Rams fall to 3–4 after loss to 49ers.
After coming off a much-needed bye week, the Rams' efforts weren't enough against newly acquired Christian McCaffrey and the 49ers' offense, falling to San Francisco 31–14 in a second-half meltdown.
Things looked to be going on the right track for L.A., scoring 14 first-half points in a high-energy start before giving up 24 unanswered points to the 49ers in Sunday’s loss.
“This is a different situation, but that doesn’t mean you hit the panic button,” said coach Sean McVay.
Sean McVay has never been 3-4 as an NFL head coach, and the Rams are now under .500 for the third time this season, a feat that McVay never had prior to this season.
Star wideout Cooper Kupp suffered an ankle injury late in the 4th quarter with almost a minute left in the game, which had coach McVay “kicking himself” for leaving him in there late and not running the ball.
Kupp, who was able to walk off the field under his own power, was seen with his ankle wrapped in the locker room after the game. While he said he wants to see how his ankle responds over the next few days, Kupp said signs are pointing to him “dodging a bullet” of a more serious injury, according to The Athletic.
Kupp finished with a team-high (both) 8 catches on 12 targets for 79 yards and a touchdown, averaging 10 yards a catch.
Other than his big play goal line diving touchdown to start the game, quarterback Matthew Stafford had a forgettable performance, finishing with under 200 yards of throwing for the first time this season, throwing for 187 yards and 1 touchdown.
The 49ers' new star, Christian McCaffrey, was the star of Sunday’s matchup, scoring three times in every way. Rushing for a touchdown, catching for a touchdown, and even THROWING for a touchdown on a trick play.
McCaffrey finished with 94 yards rushing on 18 attempts (5.2 yards a carry), 55 yards receiving on 8 catches (7 yards a catch), and 34 yards passing on a trick play.
Neither team could commit or force any turnover in the game, with zero takeaways from both sides.
The Rams’ next matchup will be on the road next Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 1:25 PM PDT on CBS.
