INGLEWOOD, Calif. – The winless Los Angeles Rams entered Sunday’s game against their division rivals, the San Francisco 49ers, following a disheartening 31-point loss and missing their top two receivers. The 49ers have historically dominated the matchup, and the Rams quickly fell behind by 14 points in the second half, trailing by double digits midway through the fourth quarter.
Despite the odds, the Rams staged a thrilling comeback to secure a 27-24 victory, showcasing their resilience in difficult circumstances. Quarterback Matthew Stafford, who has experienced a myriad of situations in his 16-year career, described the win as remarkable. “You never know what’s gonna happen week in and week out. You’ve got to go out there and earn it and prove it, and we did that,” Stafford stated.
With just 1:51 left on the clock, Kyren Williams scored his third touchdown of the day with a 4-yard rush. The dramatic rally concluded with Joshua Karty kicking a 37-yard field goal as time expired. In the final 19 minutes of the game, Los Angeles outscored San Francisco 20-3.
The Rams (1-2) celebrated their most significant second-half comeback since 2006 and secured their second consecutive win over the 49ers (1-2), overcoming a streak where they lost nine out of their last ten encounters. Williams contributed significantly, catching a touchdown pass and rushing for two more. Stafford threw for 221 yards, while Tutu Atwell recorded four catches for 93 yards.
Williams noted the extra motivation felt leading into the game, as skepticism surrounded the Rams’ chances of avoiding an 0-3 start. “We feel it for sure, but it’s something that fuels us,” he said.
For the 49ers, Jauan Jennings achieved career highs with 11 receptions for 175 yards and three touchdowns. Unfortunately for San Francisco, this marked the first time since 2018 that they relinquished a lead of at least 14 points. As the Rams salvaged hope for their season, the 49ers found themselves frustrated and under .500 for the first time since Brock Purdy took over as their starting quarterback in 2022.
The 49ers held a 24-14 lead midway through the fourth but struggled to maintain control. After kicker Jake Moody missed a 55-yard field goal attempt with 2:43 remaining, Stafford connected with Atwell for a 50-yard gain, setting up Williams’ touchdown just two plays later.
In a critical moment, 49ers receiver Ronnie Bell dropped a long pass that could have secured a field goal attempt, allowing the Rams to respond with a 38-yard punt return by Xavier Smith, who was elevated from the practice squad for this game.
A 25-yard pass interference penalty against linebacker De’Vondre Campbell placed Los Angeles in field goal range, where their rookie kicker sealed the game with a successful kick.
San Francisco attempted several laterals after time expired, but their final play concluded on the Rams’ sideline.
Purdy passed for 292 yards in the Niners’ second consecutive road loss, following a setback against Minnesota in Week 2. Defensive end Nick Bosa emphasized the need for improvement, stating, “We’ve got to close them out when we have a chance. It’s definitely a rough start, but we just have to stay together.”
Both teams dealt with significant injuries, missing key offensive players. The 49ers played without Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, and George Kittle, while the Rams were missing Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua, and Tyler Higbee.
Purdy targeted Jennings frequently, who tallied his three touchdowns early, becoming the first 49ers receiver to achieve this feat in a game since Terrell Owens in 2001. Jennings, previously a seventh-round pick, proved pivotal, achieving more touchdown catches in this game than in his previous two seasons combined.
“Jauan was unbelievable,” said 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan. “He’s always like that. Got a lot more opportunities today, and he was automatic on every single one,” he added.
Injuries impacted both teams, with the 49ers’ Dee Winters returning from an ankle injury after a tough first half. Meanwhile, Javon Hargrave suffered a triceps injury, which Shanahan hoped would be a bruise. The Rams reported no new injuries following their challenging start to the season.
Looking ahead, the 49ers will host the New England Patriots on September 29, while the Rams are set to face the Chicago Bears the same day.