Week 7: Rams (4-1) at San Francisco (6-0)
This heated rivalry called for something special. That something was Fan Appreciation Day, as most fans received complimentary miniature NFL helmets.
1st Quarter
On the opening drive, San Francisco managed to draw first blood after FB Phillip Crosby trucked into the endzone from two yards away. The Rams offense started off stagnant and they were unable to put any points on the board in the first quarter. A 38-yard field goal from Chandler made it 10-0.
2nd Quarter
Kurt Warner dropped back and threw a pass to Bruce... but he did not see CB Drew Jones who intercepted the ball and returned it to the St. Louis 5 yard line. This set up a 5-yard run by Kevan Barlow and the Niners had a 17-0 lead. The Rams made it to the 49ers 36, but a 53-yard attempt by Jeff Wilkins came up just short. Likewise, when Chandler attempted one from 51 yards, he too came up short.
3rd Quarter
The Rams finally got onto the board on their opening drive of the new half after Marshall Faulk ran in from the 8 yard line to end a nice, 9-play drive. The wind was taken directly out of St. Louis' sails on the kickoff, however, when Drew Jones returned it 87 yards for the touchdown. Later, a 39-yard Wilkins field goal made it 24-10.
4th Quarter
Warner was going back to pass from LE Andrew Williams hit his arm, causing a fumble. The ball bounced back to the Rams 5 before being scooped up by Andre Carter and taken in to add to the Niners lead and make it 31-10. St. Louis' passing game quickly got them within San Francisco's 5. On 4th & Goal from the 6, Faulk made a reception and was ruled in for the TD! But a challenge from Dennis Erickson allowed the refs to take another look and they determined Faulk was down at the inch line. This kept the score at 31-10. That is, until the Rams next drive when Kurt Warner found WR Shaun McDonald for an 11-yard score but at 31-17, the game was already over.
FINAL: San Francisco defeats St. Louis 31-17!
Player of the Game
CB Drew Jones - 3 tackles, INT, KR TD
Key Performances
QB Seneca Wallace - 83.1, 17/27, 185 yards
RB Kevan Barlow - 23 att, 56 yards, TD
San Francisco: 7-0
Next Game: vs Redskins (1-6) - MNF!
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