Niner Noise
FanSided

Analyzing the 49ers’ 2018 season finale vs. the Rams

By Jeremy Wohlfart

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 30: Nickell Robey-Coleman #23 of the Los Angeles Rams is unable to defend against a touchdown pass to Kendrick Bourne #84 of the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of a game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 30, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 30: Nickell Robey-Coleman #23 of the Los Angeles Rams is unable to defend against a touchdown pass to Kendrick Bourne #84 of the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of a game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 30, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 30: C.J. Anderson #35 of the Los Angeles Rams avoids Greg Mabin #26 of the San Francisco 49ers in the third quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 30, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 30: C.J. Anderson #35 of the Los Angeles Rams avoids Greg Mabin #26 of the San Francisco 49ers in the third quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 30, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images) /

What didn’t

Nick Mullens (first half)

We also should review the bad for Mullens in the interests of being fair.

His first interception wasn’t his fault, per se, as he was hit during the throw. The second one was tipped on a pass to Kittle that could have been a touchdown but instead was deflected and picked off. The third was a telegraphed throw that was returned for six points for L.A.

In addition, a potential touchdown to Kittle was missed.

In all, you would consider it a C-minus/D-plus day for him, considering the garbage-time stats. But in a game where Kittle got the record he deserved, it’s more likely he’ll be remembered as the quarterback who threw the pass for him to break it.

San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers /

San Francisco 49ers

Injuries yet again

As mentioned earlier, Wilson was knocked out of the game, which brought Morris into the featured role. It’s not a serious injury, but was a disappointing end to the season for someone who set himself up as the third running back on a team that has a lot of talent at the position for next season.

Much more serious was offensive guard Laken Tomlinson, who was carted off with what was a suspected ACL injury.

However, in a good stroke of luck (relatively speaking), Tomlinson tore his MCL instead which carries only a three-month recovery time.

The whole defense

Oh lord, I don’t even want to get into this one too much.

The defensive line couldn’t get to the quarterback or stop the run whatsoever. This caused issues for the secondary who were routinely carved up because the Rams could do what they wanted, when they wanted.

Next. 49ers vs. Rams: Position grades from San Francisco’s Week 17 loss. dark

The linebackers had issues covering, and some of the old tackling issues came back for the defense too.

This is going to be some hard tape for them to watch to close out the season.