Los Angeles Rams linebacker Christian Rozeboom front right puts the tackle on San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel center in first half action at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara on Thu Dec 12, 2024 (AP News photo)
By Barbara Mason
The San Francisco 49ers (6-8) lost a critical game to their rival the Los Angeles Rams (8-6) 12-6 as rain soaked Levi’s Stadium. The inclement weather didn’t help the sloppy play that this game revealed. Over 71,-000 fans were present despite the weather hoping the team would keep their playoff hopes alive.
What they got was a stinker of a game. Quarterback Brock Purdy finished the game with 142 passing yards, three sacks, one interception and no touchdowns. San Francisco did hold a 6-3 lead going into the fourth quarter but came up short when the Rams scored three field goals in the final quarter.
Game recap: The first quarter of this game was wet and sloppy, in fact it would rain throughout the entire first half. After the first 15 minutes of play San Francisco came away with a single field goal and a 3-0 lead. Jake Moody connected for a 53 yard field goal. There were seven punts in the opening quarter.
The second quarter was equally sloppy for both teams. Los Angeles did tie up the game with a 48 yard field goal courtesy of kicker Joshua Karty 3-3. That would be the only points scored in the first half. Both quarterbacks struggled in the first half although both teams were able to get within field goal range. It was a bizarre first half, an offensive struggle with some solid defense.
The 49ers would kick their second field goal of the game to take a 6-3 lead in the third quarter. Jake Moody kicked a 47 yard field goal taking the 6-3 lead into the fourth quarter. Going into the half, the rain came to an end which could possibly make for some much improved football.
The Rams saved the best for last kicking three field goals in the final quarter of play. San Francisco could not keep them out of field goal range. Los Angeles’ kicker Joshua Karty kicked a 23 yarder at 13:38, a second kick for 27 yards at 9:28 and a third field goal with 18 second left in the game for 29 yards taking a 12-6 lead which would be the final. The Rams while unable to score any touchdowns but were able to drive deep into San Francisco territory three times to take the lead and win this game.
It was only four days ago that San Francisco won the highest scoring game of this year’s season. Thursday night they couldn’t get anything going. Of course the weather had a lot to do with the outcome but the Rams also had the same challenge.
Los Angeles did a better job on the ground with 142 yards rushing to San Francisco’s 63 yards. It was a tough night for S.F. quarterback Brock Purdy who finished with 142 yards passing yards, three sacks, one interception and no touchdowns.
San Francisco had driven into field goal range when Purdy was intercepted. This game turned into a punt-athon with neither team scoring a touchdown the entire game. This was the first time since 2019 that San Francisco had failed to score a touchdown.
The Rams were able to get a little more offense than San Francisco did. It was not either teams finest hour although the Rams had more fight than the 49ers did considering the importance that this game carried for both teams.
Los Angeles deserves a lot of credit for being able to find a way to win Thursday night. They are now a 1/2 game behind the division leading Seattle Seahawks after starting off the season 1-4.
Game notes: The 49ers took on the Rams in a prime time Thursday Night Football showdown. This was a crucial game for San Francisco if they were to have any chance for a wild card spot in the playoffs. It was a huge game for the Rams as well who are now two games ahead of San Francisco improve their record to 8-6 record.
San Francisco remains short-handed in the running back position but had the services of Isaac Guerendo. The weather could not have been worse for this all-important game with a drizzle to steady rain. This was just another obstacle for San Francisco to contend with.
San Francisco will not take the field until December 22 in a game with the Miami Dolphins. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:25 PM. With three games left in the season San Francisco’s hopes for a wild card berth are dwindling.
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