There were several turning points in Saturday’s game between the Rams and 49ers. Jared Goff’s pick-six before the half comes to mind, as does the 49ers first third-and-16 conversion on their final possession.
None were bigger than the 46-yard pass to Emmanuel Sanders on third-and-16 to set up Robbie Gould’s game-winning field goal, though. It was the second time on that very drive that San Francisco converted on third-and-16, this time with Jalen Ramsey and Taylor Rapp in coverage.
It was a bizarre play by the two defensive backs, appearing to be a miscommunication. Ramsey played trail technique underneath Sanders, expecting Rapp to cover the deep half. Instead, Rapp went to the corner and left Sanders wide open down the middle.
Here’s a look at the play.
In the locker room after the game, Ramsey explained what happened.
“It wasn’t me and Eric. E-Dub was on the other side. It was me and Rapp,” Ramsey said. “We as in a form of two-man. We had an adjustment check to it because they was condensed splits. I played my technique, trusting that he was going to be over the top. And he wasn’t. That’s just what happened.”
Based on Ramsey’s reaction after the play and in the locker room, he wasn’t thrilled with the way Rapp played the route. He was expecting help over the top, which he didn’t get. It was a costly play, but it’s not the sole reason the Rams missed the playoffs.
They had several opportunities to save their season, both on Saturday night and in weeks prior. Ramsey’s frustration is understandable, though, given the way the year went for him and the Rams.
