San Francisco 49ers Win Physical Game Over St. Louis Rams
By David Ochoa
Dec 1, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) tries to break free from the hold of St. Louis Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson (22) after making a catch in the third quarter at Candlestick Park. The 49ers defeated the Rams 23-13. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
The San Francisco 49ers defeated the St. Louis Rams 23-13 Sunday. The game was chippy from even before the game until the very end. There was lots of activity after each play and plenty of flags. Both divisonal rivals entered Candlestick Park to try to keep their playoff hopes alive, and the 49ers were the ones to come out victorious.
Colin Kaepernick ended the game with 275 yards and one touchdown on 19-of-28 passing. Kaepernick appeared to be much more comfortable with all of his weapons finally back and healthy. Michael Crabtree appeared to be back to form almost immeaditely after snagging two catches for 68 yards. His Achilles looked fine as he beat cornerback Trumaine Johnson for a 60-yard gain. Vernon Davis and Anquan Boldin stole the show in the passing game once again, combining for 13 catches for 180 yards and one touchdown. Frank Gore and the running game combined for only 83 yards on 30 carries, but they would gladly take that every game if it meant that their passing woes were healed.
Although the 49ers are happy with the win over a divionsal matchup, the 49ers are still holding their breath on Joe Staley’s injury. Staley left the game with a knee injury early in the game. The 49ers are hoping it is just a minor injury that won’t keep Staley away for too long. Staley appeared to be in pain, but was able to walk off the field and into the locker room under his own power. Even with two Pro Bowl offensive linemen out of the game, the 49ers offensive line were able to hold Chris Long and the NFC sack leader Robert Quinn to no sacks.
The defense was able to hold Kellen Clemons and the Rams’ passing attack to only 218 yards and one touchdown which most came in the last two minutes of the game against back ups. Zac Stacy and the Rams’ run game which was able to dominate that past few games struggled as they collectively only rushed for 114 yards on 26 carries. The defense was able to pick off Kellen Clemons once and held must of their offensive stars like Tavon Ausin in check.
Just like the defense, the special teams was able to stifle any return chance that Tavon Austin had. The coverage unit was also able to foil a trick play by the Rams’ late in the game that essentially ended it. Phil Dawson was 3-for-3 in today’s game and has 16 straight field goals.
The 49ers must ride this high that they are experiencing after these last two games into next week, as they have a tough game against the division leaders Seattle Seahawks next Sunday.