49ers vs. Rams Week 18 Live Blog
SANTA CLARA -- This is the live blog of the 49ers' Week 18 home game against the Los Angeles Rams. I will update this frequently with information and analysis from the press box.
12:25 Here are the 49ers' inactives: Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey, Arik Armstead, Ji'Ayir Brown, Jauan Jennings, Tashaun Gipson, Ambry Thomas.
12:30 This game will be tricky to cover because neither team has anything to play for. Presumably, each team will pull their starters after a drive or two, and then the rest of the game will be played by backups. So this is an opportunity to assess the future of the team. How good are the young players? How good is Sam Darnold? These questions shouldn't matter in early January just before a Super Bowl run, but that's all we have to analyze today. So let's focus on Darnold. This game is an audition for him. If he performs exceptionally well, he could land a gig as a starting quarterback elsewhere next season. If he performs moderately well, he could return as the 49ers backup quarterback next season. If he stinks, he could wash out of the league. I'm extremely curious to see how he plays. He has been in the 49ers offensive system all year. By this time last year, Brock Purdy had mastered the system, which means Darnold should have it down by now. And while we know he has a strong arm, we need to see if he can protect the football, because he couldn't on his previous teams.
1:24 The Rams win the toss and defer. The 49ers will receive the opening kickoff.
FIRST QUARTER
1:33 On 3rd and goal from the 1, Elijah Mitchell scores a rushing touchdown. Sam Darnold was 5 of 5 for 49 yards on that drive. He looked just like Purdy.
49ers 7, Rams 0.
1:45 On 3rd and 4 from the 49ers 18, Carson Wentz throws a touchdown pass to Puka Nacua, who beat Charvarius Ward, who committed a pass interference penalty which the Rams declined. Two incredibly easy drives to start the game. Doesn't seem like either team will play much defense today.
49ers 7, Rams 7.
SECOND QUARTER
2:05 On 2nd and goal from the 1, Sam Darnold runs a QB sneak and scores. It looks like both teams are playing by Pro Bowl rules. This is not a serious game.
49ers 14, Rams 7.
2:10 First play of the drive, Wentz's pass tips off Tutu Atwell's hands and gets intercepted by Taylor Hawkins at the Rams 36.
2:20 On 3rd and 8 from the Rams 20, Derion Kendrick breaks up a pass intended for Ronnie Bell. Then on fourth down, Jake Moody pushes a 38-yard field goal attempt wide right. The Rams take over at their 28.
2:30 On 3rd and 4 from the Rams 46, Wentz throws an incomplete pass defended by Taylor Hawkins. After the punt, the 49ers take over at their 10.
2:41 On 3rd and 4 from the Rams 5, Darnold throws a touchdown pass to Ronnie Bell. Darnold's quarterback rating now is 117.9.
2:41 Moody misses the extra point wide right.
2:46 On 1st and 5 from the Rams 48, Wentz scrambles for a short gain and slides, and the first half ends.
THIRD QUARTER
3:12 On 3rd and goal from the 8, Samuel Womack gives up a touchdown catch to Tyler Johnson. Womack was in great position but still gave up the catch. Story of his career. Next play, the Rams kicker misses the extra point wide left.
49ers 20, Rams 13.
3:24 On 3rd and 14 from the 49ers 34, Darnold sails a pass over an open Ronnie Bell's head. Darnold looks just as indecisive as he ever has. Good to know some things never change. After the punt, the Rams take over at their 19.
FOURTH QUARTER
3:44 On 4th and 4 from the 49ers 35, Oren Burks sacks Wentz, and the Rams turn it over on downs.
3:47 On 3rd and 5 from the 47, Darnold scrambles for one yard and the 49ers go 3 and out. After the punt, the Rams take over at their 29.
3:54 On 1st and 10 from the 49ers 12, Wentz runs a quarterback draw and dives into the end zone for the touchdown. The Rams are now going for two.
3:55 Wentz rolls to his right and hits Tutu Atwell in the back of the end zone, and the Rams take the lead.
49ers 20, Rams 21.
4:02 On 3rd and 10 from the 49ers 25, Darnold takes a sack, and the 49ers go 3 and out. Darnold is painfully indecisive in the pocket. After the punt, the Rams take over at their 34.
