The Los Angeles Rams failed to come through against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 16, falling 34-31 in heartbreaking fashion. With the loss, the Rams were officially eliminated from playoff contention.
The Rams wasted no time in striking first by capping off an impressive opening drive with a stellar throw-and-catch from quarterback Jared Goff to wide receiver Brandin Cooks. Although the 49ers’ special teams attempted to respond quickly thanks to an 80-yard kick return by Richie James Jr, however, the defense was able to hold tight to force a field goal.
San Francisco was able to get themselves some favorable field position thanks to back-to-back botched punts from Johnny Hekker. Fortunately, cornerback Jalen Ramsey was able to swing the momentum in their favor by picking off quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. The interception was Ramsey’s first as a member of the Rams.
Los Angeles took full advantage by marching down the field in eight plays before running back Todd Gurley punched it in to take a 14-3 lead to start the second quarter.
It did not take long for the 49ers to respond with their first touchdown of the game courtesy of a drive the took less than three minutes to cut the deficit.
Despite the difficult matchup against this formidable defense, the Rams had no problem establishing a balanced approach on offense. It clearly paid huge dividends after piecing together yet another extensive, 11-play drive to go up 21-10.
It appeared as though this NFC West showdown had all the makings of a potential shootout as both teams continued to trade punches. The 49ers made it clear they were not to give up too big of a lead with a nine-play, 75-yard drive to close the gap.
Unfortunately, the Rams were unable to end the second quarter on a high note after a pass by Goff was picked off by linebacker Fred Warner and taken the other way for 46 yards and a touchdown to give the 49ers a 24-21 lead going into halftime.
Los Angeles came out swinging the second half thanks to another big play from Ramsey that resulted in an interception by cornerback Darious Williams to give the offense the ball back. Unfortunately, they were unable to capitalize this time around as kicker Greg Zuerlein missed his 52-yard attempt while playing through a quad injury.
Regardless, the defense continued to keep San Francisco from finding their footing and it was only a matter of time before the offense was able to get its rhythm back. As a result, they were able to re-take a 28-24 lead midway through the third quarter on a 22-yard touchdown connection from Goff to wide receiver Cooper Kupp.
The 49ers were in desperate need of a score with time winding down and it was only a matter of time before tight end George Kittle made his presence felt with a seven-yard touchdown grab to put his team up 31-28 with six minutes left in the fourth quarter.
Los Angeles managed to respond by putting together a solid drive to get themselves into field goal position. Zuerlein made sure to redeem himself this time around by converting the 52-yard field goal attempt to tie the game at 31.
Although the defense did a spectacular job of generating pressure, a blown coverage by the secondary allowed the 49ers to get themselves into Rams territory with a 46-yard catch by wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders. This allowed kicker Robbie Gould to seal the 34-31 victory with a 33-yard field goal as time expired, ending any chances the Rams had at making the postseason.
