A 29-yard Joe Nedney field goal in overtime vaulted the San Fransisco 49ers back into the NFC West picture as they defeated the St. Louis Rams, 20-17. The Niners took the lead late in the fourth quarter after seeing three touchdowns called back due to penalties throughout the day. Troy Smith hit Michael Crabtree for the go-ahead score late, only to see the score tied with a last second Josh Brown field goal.
After forcing the Rams to punt in overtime, Frank Gore took over, carrying the Niners down the field and setting up Nedney’s game winner. A controversial pass interference call put the Niners into field goal range and Gore made it nothing more than a chip-shot. It was San Fransisco’s second-straight win, putting them back into the race in a wide-open NFC West.
Smith, starting for the inactive Alex Smith, threw for 356 yards and a touchdown on the day, creating a quarterback controversy in San Fransisco. Frank Gore added 87 yards and a score on the ground, picking up crucial yards late. Delanie Walker led all receivers with 80 yards and Vernon Davis added 79.
Sam Bradford dropped back 42 times on the day, completing 30 passes for 251 yards and a touchdown. Steven Jackson rushed for 81 yards and a score. Brandon Gibson led the Rams’ receivers with 72 yards in the air and Danny Amendola added a touchdown.
The Rams fall to 4-5 on the season, one game out of first place. The Niners improved to 3-6, just two games out after a slow start. St. Louis hosts the Atlanta Falcons next Sunday while San Fransisco hosts the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.