Opinion: 49ers deliver statement win in massive upset over the Rams

Kendrick Bourne (All-Pro Reels Photography, Wikimedia Commons)

Heading into week five of the NFL season, I like many, simply did not give the San Francisco 49ers much of a chance. The reason was simple. San Francisco headed into their game against the Los Angeles Rams as the walking wounded as I stated in my week five preview. You could basically through the records out the window, and I did not put much weight on the fact that both teams were 3-1.

Among the 49ers out on Thursday night were Nick Bosa (torn ACL), George Kittle (hamstring)  wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk (knee), Jauan Jennings (ribs and ankle), Jordan Watkins (calf), and Ricky Pearsall (knee), and quarterback Brock Purdy (toe). But somehow, and someway, the 49ers were able to put together a more complete effort than the Rams on Thursday in a stunning 26-23 overtime win.

San Francisco was an 8.5 point underdog, but had the much better start. They got first half touchdowns from tight end Jake Tonges of Los Gatos, California and running back Christian McCaffrey of Castle Rock, Colorado to take a 14-0 lead. San Francisco actually took a 20-7 third quarter lead, before the Rams marched back to force overtime.

The 49ers offensive star on Thursday was wide receiver Kendrick Bourne of Portland, Oregon, who was simply sensational. He had 10 catches for 142 receiving yards. That tied a career high in receptions and set a career high in receiving yards.

What we also saw from the Rams were key mistakes down the stretch. Running back Kyren Williams fumbled the football on the one yard line, and could not get a key one yard on a fourth down gamble in overtime. This was actually a game the Rams should have easily won but found a way to lose.