The Rams picked up two first downs on the ensuing drive, but a holding penalty and Javon Hargrave hitting his man right off the snap for his first sack of the season made it 2nd & 29. It was a welcome sight for the Niners defense, which struggled to pressure the passer.

On the next drive, Isaac Yiadom made a reception on 3rd & 8, but the real story was the change at linebacker. Dee Winters made his season debut, replacing DeVondre Campbell. It did not appear to be injury related. Winters was shaken up after the Rams ran a fake punt. Injuries could be a problem for the young linebacker out of TCU. Campbell returned to the game. Winters was officially questionable to return with what was ruled an ankle injury.

Winters’ injury and the fake punt would prove costly. The Rams would eventually score on a 16-play, 87-yard drive that took nearly eight minutes off the clock.

Nick Sorensen tells us he has zero confidence in De’Vondre Campbell. On 3rd & 2, he took Campbell off the field in favor of a fifth defensive lineman. The Rams ran for two yards and picked up a first down. Sean McVay didn’t ignore Campbell on the next passing play. He isolated him against Campbell in coverage with a running back, and 14 yards later, Kyren Williams flipped into the end zone to cut the lead to 14-7.

Trent Williams left the next possession with cramps. Jaylon Moore replaced him during the two-minute drill, but it was Colton McKivitz who was the tackle to worry about. Rams edge rusher Byron Youn was beating McKivitz like a drum and Brock Purdy couldn’t get both hands on the ball. The Rams took over with a short field and had a chance to put points on the board. Nick Bosa made the save and Maliek Collins cleared for a sack.