Best Los Angeles Rams/Forty Niners games

[Jay Z]

After the Rams and 49ers 1970-72 tussles, the Rams took control of the division. They made 8 consecutive playoff appearances from 1973-80, while the 49ers were shut out.

Unsurprisingly, the Rams dominated the rivalry during this period by a 14-2 count. One of the 49ers wins was a coming out party for those half season wonders, the 1976 49ers, who sacked James Harris 10 times in a 16-0 1976 victory. The other 49er win came the prior time the teams met.

The 2-5 49ers didn't seem to have much of a chance going into the Coliseum against the 6-1 Rams. After a Ram 3 and out, 49er QB Steve Spurrier worked the 49ers into Ram territory. Spurrier was in his ninth year with the Niners, but starting his first game of the season in lieu of ancient journeyman Norm Snead. Spurrier wasn't exactly the beta version of Ryan Leaf, but it's safe to say his NFL career had been a disappointment to date.

That first 49er drive stalled at the Ram 39 and a punt was forced. Worse, that Tom Wittum punt was blocked by Monte Jackson, and recovered on the Ram 48. It took the Rams just 6 plays to march the entire 52 yards, solely on running plays and penalties. John Cappelletti went in from 25 yards out for a 7-0 Ram lead.

The 49ers went three and out. No punt block this time, but the Rams got the ball on their own 45. They did go to the air some this time, but the result was the same, a touchdown. Jim Bertelsen for a one yard touchdown run. 14-0, Rams.

Again the 49ers went three and out. To this point, Spurrier was 1 for 7 for 15 yards. At least the 49ers had started from their own 40, and were able to pin the Rams deeper. The next Rams drive was stalled by a Cedrick Hardman sack. A good Bruce Taylor return of a Duane Carrell punt set the 49ers up nicely at their own 45. The 49ers moved in to Ram territory, but a Larry Schreiber hold scotched the drive. Wittum's punt did pin the Rams at their own 1, where the Niners forced a three and out.

A short Carrell kick put the Niners at the Ram 33, but their frustrations continued. Going for it on 4th and 1 at the Ram 11, a Wilbur Jackson fumble was recovered by Jack Reynolds. Fortunately for the Niners, Hardman came through again, sacking James Harris on consecutive plays. The 49ers took over at their own 43 after the punt. Again Spurrier moved the team, to the Ram 30. Here Spurrier was hit by Bob Nelson and attempted a lateral that was recovered by Fred Dryer. The Rams quickly moved down to the 49er 35, but a last second pass was intercepted by Skip Vanderbundt as the half ended.

The first half featured a number of missed opportunities for the 49ers. Spurrier wouldn't let that happen in the second. Facing a 3rd and 10 at the 49ers 30, Spurrier scrambled for 11 and a first down, then hit Tom Mitchell for 17. Then Gene Washington at the Rams' goal line for a touchdown! 14-7, Rams.

The Rams started to move again after the kickoff, but Willie McGee fumbled and Bruce Taylor recovered. First down for the Niners on their own 45. Spurrier would strike again, but he had a lot to overcome. He sneaked for a first down on 4th and 1. He overcame a Bob Penchion hold with completions to Schrieber and Terry Beasley. He ran up the middle for 12 yards on 3rd and 10. Facing second and 19 at the Ram 19, he hit Delvin Williams at the 12, who ran it the rest of the way for a touchdown! It was a 14-14 tie.

The Rams fought back. Starting at their own 44 after a long return, they wound up stalling at the 49er 20. Tom Dempsey field goal was no good, but Ralph McGill roughed Dempsey. The Rams took the penalty and moved down to the 6, where Dempsey was good this time. 17-14 Rams.

The 49ers struck back with a vengeance. On 3rd and 1 at their own 32, Spurrier pulled an old Bart Starr trick, hitting Gene Washington on a bomb for a 68 yard TD and the Niners first lead! 21-17, San Fran. The Rams got the ball back, but after one first down a third down Harris pass was blocked. Old tackle Charlie Cowan caught it, but couldn't rumble for the first.

A Carrell punt backed the 49ers to the 10, where they set out to eat up some clock. The drive stalled on the Ram 42, but by the time Wittum punted, 3:42 was left on the clock. Now was the time for some James Harris heroics. Taking over at his own 20, the Rams steadily moved the ball. A 16 yard pass to Jim Bertelsen on 3rd down moved the Rams to the Niner 1, and Bertelsen took it over from there. 24-21 Rams. Whoops, make that 23-21, as Dempsey missed the extra point.

1:34 left for the Niners. Three Spurrier passes got the 49ers to the Ram 37, but then he missed twice. On came rookie Steve Mike-Mayer, whose 54 yard field goal was... GOOD! 24-23 49ers!

0:34 left. The Rams weren't done. A completion to Ron Jessie reached the 49er 23, but alas, holding on Cowan. A desperation Harris heave was picked off by Jimmy Johnson. The 49ers win!

This was likely the best game of Spurrier's career. He threw for more yards, but all in losses. He had better QB ratings, but all against lousy teams. The 290 yards the Rams gave up in the air was the most they gave up all year in the regular season.

Spurrier and the 49ers would win the next two games against the weak Saints and Bears. That was all she wrote for Spurrier and Dick Nolan as 49er winners. Spurrier, above .500 at this point, would lose the last 15 starts of his career!

[Gary Najman]

Last season Thursday Níght 41-39 classic should be included:


https://www.pro-football-reference.com/ ... 210sfo.htm

[Todd Pence]

1967 - 49ers 27, Rams 24: Niners come close to blowing 20-0 lead, salvage game with late TD to hand Rams only loss of regular season

1969 - Rams 27, 49ers 21: Maybe best Gabriel-Brodie showdown ever, Rams rally from 8 down late to stay unbeaten.