The Write Zone

I’m mind blown. The San Francisco 49ers, battered by injuries and playing with a backup quarterback, pulled off one of their craziest wins in recent memory. In a dramatic overtime finish, they edged out the Los Angeles Rams 26-23, a game decided by turnovers, special teams, and a player no one saw coming.

This matchup carried plenty of weight for both sides. The Rams entered with momentum and home-field advantage, while the 49ers came in short-handed. Brock Purdy was unavailable, forcing San Francisco to lean on Mac Jones as QB. Key receivers like Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall were out, leaving questions about how the offense would function. Despite the odds, the 49ers carries a reputation for fighting hard in divisional battles—and this game proved no different.

The 49ers struck early, with Mac Jones finding Jake Tonges for a touchdown that shocked the LA crowd into silence, but pumped up those Faithful to the Bay like crazy. The Rams answered, keeping pace behind Matthew Stafford and a steady run game. By halftime, the game was as no one expected: both defenses forcing tough third downs, both kickers keeping their teams alive, but the Niners ultimately pulling out on top.

After the half, the game became even more wild. San Francisco’s special teams delivered with a stunning 59-yard field goal from Eddy Piñeiro. The Rams looked poised to seize control late, but a fumble at the goal line by running back Kyren Williams turned the tide dramatically. I am dazzled with that turnover, because that should have given the rams a chance to walk away 4-1, but the roles were reversed. Instead of punching in a go-ahead score, Los Angeles came away empty. But man, did the Rams rally. A late drive and a clutch field goal from Joshua Karty sent the game into overtime. (Real fast, I want to mention that the Rams should have been 4 points ahead, but two missed kicks from Karty sent them into a tie instead)

The 49ers opened OT with one gutsy, all-or-nothing drive. Mac Jones found Kendrick Bourne for key gains, setting up Piñeiro for another field goal to make it 26-23. The Rams had a chance to respond, driving deep into 49ers territory. On fourth-and-one, Sean McVay made the bold call to go for the win instead of a tying kick. Boy, if only McVay had called differently. The 49ers defense stuffed the play, sealing victory in stunning fashion.

If there was one player who truly changed the complexion of this game, it was Kendrick Bourne. With San Francisco’s receiving players injured, the veteran wideout stepped into a starring role and delivered arguably the best performance of his career. Bourne finished with 142 yards receiving, making big play after big play in critical moments. He consistently found holes in the Rams’ secondary, giving Mac Jones a reliable target whenever the pocket collapsed. In overtime, Bourne was at his best—hauling in multiple catches to extend drives and set up Piñeiro’s game-winning kick. Beyond the stat line, his energy and fight after the catch gave the 49ers an emotional boost. I wouldn’t be shocked if his name randomly appears on a jersey in the NFL shop. In a game where offensive firepower was in short supply, Bourne became the spark plug the 49ers desperately needed. For a player who has often been viewed as a role piece, this performance elevated him into the spotlight. On a night when the team’s stars were either sidelined or limited, Bourne showed he could carry the offensive load and thrive under pressure. That’s what would make him the best player of the night for me. Period.

With the win, the 49ers climb to the top of the NFC West standings despite being down some of their best players. The victory provides a huge confidence boost for a roster stretched thin by injuries. For the Rams, this loss stings. Bad. While they remain competitive in the division, questions linger about late-game decision-making and ball security in critical moments. Both teams will need to regroup quickly, but the 49ers head into their next game with a fearless motive, ready to shock the Buccaneers into silence like they did with the Rams. I would say this game was a statement; The 49ers proved that even without their full roster, they can grind out victories against elite opponents. Kendrick Bourne’s breakout, Piñeiro’s clutch leg, and a defense that thrived in the biggest moments combined to write one of the most memorable chapters in this rivalry’s history.

See you at the next snap,

Tatum