49ers vs Rams: Week 16 Grades and Analysis for San Francisco

With the win, the 49ers (2-13) avoided the possibility of finishing the season with the worst record in franchise history, had their best defensive effort since Week 1 and finally gave CEO Jed York and the team’s decision makers a reason to hold onto Chip Kelly for a second season.

Los Angeles Rams punter talks to NBC LA Sports Reporter Michael Duarte in an episode of “Rams Revealed”.

The Rams have one more game against the Cardinals, who will look to avenge their early season loss to the 4-11 Rams.

LOS ANGELES – The San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams renew acquaintances Saturday in Week 16. After a big penalty and a sturdy drive, Kaepernick found wide receiver Rod Streater who fought his way into the end zone for a touchdown. Replays showed the runner broke the plane ruling, but the play was reviewed and the on-field ruling of a touchdown stood. The Rams have made a head coach change and both teams are out of the playoffs.

Kaepernick’s two-point conversion run showcased his speed and elusiveness, arguably his best run since his playoff debut against the Green Bay Packers. His stat line Saturday – 11-of-24 passing, 90 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions – was even uglier.

Tramaine Brock’s first-series interception and Rashard Robinson’s fourth-quarter, win-clincher were huge in this win. It’s also the third time overall that L.A. has blown a fourth-quarter lead. He also added six carries for 15 yards and the aforementioned score with his legs.

Colin Kaepernick engineered a 14-point fourth quarter comeback, capped by a risky two-point conversion. In July, the National Football League and the NFLPA announced new disciplinary measures for teams that violate the concussion protocol, including fines and the potential loss of draft picks. The problem is that Kaepernick gashed the Rams’ pass defense for 266 yards and two TDs.

While the local fans cheered on their home team, the 49ers were just trying to battle the injury bug and finish strong. When usually upbeat COO Kevin Demoff showed up at the locker room he looked like he had lost his best friend and his dog at the same time. Hodges was replaced by fellow linebacker Carl Bradford.

BACK AGAIN: The 49ers haven’t played the Rams in the LA area since 1994, which is also their last championship season.

The rookie has been beaten up in his brief career, getting sacked 14 times in the past four games behind the Rams’ struggling offensive line.

The Rams took advantage of the fumble.

It should be noted that the 49ers do have 17 players on the injured reserve list. Despite injuries and poor performances throughout the season, this team proved they still have what it takes to top weaker teams in high pressure situations. That would turn out to be the season’s peak moment for the San Francisco run defense, which went into a tailspin soon after and has never recovered.