He Believes He Can Fly SF 49ers 23, St. Louis Rams 13
The San Francisco 49ers entered Week 13 as eight point favorites over the visiting St. Louis Rams. At the very least a lop-sided contest between the Rams’ 25th-ranked offense versus the 49ers’ 6th-ranked defense. What was not mentioned was that San Francisco’s offense was actually ranked below the Rams offense in yards per game.
In the first quarter, the 49ers’ defense proved an impenetrable wall for the Rams’ offense and in return the Rams’ 18th ranked defense allowed the 49ers just two field goals.
The second quarter would have played along in a similar fashion were it not for the return of Michael Crabtree. Finally healed from a tear to his Achilles tendon in May, Crabtree broke a 60-yard reception which set up a Frank Gore 3-yard push to the end zone (as part of his 42-yard day). A field goal was all the Rams’ offense could manage.
The second half began with what looked like a replay of the first. Both teams were held to single field goals in the third quarter. But the fourth quarter held a treasure which will go down into the Niner’s history book – Vernon Davis’ vaulting of the Rams’ Janoris Jenkins on his way to a 20-yard gain and a game-sealing touchdown.
Colin Kaepernick went 19 for 28 for 275 yards on the day thanks to the hands of receivers Anquan Boldin, Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree. And lest it go unmentioned, credit is due the Rams’ quarterback Kellen Clemens for his last minute, 92-yard drive which found the end zone with 18 seconds remaining.
