:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/3208633/156054420.0.jpg)
Wow! What a game, the St. Louis Rams outplayed the opponent for three quarters and even injured the 49ers starting quarterback Alex Smith. The game still ended up a tie.
For once the Rams offense showed up and scored touchdowns, doing so against an elite defense. The 49ers and second-year quarterback Colin Kaepernick were too much for the Rams defense, and the 49ers drove down the field with one minute remaining to send the game into overtime.
Enough about that let's look at the positive aspects from this game.
The Rams didn't lose
The Rams played against a more talented team, and although the Rams should have won the game, the Rams didn't lose. They tied, whether that's a good thing or not, depends on who you ask.
The Rams outplayed the 49ers for three quarters. However, that's why they play four quarters. The Rams should have won, but too many mistakes forced them to kind of lose, I think, how do you describe a tie again?
Sam Bradford is a franchise quarterback
Sam Bradford has slowly been improving in every game this season. His pocket presence and deep ball accuracy have grown by leaps and bounds. Obviously, Bradford still has more to do, but a better line and receiving weapons would help him.
Bradford played against the "best" defense in the NFL, and passed for 275 yards 2 touchdowns. Hethrew a perfect deep ball to Danny Amendola in overtime - which went for 80 yards - but was called back because of an illegal formation penalty.
Sam isn't the problem.
The return of the fallen players
The offense flowed better when Rodger Saffold and Danny Amendola played this week. Honestly, the picture quality I had while I watched the majority of the game on wasn't great, but Saffold didn't look bad this game. The Rams need to bring Scott Wells back as soon as possible, and the offensive line will be solid. Danny Amendola makes Sam Bradford so much better. Amendola had another 100 yard game, and if his catch wasn't called back he would have added another 80 yards to his total for the day.
The running game is back
The dynamic duo of Steven Jackson and Daryl Richardson rushed for 159 yards. Steven Jackson topped 100 rushing yards for the first time this season, and it took 29 carries to get there, but the Rams were committed to running the ball. If the Rams want to win more games, that is the formula for winning.