Wentz leads Rams to thrilling 21-20 victory against 49ers
January 7, 2024 – 8:02 PM EST
Carson Wentz leads thrilling comeback as Rams defeat 49ers
Wentz, who had appeared in one game for the Rams earlier this season but did not attempt a pass, completed 17 of 24 passes for 163 yards. He was intercepted once.
Wentz bolted up for the middle for a 12-yard touchdown, and then found Tutu Atwell for the conversion with 4:56 left to give the Rams their first lead of the day. Wentz also rushed 17 times for 56 yards.
San Francisco quarterback Sam Darnold fumbled while scrambling during the 49ers’ last-ditch try to get into field-goal range.
The game was laden with reserves as both teams were assured of playoff berths. The 49ers (12-5) were locked in as the top seed in the NFC, and the Rams (10-7) locked down the No. 6 seed with the win.
Also making his first start of the season, Darnold threw for 189 yards and a touchdown and ran for another score. The 49ers will get next week off, earning the lone bye in the NFC, when the playoffs begin.
Not sitting out Sunday was Los Angeles star wide receiver Puka Nacua. Nacua played into the third quarter, just long enough to set rookie records on consecutive catches.
A 7-yard reception pushed his yardage total past the 1,473 of rookie Bill Groman of the Houston Oilers in 1960. On the next play, Wentz and Nacua connected for the fifth time, giving Nacua 105 catches, one better than the Miami Dolphins’ Jaylen Waddle in 2021.
Los Angeles trimmed its deficit to 20-13 when Wentz hit Tyler Johnson with an 8-yard touchdown catch with 4:45 left in the third quarter.
The 49ers built that early lead with two touchdowns in the second quarter to break away from a 7-7 tie. Darnold capped a 16-play drive, which started late in the first period, by scoring from 1 yard out with 6:59 left before halftime.
Darnold’s 5-yard toss to Ronnie Bell produced another touchdown with 11 seconds left, but Jake Moody missed an extra point for the first time in 60 attempts this season, and the Niners took a 20-7 lead into intermission.
–Field Level Media
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What was the turning point in the game that allowed the Rams to take the lead?
A 21-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter. The Rams’ defense stepped up in the fourth quarter, forcing a turnover and allowing Wentz to lead a game-winning drive.
The game started off slow for both teams, with neither offense able to find the end zone in the first quarter. The 49ers managed to get a field goal early in the second quarter, but the Rams responded with a field goal of their own to tie the game at three.
In the closing minutes of the first half, San Francisco took the lead with a touchdown pass from Darnold to tight end George Kittle. The Rams had a chance to tie the game before halftime, but their field goal attempt was blocked, leaving the score at 10-3 in favor of the 49ers.
The third quarter began with a strong defensive showing from both teams, but the Rams were finally able to put together a scoring drive midway through the quarter. Wentz connected with Johnson for a touchdown, cutting the 49ers’ lead to 20-13.
With just under five minutes left in the game, the Rams got the ball back and Wentz went to work. He completed a series of passes, marching the Rams down the field and eventually finding Atwell for the two-point conversion that gave the Rams their first lead of the game.
The 49ers had one last chance to win the game, but Darnold fumbled the ball while scrambling, effectively ending their hopes. The Rams held on to secure the victory and clinch the sixth seed in the NFC playoffs.
It was a remarkable performance by Wentz, who had only played in one previous game for the Rams this season. He showed poise and leadership, completing 17 of 24 passes for 163 yards and a touchdown. He also made an impact with his legs, rushing for 56 yards and a touchdown. It was a true comeback story for Wentz, who had faced criticism earlier in his career.
The win was significant for the Rams, who secured their spot in the playoffs with a record of 10-7. They will face a tough challenge in the first round, but they have shown that they have the talent and resilience to compete with the best teams in the NFL.
Overall, it was an exciting and hard-fought game between the Rams and the 49ers. Both teams can be proud of their performances, but it was Wentz and the Rams who came out on top. As the playoffs approach, it will be interesting to see how far the Rams can go and if Wentz can continue to lead them to victory.
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