Niners Nation
The San Francisco 49ers put their undefeated NFC West record on the line against a surging Los Angeles Rams team in hopes of a repeat of the Week 5 result.
But after allowing a Rams touchdown on each of the first three drives, San Francisco found themselves in a 21-0 hole that proved to be too deep to dig out of. Despite working their way back into the game, getting the score to a one-possession game twice, the Rams powered through the 49ers’ comeback attempts en route to a 42-26 victory.
There wasn’t much positive from the defense, so like last week, all three stars come from the 49ers offense:
Third star: PR Skyy Moore
It was a sluggish start for the 49ers for the first 23 or so minutes on Sunday, falling quickly behind the Rams by three scores. Even after a couple of promising offensive drives, a Jauan Jennings fumble and a turnover on downs killed any momentum the offense had.
Desperate for any big play to boost the offense, Skyy Moore was the unlikely player who helped get the 49ers’ offense going.
After allowing the Rams to score on their first three drives on Sunday, the San Francisco defense finally forced Rams punter Ethan Evans to take the field for his first of only two punts on the day. With his fair share of struggles in the punt return game (mostly bad decisions on when to return the ball versus when to let it bounce into the end zone), Moore finally had his first impact return this season.
Moore handled Evans’ 48-yard punt at the San Francisco 37-yard line. He was able to make the first rush of Rams defenders miss, earning some open space. Moore then made a nice cut to avoid a few more would-be Rams tacklers before finally getting caught from behind by Shaun Dolac.
When it was said and done, Moore’s return went for 27 yards, his longest punt return of the season. It was just what the 49ers offense needed, as seven plays later, they took advantage of the field position for their first touchdown of the game.
Second star: TE George Kittle
After three relatively quiet games from the 49ers’ tight end after returning from injury, Kittle finally had the game people have been waiting for. Unfortunately, it was used in a losing effort.
In the three games since missing five with a hamstring injury, Kittle combined for eight receptions for 75 yards and a touchdown. On Sunday, Kittle finished with nine receptions on nine targets for 84 yards and a touchdown.
Kittle made the first impact play of the game for the offense following an opening drive three-and-out. After a false start pushed the 49ers’ offense back five yards, San Francisco faced a second-and-12. Mac Jones targeted Kittle for the first time, and Kittle responded with a nice diving catch to move the chains for the 49ers’ first first down of the game.
While his first catch was impressive, the...
