49ers-Rams score: How Los Angeles pulled off improbable 4th-quarter comeback vs. struggling San Francisco

Dan Treacy

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49ers-Rams score: How Los Angeles pulled off improbable 4th-quarter comeback vs. struggling San Francisco image

The Rams entered Sunday's matchup with the 49ers down their top two offensive weapons, and they played like it — until the fourth quarter.

After facing a two-possession deficit for two different stretches in the second half, Los Angeles stepped up on both sides of the ball and completed an unlikely comeback to avoid an 0-3 start.

The 49ers went into the game without three major weapons themselves, as Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, and Christian McCaffrey were all out, but Brock Purdy leaned on his connection with Jauan Jennings. When it mattered most, though, the 49ers' offense couldn't capitalize — and the defense couldn't get the big play it needed.

Here's what you need to know about how the Rams stormed back against San Francisco.

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49ers vs. Rams box score

 Q1Q2Q3Q4F
49ers1407324
Rams0771327

The win seemed to be safely in the 49ers' hands when they went up 14-0 in the first quarter and later 21-7 in the third. Los Angeles' offense couldn't get anything going without Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp, and surrendering three touchdowns to a 49ers offense missing so many key weapons was a bad sign. 

Sean McVay's team didn't quit, though. Kyren Williams scored late in the third quarter to pull within one possession, and a Joshua Karty field goal in the fourth quarter matched a Jake Moody field goal that stretched the lead back to 10.

The 49ers were still in control. Just one extended drive could have ended the game, whether via touchdown, field goal, or simply running out the clock. San Francisco was forced to settle for a 55-yard field goal try with 3:09 remaining, and this time, Moody's kick missed.

Everything from that point forward was negative for the 49ers. Matthew Stafford instantly hit Tutu Atwell for 50 yards to set up first-and-goal, and Williams cashed it in for the game-tying touchdown with 1:54 remaining. 

The 49ers still found themselves in a strong position, needing just a field goal to win, but their drive didn't even get to midfield. The turning point on the drive was a bad drop by Ronnie Bell, who couldn't bring down a downfield pass from Purdy — that was a situation that could've called for one of San Francisco's missing pass-catchers.

The Niners not only gave the ball back to the Rams with a chance to win, but they instantly put Los Angeles into field goal range after a big punt return by Xavier Smith and a pass interference penalty by De'Vondre Campbell. One more Williams run gave way to the game-winning field goal by Karty from 37 yards out, sending the 49ers home with a losing streak.

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Who is Xavier Smith?

The Rams' final possession was relatively drama-free, and that's a credit to Xavier Smith. Smith returned Mitch Wishnowsky's punt 38 yards, finding a hole along the sideline and setting up the Rams with excellent field position.

It was a long time coming for Smith. The returner, who turned 27 on Saturday, spent six seasons at Florida A&M before going undrafted in 2023. He stayed on Los Angeles' practice squad for all of 2023 and re-signed to the practice squad after getting released at the end of training camp this year.

Active on Sunday with Nacua and Kupp injured, Smith got his moment and took full advantage. 

Smith initially didn't receive any interest out of high school and spent a year working for Amazon before earning a walk-on opportunity at Florida A&M. From nearly quitting football at 18 to helping an NFL team complete a comeback win at 27, Smith's story is a remarkable one.

Dan Treacy

Dan Treacy Photo

Dan Treacy is a content producer for Sporting News, joining in 2022 after graduating from Boston University. He founded @allsportsnews on Instagram in 2012 and has written for Lineups and Yardbarker.