Rams pull off improbable comeback to beat 49ers

The Rams, with a patchwork lineup, never led until field goal in the final seconds.

Sep 23, 2024 - 05:00

Rams pull off improbable comeback to beat 49ers

INGLEWOOD – The Rams looked dead and buried when they were down by two touchdowns at the end of the first quarter. Then again in the third quarter. Then again when the San Francisco 49ers took a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter.

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 in the huddle against the San Francisco 49ers in the first half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)

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Without Cooper Kupp, without Puka Nacua, without 40% of an offensive line and 50% of a secondary, no way, no how could this team overcome that kind of deficit, right?

So, so wrong. From a fake punt that sprung a touchdown drive, to two audibled calls at the goal line that led to touchdowns, to a punt return to midfield by a practice squad call-up, to a game-winning field goal by rookie kicker Joshua Karty, the Rams (1-2) pulled out every trick in the book to pull off a 27-24 win over the 49ers.

After a missed field goal by San Francisco’s Jake Moody, the Rams took over at their own 45 with 2:43 to play. Quarterback Matthew Stafford wasted no time lofting the ball up 50 yards in the air to Tutu Atwell. The speedy receiver, who had bobbled a couple of passes earlier in the game, was sure-handed that time, sliding into the 49ers 5 with the ball in hand.

Two plays later, Stafford audibled into a touchdown play for the second time. The red 49ers defense split in half, and Kyren Williams ran in for a tying score, his third of the game.

The Rams defense forced two straight incompletions, then tackled 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy short. San Francisco (1-2) had no choice but to punt, but could not expect practice squad call up Xavier Smith to return the kick to midfield. Without a timeout, the Rams were already within striking distance of field goal range.

A pass interference on the 49ers did the rest of the work, and Karty nailed the game winner from 37 yards out.