It was over when ...
Rams kicker Jeff Wilkins just missed a 56-yard field with 56 seconds remaining. The 49ers, predicted by many to be the surprise team of the NFC, are 2-0 for the first time since 1998, while St. Louis has some serious questions to answer, especially on the offensive line.
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| Elsa / Getty Images |
| Playing with a heavy heart, Frank Gore points to the sky after scoring a touchdown. |
Game balls
49ers running back Frank Gore, grieving over the loss of his mother earlier this week, rushed for 81 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Defensively, Nate Clements knocked the ball from Torry Holt as St. Louis that went through the end zone (resulting in a touchback), that thwarted a drive and kept the 49ers in the game. Rams receiver Isaac Bruce, the ageless one, continues to put up good numbers. He finished with eight receptions for 145 yards.
Key stat
St. Louis running back Steven Jackson held under 100 total yards again. Jackson rushed for 60 yards and had three receptions for 36 more. Obviously, the heavily damaged offensive line is hurting Jackson's productivity.
Noteworthy
St. Louis tackle Claude Terrell left the game with an injury, further thinning the offensive line. Quarterback Marc Bugler faced heavy pressure throughout the day, as he was sacked six times and seemingly hurried on every throw. Bulger did finish with 368 yards, but appeared beat up, which raises this question: How much longer he can take the pounding? ... The injuries to St. Louis' offensive line has spread to the defense, as DE Leonard Little left the game with a toe injury. Little did return midway through the fourth quarter.
