Gridiron Update
Hosted by Big Dill
About This Episode
Generated sports podcast with host Big Dill based on prompt: NFL News - scores, highlights and news
Transcript
Welcome to Big Dill Sports, I’m Dillon, your go-to for all things football. Today’s episode of Gridiron Update dives into a thrilling game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams. Let’s break down how this underdog story unfolded with a dramatic 26–23 overtime victory for the 49ers.
Despite missing some key starters, including franchise quarterback Brock Purdy and top wideouts, the 49ers managed to put up a stellar performance. Backup QB Mac Jones stepped into the spotlight, leading an efficient aerial assault that left fans in awe. This game was nothing short of a roller coaster at SoFi Stadium.
San Francisco struck first, grinding down the field with a 17-play, 91-yard drive finished off by Christian McCaffrey’s 1-yard touchdown run. And just as the dust began to settle, Jones found tight end Jake Tonges in the end zone to double their lead before the half. It seemed like the Niners were in control, up 14–0.
After halftime, Los Angeles began to claw their way back. Eddy Piñeiro kept things close with a 41-yard field goal, followed by a career-long 59-yarder, which tied the game at 20 with scant minutes left. Matthew Stafford, despite recent injury woes, quickly shifted momentum with a drive that led to a 48-yard field goal and forced overtime.
In extra time, Piñeiro played hero once more, sealing the victory with a 41-yard field goal. The Niners' defense held strong, particularly during a crucial fourth-and-1 at their own 11-yard line, shutting down the Rams’ final attempt to snatch victory.
Now, let’s talk about the 49ers’ offense. Mac Jones was making his first start of the season, and boy, did he deliver! He completed 26 of 38 passes, racking up 342 yards and two touchdowns, all without a single interception. Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne had a night to remember, stepping up with 142 receiving yards. And Christian McCaffrey was everywhere, adding another 139 total yards to his impressive season tally.
As for the Rams, despite the loss, Matthew Stafford threw for an impressive 389 yards and three touchdowns. Kyren Williams was a dual threat with 131 scrimmage yards. Yet, a late-game fumble and a failed fourth-and-1 call in OT proved costly. Rams coach Sean McVay later admitted regrets over the play calls that didn’t quite click.
Special teams and defense were the backbone for San Francisco. Kicker Eddy Piñeiro was flawless, contributing vital points at key moments. Plus, rookie Alfred Collins made a game-changing goal-line fumble recovery, and linebacker Fred Warner was rock-solid in crunch time.
The win pushes San Francisco to a 4-1 record, keeping them at the top of the NFC West. Coach Kyle Shanahan continues to prove his mettle, with a solid record against the Rams. Next up, they’re gearing up for a clash with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. As for the Rams, they’ve dropped to 3-2 and will look to bounce back against the Ravens next week.
Before we wrap up, it’s time for our ‘Big Dill’ spotlight. This week, that honor goes to none other than Mac Jones. Stepping in as a backup and leading your team to victory in such high stakes? Now that’s what makes you a big deal.
Thanks for tuning into Big Dill Sports. I’m Dillon, and I’ll catch you next time with all the latest from the world of football. Make sure to stay updated because there's plenty more action to come. Keep it locked here on Big Dill Sports, where every play is a big deal!
## Game Overview
The San Francisco 49ers pulled off a stunning 26–23 overtime victory against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on Thursday, October 2, 2025. Despite entering the contest as 8.5-point underdogs and missing key starters—including franchise quarterback Brock Purdy and top wideouts Brandon Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings, and Ricky Pearsall—San Francisco’s backups and role players rose to the occasion. Backup QB Mac Jones orchestrated an efficient aerial attack, while the defense and special teams delivered in clutch moments to secure the win in extra time ([sfchronicle.com](https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/49ers/article/49ers-pull-ot-win-rams-behind-epic-effort-mac-21081689.php?utm_source=openai)).
## Scoring Breakdown
San Francisco struck first with a 17-play, 91-yard drive capped by a 1-yard touchdown run from Christian McCaffrey early in the first quarter. The Niners doubled their lead in the second quarter when Jones connected with tight end Jake Tonges for a short red-zone score, making it 14–0 at the half. Eddy Piñeiro kept the visitors within reach by drilling a 41-yard field goal to open the third quarter, then added a career-long 59-yarder with 2:52 remaining in regulation to tie the game at 20–20. Los Angeles answered immediately as Matthew Stafford drove the Rams into position for a 48-yard field goal by Joshua Karty with just two seconds left, forcing overtime. In the extra frame, Piñeiro delivered the winning blow with a 41-yard boot, and San Francisco’s defense stifled Los Angeles on fourth-and-1 at the 11 to seal the result ([espn.co.uk](https://www.espn.co.uk/nfl/recap/_/gameId/401772939?utm_source=openai)).
## 49ers Offensive Performance
Mac Jones, making his first start of the season, was masterful under center, completing 26 of 38 passes for 342 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. His precision on intermediate routes kept the chains moving against a talented Rams secondary. Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne enjoyed a career night, hauling in 10 of 11 targets for a personal-best 142 receiving yards, largely filling the void left by injured starters. Christian McCaffrey chipped in with 57 rushing yards on 22 carries and added 82 receiving yards and one touchdown, finishing with 139 total yards from scrimmage to fuel the 49ers’ diversified attack ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/nfl/4th-down-stop-ot-seals-49ers-victory-over-rams--flm-2025-10-03/?utm_source=openai)).
## Rams Offensive Performance
Los Angeles’s offense, led by veteran Matthew Stafford, tallied 389 passing yards and three touchdowns on the night, with Stafford showing no ill effects from a lingering groin issue. Running back Kyren Williams amassed 131 scrimmage yards and caught two touchdown passes, but his late fumble at San Francisco’s 2-yard line and subsequent fourth-and-1 stop in overtime proved decisive. Despite rallying from a 13-point deficit—highlighted by a critical 38-yard Stafford strike to Puka Nacua—they could not finish the comeback. Rams head coach Sean McVay admitted regret over electing to run on fourth-and-1 in OT, calling the play call “a bad decision” and saying he felt “sick” about the outcome ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/nfl/4th-down-stop-ot-seals-49ers-victory-over-rams--flm-2025-10-03/?utm_source=openai)).
## Key Defensive and Special Teams Plays
Special teams and defense were the backbone of the 49ers’ effort. Kicker Eddy Piñeiro was perfect on four field-goal attempts, including the game-tying 59-yarder late in regulation and the winning 41-yarder in OT. San Francisco’s special teams also blocked a Rams extra-point attempt after Stafford’s second-quarter touchdown, keeping the margin at 14–7. On defense, rookie DL Alfred Collins forced and recovered Williams’s crucial goal-line fumble late in the fourth quarter. In overtime, the unit held firm on a 4th-and-1 at their own 11-yard line, with linebacker Fred Warner and cornerback Chase Lucas combining on a tackle for no gain to preserve the win ([49ers.com](https://www.49ers.com/video/san-francisco-49ers-los-angeles-rams-pat-field-goal?utm_source=openai)).
## Standings and Outlook
The victory improved the 49ers to 4–1 overall and maintained their perfect 3–0 record atop the NFC West. Head coach Kyle Shanahan lifted his regular-season record against the Rams to 11–6 and now boasts a 27–24 mark against NFC West opponents. San Francisco’s resilience despite injuries and turnover woes underscores the team’s depth as they prepare for a Week 6 road tilt at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 12. Meanwhile, the Rams dropped to 3–2, raising concerns about their red-zone execution and play-calling. Los Angeles will return home next Sunday to host the injury-depleted Baltimore Ravens, hoping to rectify their sloppy finish on prime-time national television ([yardbarker.com](https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/key_stats_from_the_49ers_26_23_week_5_win_vs_the_rams/s1_17111_42838970?utm_source=openai)).
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