive end Aaron Donald, right, of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates a stop against quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) of the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of a NFC championship football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, January 30, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Defensive end Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates a stop against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of a NFC championship football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, January 30, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Quarterback Matthew Stafford, left, of the Los Angeles Rams passes the ball away from pressure from defensive end Nick Bosa of the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of a NFC championship football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, January 30, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) of the Los Angeles Rams runs away from free safety Jimmie Ward (1) of the San Francisco 49ers after a catch during the second half of a NFC championship football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, January 30, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Head coach Sean McVay, left, of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates with owner Stan Kroenke after the Rams 20-17 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in a NFC championship football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, January 30, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Tight end Johnny Mundt #82 of the Los Angeles Rams intercepts a pass from quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (not pictured) of the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth quarter of a NFC championship football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, January 30, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Los Angeles Rams celebrates after tight end Johnny Mundt #82 of the Los Angeles Rams intercepts a pass from quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (not pictured) of the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth quarter of a NFC championship football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, January 30, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Cornerback Jalen Ramsey of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates on the field after the Rams 20-17 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in a NFC championship football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, January 30, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Los Angeles Rams cheerleaders celebrate on the field with the confetti after the Rams 20-17 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in a NFC championship football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, January 30, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti makes snow angels in the confetti after the Los Angeles Rams defeated the San Francisco 49ers 20-17 to win the NFC championship football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, January 30, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Wide receiver Cooper Kupp, right, of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates with his wife, Anna Kupp after the Rams 20-17 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in a NFC championship football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, January 30, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Los Angeles Rams owner Stan Kroenke raises the trophy after the Rams 20-17 win over the San Francisco 49ers in a NFC championship football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, January 30, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Safety Nick Scott (33) of the Los Angeles Rams takes a knee to celebrate the Rams 20-17 win over the San Francisco 49ers in a NFC championship football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, January 30, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Punter Johnny Hekker, center, of the Los Angeles Rams and celebrates with cornerback Jalen Ramsey and wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., right, on the field after the Rams 20-17 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in a NFC championship football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, January 30, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Safety Jaquiski Tartt #3 of the San Francisco 49ers drops a possible interception against the Los Angeles Rams late in the second half of a NFC championship football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, January 30, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Defensive end Nick Bosa #97 of the San Francisco 49ers sacks quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams in the second half of a NFC championship football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, January 30, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Kicker Matt Gay (8) of the Los Angeles Rams kicks the game winning field goal with punter Johnny Hekker (6) holding as defensive back Dontae Johnson (27) of the San Francisco 49ers attempts the block in the second half of a NFC championship football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, January 30, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. #3 of the Los Angeles Rams can’t hold onto a pass against the San Francisco 49ers in the first half of a NFC championship football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, January 30, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Field judge Tom Hill, center, stops an altercation after wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (3) of the Los Angeles Rams catches a pass, then gets hit late by free safety Jimmie Ward (1) of the San Francisco 49ers for a penalty, as wide receiver Cooper Kupp, left, also stops Beckham during the second half of a NFC championship football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, January 30, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Wide receiver Cooper Kupp, right, of the Los Angeles Rams catches a 16-year touchdown pass against safety Jaquiski Tartt of the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of a NFC championship football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, January 30, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

tight end Kendall Blanton, left, of the Los Angeles Rams runs for a first down after a catch against outside linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, center, of the San Francisco 49ers and middle linebacker Fred Warner, right, in the second half of a NFC championship football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, January 30, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates a touchdown catch by tight end George Kittle (85) as safety Nick Scott (33) of the Los Angeles Rams walks away in the second half of a NFC championship football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, January 30, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) of the Los Angeles Rams catches a pass in the first half of a NFC championship football game against the San Francisco 49ers at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, January 30, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Quarterback Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams looks to make a pass against the San Francisco 49ers in the first half of a NFC championship football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, January 30, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Quarterback Matthew Stafford, right, of the Los Angeles Rams gets stopped by outside linebacker Dre Greenlaw of the San Francisco 49ers on a 14-yard scramble during the first half of a NFC championship football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, January 30, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates a 16-year touchdown pass to wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10), as safety Jaquiski Tartt, left, of the San Francisco 49ers walks away during the first half of a NFC championship football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, January 30, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Quarterback Matthew Stafford, left, of the Los Angeles Rams get sacked by defensive end Nick Bosa, center, of the San Francisco 49ers, as guard Austin Corbett (63) attempts to block,during the first half of a NFC championship football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, January 30, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Expand

INGLEWOOD — Rams coach Sean McVay made a puzzling decision to put his last timeout on the line by challenging whether San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk was down by contact with less than 11 minutes left in the NFC Championship Game.

While McVay was arguing with the officials about a possible fumble, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan wasn’t considering going for the kill shot on a fourth-and-2 from the Rams’ 45-yard line with a three-point advantage. That was Shanahan’s chance to hand his close friend McVay a seventh straight defeat and keep his team in Los Angeles for Super Bowl LVI.

“We were never thinking about going for that,” Shanahan said.

Shanahan said the two plays prior and a dropped interception soon after the decision to punt will eat at him for weeks. Perhaps if Shanahan went for it on fourth down, then he wouldn’t be regretting the missed opportunities after the 49ers held a double-digit lead.

“Thought that was the game we exactly wanted up until that second-and-1,” a disappointed Shanahan said after the Rams defeated the 49ers, 20-17, at SoFi Stadium. “I’m going to be thinking about that for a long time, and then the third-and-2 on that next play.”

Once again, it didn’t matter how many aggressive moves the Rams made to add star players because Shanahan had the Rams where he wanted them and all he had to do to advance to the Super Bowl was make one aggressive move on the field.

“We had our opportunities and we didn’t come through on those three plays, and after that it turned into a game we didn’t like as much,” Shanahan said.

Shanahan and the 49ers pulled the trigger in the spring by trading picks to draft rookie quarterback Trey Lance. But Shanahan couldn’t bring himself to do it Sunday when his current starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo was on the field with fourth-and-2 from the Rams’ 45-yard line and a 17-14 lead.

Plenty occurred after the 49ers took the delay of game and opted to punt, but that gave McVay and the Rams an opening to rally. McVay finally got one against Shanahan to end a six-game losing streak, and now his Rams will represent the NFC in their home stadium against the Cincinnati Bengals for the Super Bowl on Feb. 13.

As they say, it’s never easy to beat an opponent three times in a season, but the 49ers had a 17-7 advantage heading into the fourth quarter. The Rams’ pass rush had no answers for Garoppolo’s quick throws with screens to Deebo Samuel and slants to Brandon Aiyuk.

Then Shanahan decided to play not to lose and gave McVay an out for his head-scratching decisions to burn all three timeouts with nearly a quarter to go in a tight game. Rams kicker Matt Gay made the eventual game-winning 30-yard field goal for a 20-17 advantage with 1:46 left in the fourth quarter.

McVay had his own game-managing blunders, but he had Rams wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Odell Beckham Jr. on his side – and a few lucky breaks. 49ers cornerback Jaquiski Tartt dropped an interception a play after Shanahan decided to punt.

Suddenly, the Rams had momentum after Gay made a 40-yard field goal and tied the game 17-17 with 6:49 left in regulation. Later, the Rams found their pass rush when star defensive tackle Aaron Donald got a hold of Garoppolo and forced him into throwing an interception to Travin Howard to seal the game.

“For the defense to be able to close it out, especially after the last time we played them,” McVay said referring to the Rams blowing a 17-point lead in Week 18 to allow the 49ers to enter the postseason. “The way that went. There were so many great plays today by great players. Just happy to be associated with these guys. We have one more.”

McVay praised Kupp’s performance and sidestepped a question about finally getting the best of Shanahan, his former colleague when the two were assistant coaches for Washington nearly a decade ago.

“The previous six games when we didn’t find a way to finish, had nothing to do with what’s going to occur at 3:30 p.m. when we kicked this thing off,” McVay said. “Those are separate entities. … Short memory and reset.”

Alexander: Rams send 49ers and their fans trudging home unfulfilled

Whicker: The Rams grab an NFC Championship by going right through their nemesis

Rams earn spot in Super Bowl at home, rivaling franchise’s finest moments

Rams rally to beat 49ers and reach the Super Bowl at SoFi Stadium

Reaction: Rams fans celebrate NFC championship victory over 49ers

McVay had his puzzling moments, but he found creative ways to put Kupp against single coverage. Kupp’s second touchdown started the Rams’ comeback after his 11-yard catch trimmed the deficit 17-14 early in the fourth quarter.

The Rams were 1-23 when trailing by double digits in the second half under McVay, according to ESPN Stats & Info. That record improved Sunday to two victories, with the first coming in the 2018 NFC Championship Game against the New Orleans Saints.

Garoppolo’s late interception might be his last throw as the 49ers’ starting quarterback because Shanahan and the front office got aggressive in the draft by adding Lance.

Perhaps that decision could bring the 49ers another Super Bowl in the future. But they had their moment to do it with this year’s team.

McVay bought Shanahan time to at least consider going for it on fourth down after he burned his third timeout on the challenge.

“Didn’t think it was the right decision,” Shanahan said.

by
on January 31, 2022

Rams’ Sean McVay finally gets the best of 49ers’ Kyle Shanahan in comeback win

Related Articles

HaaS Unlimited