49ers vs. Rams 3rd quarter thread: Don’t get too comfortable

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

On the following drive, Isaac Yiadom gave up a reception on 3rd & 8, but the real story was the change at linebacker. Dee Winters made his season debut, replacing DeVondre Campbell. It didn’t appear to be injury-related. Winters was shaken up after the Rams ran a fake punt. Injuries might be an issue with the young linebacker out of TCU. Campbell re-entered the game. Winters was officially questionable to return with what was ruled an ankle injury.

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

Nick Sorensen is telling us that 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 the 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 beat McKivitz like a drum, and Brock Purdy didn’t have two hands on the ball. The Rams took over with a short field and had an opportunity to put points on the board. Nick Bosa saved the day, and Maliek Collins cleaned up for a sack.