The Rams outlast the 49ers with zero touchdowns scored in the crucial NFC West matchup

The Rams outlast the 49ers with zero touchdowns scored in the crucial NFC West matchup

Not a single touchdown was scored, but the Los Angeles Rams earned a decisive NFC West victory over the San Francisco 49ers, 12-6, on Thursday night.

The Rams moved to 8-6 while the 49ers fell to 6-8.

Both quarterbacks, Matthew Stafford with the Rams and Brock Purdy with the 49ers, had fantastic performances in Week 14, leading many to believe that this game would be an offensive assault.

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Puka Nacua runs across the field

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, #17, walks toward the field before the start of the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. (Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images)

However, with the rain not helping in the first half, both offenses were out of sync and major defensive attacks were made to block some of the game’s best weapons with the ball in their hands.

Only six total points were scored in the first half, with the 49ers’ Jake Moody hitting a 53-yard field goal on the team’s second offensive possession and Josh Karty finally getting the Rams on the field with 1:05 left in the half, the score tied at 3 :3.

All other drives ended in punts – 11 to be exact – as the crowd at Levi’s Stadium began to grumble about the missing points.

CAN PLAYMAKING WR PUKA NACUA KEEP THE RAMS IN THE PLAYOFF RACE?

As the second half began, back-to-back field goals made the score 6-6, even though the Rams were the first team in the red zone with the ball all the way to the 49ers’ four-yard line. But nonetheless, no one found wage dirt.

The Rams took their first lead of the game after forcing a three-and-out, and Puka Nacua, who had two scores and over 170 yards on the previous play, made a 51-yard catch and got right back in the game Game 49ers territory.

Brock Purdy throws

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, #13, throws a pass against the Los Angeles Rams during the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. (Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images)

However, Los Angeles was unable to get a first down from two yards out, and Karty was subbed in again to make his third field goal of the game.

Purdy and the 49ers’ offense were desperate to respond, and the signal-caller darted deep down the field to Jauan Jennings, another receiver who scored twice in Week 14. However, the passer for an interception was veteran Darious Williams.

With head coach Kyle Shanahan unable to believe his eyes on how his offense was performing, Stafford and head coach Sean McVay tried to be methodical in their approach to turning the clock over, hoping they could finish the game.

That’s exactly what happened as Stafford picked apart a great 49ers defense and picked up key first downs in the passing game while Kyren Williams also picked up yards.

Karty made his fourth field goal with just 20 seconds left, forcing the 49ers to score a touchdown for the win. Since there was no longer enough time for this, the Rams had great playoff chances, while the 49ers’ hopes became even lower than they already were.

Jauan Jennings watches on the sidelines

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings, #15, looks down the sideline before a game against the Los Angeles Rams in the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. (Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images)

Looking at the box score, it wasn’t great as Stafford went 16-for-27 for 160 yards, but Nacua accounted for 97 of those on seven receptions. What was a shock, however, was that Cooper Kupp didn’t catch a single pass on three goals.

Williams also managed 108 yards on the ground on 29 carries, leading the team in rushing.

With the 49ers, Purdy was 14 of 31 for 142 yards with his interceptions, and George Kittle was his best receiver, grabbing four catches for 61 yards.

It’s also worth noting that Deebo Samuel Sr., who indicated he wants to get the ball more after not performing up to par this season, had a shaky performance this season. He finished the game with just three catches for 16 yards and three yards on two carries.

Matthew Stafford calls for play

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 plays against the San Francisco 49ers in the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. (Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images)

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Plus, there might have been the only touchdown of the game when Purdy hit Samuel right between the numbers on a slant route, with tons of open field to work with in Rams territory. But Samuel dropped it and boos rained across the field as 49ers fans knew what their star had said about the match.

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