Gurley leads way with 133 yards as Rams handle 49ers 27

With the Rams rushing game in full swing, the sweep play for Austin was ideal for a red zone opportunity for the Rams. Gurley is a rare talent doing things that rookie running backs rarely do in the NFL. “We have to do our job that we signed up for”. “A lot of times when guys try to force, force, force – they overdo it. They don’t need to do that”. Gaskins carried the ball a total of five times for six yards. But in beating Cleveland and San Francisco by a combined 51-12, St. Louis strung together consecutive wins for the first time this year and shown the kind of positive consistency it’s often lacked for the last decade. Gurley’s 566 rushing yards are the most in a player’s 1st four NFL starts in the Super Bowl era, according to the league. For those preaching patience, scrutinizing the sample size, and refusing to jump to conclusions, can you tell me what it’s like to lose your sense of wonder?

It’s a matter of avoiding complacency, and the unit has bought in to that mentality. And when they have, the Rams haven’t handed it off much. Austin has a career-best seven touchdowns, one more than he had as a rookie in 2013…. Todd Gurley broke off a 71-yard touchdown, Tavon Austin recorded a 66-yard score on a bubble screen and Jared Cook hauled in a 49-yard reception to set up another touchdown.

“It’s how you respond to everything negative that happens”, NaVorro Bowman said. “It’s a simple read for Nick (Foles)”.

Following on from the waiving of Hayne’s contract, it has been revealed that free agent Ben Tate is being looked at by the 49ers staff as a replacement for seriously injured options Reggie Bush (knee) and Mike Davis (hand). “So yes, it’s a good problem from an opposing defensive standpoint”.

“Those are two dynamic players that are extremely explosive. We got off the field on fourth down a couple of drives and once they get down there, we’re stressing field goals, field goals, field goals”. “I just used my speed and was able to run down and get a touchdown”. In the receiving end, Vernon Davis had 61 yards in four catches while Anquan Boldin added 39 yards in three receptions. On the ground, Todd Gurley rushed for 128 yards and two touchdowns in 19 attempts. “He’s a dual threat that can be in the backfield, in the slot, everywhere”. “It’s a team game, so anytime the team struggles, it’s hard to feel good about anything”, Dawson said.

The 49ers are certainly in the market for running back help. Coach Jim Tomsula said he made the call to promote the 238-pound Gaskins because he wanted a power back available to play against the Rams. It’s tough for the defense because they have to prepare for it all.

Hayne saw limited playing time in his six games with the 49ers, gaining 25 yards on eight carries and averaging 9.5 yards on eight punt returns. The Rams were whistled for nine penalties two weeks ago.

“It’s a nice change”, middle linebacker James Laurinaitis said. Ask yourself: who would you rather have on your team instead of Gurley right now? “And when you do, you have to capitalize”.

On Sunday, the Rams met the all-around challenged 49ers.

The last two games, they’re a paltry 2 for 21 on third downs. “That just doesn’t get it done”. Everybody in the building is being evaluated every day. It’s not going to stop. “We’ll work as a unit and keep it going”.

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Bruce Ellington, right, is stopped by St. Louis Rams cornerback Lamarcus Joyner, left, after catching a pass during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, November 1, 2015, in St. Louis.

“We overcame a few things – Kenny [Britt’s] drop and then Tavon’s fumble”, Fisher said.