Rams prove their resilience in gritty victory over 49ers

Rams place kicker Joshua Karty kicks a field goal from the hold of Ethan Evans during the first half of their game against the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday night in Santa Clara. Karty accounted for all of the Rams’ points in a 12-6 win. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

Rams running back Kyren Williams, middle, runs against San Francisco 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir (2) and defensive end Leonard Floyd (56) during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) passes against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle carries the ball after a catch against the Rams during the first half of a game in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle gestures during the first half of a game against the Rams in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)

San Francisco 49ers place kicker Jake Moody (4) kicks a field goal from the hold of Pat O’Donnell during the first half of a game against the Rams in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) passes against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford celebrates a first down during the fourth quarter of their game against the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday night in Santa Clara. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, middle, is tackled by San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner, left, and cornerback Deommodore Lenoir during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)

Rams head coach Sean McVay watches from the sideline during the first half of a game against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw (57) tackles Rams running back Kyren Williams during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) passes against the Rams during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (1) runs with the ball as Rams cornerback Darious Williams, left, tries to bring him down during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

The San Francisco 49ers’ Jacob Cowing, top, is tackled by the Rams’ Xavier Smith while returning a punt during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr., center, is tackled by Rams linebacker Christian Rozeboom, front right, and others during the first half on Thursday night in Santa Clara. The Rams held the 49ers to just 191 yards and won, 12-6. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

San Francisco 49ers’ Jacob Cowing, bottom, is tackled by the Rams’ Jordan Whittington while returning a punt during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford attempts to pass against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter in the game at Levi’s Stadium on December 12, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Rams running back Kyren Williams runs the ball during the second quarter of their game against the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday night in Santa Clara. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Rain falls as San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) tries to scramble before being sacked by Rams defensive tackle Kobie Turner, left, during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

Rams defensive tackle Kobie Turner, left, celebrates with linebacker Byron Young after sacking San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

Rams running back Kyren Williams (23) runs against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of a game in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)

Rams running back Kyren Williams, middle left, runs against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, left, is sacked by Rams defensive tackle Kobie Turner, right, during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, bottom, reacts after being sacked by Rams defensive tackle Kobie Turner, top, during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

Rams safety Quentin Lake (37) breaks up a pass intended for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings, top, during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

Rams safety Quentin Lake (37) breaks up a pass intended for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (15) during an NFL football game, Thursday, December 12, 2024, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Scot Tucker)

San Francisco 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga (29) tackles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford signals at the line of scrimmage during the first half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

Rams running back Kyren Williams carries the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) tries to scramble before being sacked by Rams defensive tackle Kobie Turner, left, during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

San Francisco 49ers running back Isaac Guerendo (31) runs against the Rams during the second half of a game in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (1) drops a pass against the Rams during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)

San Francisco 49ers safety Ji’Ayir Brown, foreground, reacts during the second half of a game against the Rams in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle, right, runs against Rams linebacker Michael Hoecht during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw (57) watches as Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) stands behind center during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

San Francisco 49ers safety Ji’Ayir Brown (27) tackles Rams running back Kyren Williams during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, left, collides with San Francisco 49ers defensive back Ji’Ayir Brown during the third quarter on Thursday night in Santa Clara. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua runs against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle, right, makes a catch as Rams linebacker Michael Hoecht defends during the third quarter in the game at Levi’s Stadium on December 12, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr., left, cannot catch a pass while being defended by Rams safety Kamren Kinchens during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, left, runs against San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)

Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, left, reacts after catching a pass against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) passes as Rams linebacker Jared Verse (8) applies pressure during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

Rams head coach Sean McVay looks on from the sideline during the fourth quarter of their game against the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday night in Santa Clara. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (1) runs against the Rams during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford throws a pass during the third quarter of their game against the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday night in Santa Clara. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, right, runs with the ball during the third quarter of their game against the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday night in Santa Clara. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Rams place kicker Joshua Karty (16) kicks a field goal from the hold of Ethan Evans during the second half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, left, runs against the Rams during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. reacts after he dropped a pass during the third quarter of their game against the Rams on Thursday night in Santa Clara. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Rams cornerback Darious Williams (24) intercepts a pass in front of San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)

Rams cornerback Darious Williams (24) intercepts a pass in front of San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (15) during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

Rams cornerback Darious Williams, foreground, intercepts a pass in front of San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford passes the ball while pressured by San Francisco 49ers defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford calls out signals to his teammates at the line of scrimmage during the fourth quarter of their game against the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday night in Santa Clara. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Rams running back Kyren Williams, middle, is tackled against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner celebrates a fourth-down defensive stop during the fourth quarter of their game against the Rams on Thursday night in Santa Clara. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, right, tries to fend off San Francisco 49ers defensive back Deommodore Lenoir after making a catch during the fourth quarter on Thursday night in Santa Clara. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Rams running back Kyren Williams carries the ball during the fourth quarter of their game against the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday night in Santa Clara. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Rams running back Kyren Williams, left, gestures next to San Francisco 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

Rams tight end Colby Parkinson, right, catches a pass in front of San Francisco 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)

Rams kicker Joshua Karty kicks a field goal during the fourth quarter of their game against the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday night in Santa Clara. Karty accounted for all of the Rams’ points in a 12-6 win on a rainy night. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

The Rams’ Christian Rozeboom (56) celebrates with his teammates after the final play of their 12-6 victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday night in Santa Clara. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua celebrates as he walks off the field after their 12-6 victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday night in Santa Clara. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle walks off the field after their loss to the Rams in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)

Rams running back Kyren Williams high-fives fans as he walks off the field after their 12-6 victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday night in Santa Clara. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Rams head coach Sean McVay speaks at a news conference after an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford speaks at a news conference after an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)

Rams linebacker Michael Hoecht (97) and teammates take the field before an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)

Rams head coach Sean McVay looks on prior to their game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on December 12, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

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SANTA CLARA — Matthew Stafford was not throwing the ball well in the first half of the Rams’ game against the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday night. The rain was making the football difficult to grip, and as a result, the Rams had failed to get a first down on their first four drives for the first time in Sean McVay’s eight-year tenure as head coach.

So when facing a third-and-9 with nobody open, Stafford ran. And as the 16-year veteran approached the first-down marker, he did not slide. He lowered his shoulder, absorbed contact and picked up the first down.

“Body, we’ll figure that out later,” Stafford said after the game. “Yeah, but it’s December. I mean, our season’s on the line every single week that we go out there.”

That drive did not end in points, but the play was a good example of what the Rams (8-6) proved in their 12-6 victory over their in-state rivals: That as they continue to push for a playoff spot, these Rams can win in different ways.

Just four days earlier, the Rams were able to go toe-to-toe with the likely league MVP in a 44-42 shootout victory over the Bills and Josh Allen. But on Thursday night, no one scored any touchdowns.

The steady rain in the first half impacted both offenses. Stafford almost threw interceptions on the Rams’ first two third downs, the second bouncing off of 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga’s chest. The next two third downs were less dangerous, but no more effective as the ball sailed wide of its targets. McVay said the slipperiness of the ball was impacting what plays he could call.

The Rams’ defense was up to the challenge of keeping the quicksand offense in the game. Defensive tackle Kobie Turner had two third-down tackles. Safety Cam Kurl broke up two passes to George Kittle.

They held San Francisco (6-8) to 20 yards rushing in the first half, and 191 total yards in the game, four days after giving up 42 points and 445 yards to the Bills. The Rams’ secondary broke up a season-high nine passes against the 49ers, three by reserve Ahkello Witherspoon starting in place of the injured Cobie Durant.

“I thought Ahkello was awesome,” McVay said. “They always have the ability to respond. This is a young group that has demonstrated the ability to do that and that’s one of the things that I think has served this team well.”

The offense was able to piece together just enough drives to get into scoring range. Running back Kyren Williams matched his career-high of 29 carries, set against Buffalo, while gaining 108 yards. Once the balls dried out, Stafford was able to connect on several short passes to keep the chains moving, as well as a 51-yard bomb to Puka Nacua.

And when they got in range, kicker Josh Karty, a Stanford graduate who was playing in the Bay Area for the first time as a pro, was true on all four of his field goal attempts, even one that was tapped by a 49er player’s finger.

“One thing I’ve learned is that in the NFL, every kick counts,” Karty said. “It was kind of a max pressure of every kick matters in a low-scoring game like this, but honestly it’s getting to be clear to me that every kick is like that in the NFL.”

The 49ers were able to threaten as the Rams held a three-point lead late in the fourth. But quarterback Brock Purdy overthrew Jauan Jennings on a shot at the end zone, and veteran corner Darious Williams made the tumbling interception. The Rams’ offense worked the clock all the way down to 18 seconds before Karty made his final kick.

A horse collar tackle on the ensuing kickoff moved San Francisco within a Hail Mary’s distance of the end zone. But defensive coordinator Chris Shula called a blitz on the final play, and linebacker Christian Rozeboom got home for the win-sealing sack.

So that’s how the Rams won their seventh game in nine tries since the bye. A win without a touchdown for the first time since 2016. With Cooper Kupp failing to make a catch in a game for the first time since 2019.

They did it with grit, with Stafford setting the example by refusing to slide, by picking up two first downs via sneak, by being game when McVay called a read option at the goal line, by not throwing an interception for a career-best fifth straight game.

“He’s a soldier. He’s a warrior,” Williams said. “I was telling him throughout the whole game, ‘We need you, Nine, you’re a soldier.’ And he kept on responding, kept being who he is.”

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“I think our team showed we can win football games anyway you want in about a four-day span,” Stafford added. “You gotta find ways to win the football game. You gotta be tough mentally and physically and we are that. … They all count for one at this point and anyway you get them, we’ll take them.”

After sweeping the 49ers for the first time since 2018 – leading Williams to declare his team “the big brothers” in the rivalry – the Rams moved within a half-game of the Seattle Seahawks (8-5) for the lead in the NFC West, and with the season finale against Seattle looming, firmly control their own destiny.

But they also proved that, no matter the conditions on the field or the sky above, there’s still a way forward for these resilient Rams.

“They love football, they love preparing, they love the process,” McVay said. “We challenged our guys a few weeks back to really say … ‘Let’s make sure that we bring everything that we’ve got every single day and when we look back on this no matter what happens, there’s no regrets.’ And I think our guys have done that since then.”

by
on December 13, 2024

Rams prove their resilience in gritty victory over 49ers

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