3 things learned from 49ers shocking Week 10 win over Rams
By Peter Panacy
No. 2: 49ers not turning the ball over helps
One of the bigger focal points for the game was the lowly minus-9 turnover differential the Niners had entering Week 10, which was tied for next to worst just above the New York Jets’ minus-12 differential.
While fans will focus on Jimmie Ward’s two defensive takeaways, which ultimately resulted in 14 points for San Francisco and the tone-setting nature of the game, it’s equally as important for the 49ers to protect the ball when it’s in their possession.
The key factor? Zero giveaways to Los Angeles.
Three lost turnovers in Week 9 doomed whatever hopes the Niners would have had for what should have been an easy victory over backup quarterback Colt McCoy and a depleted Arizona Cardinals squad the week before. And on the season, San Francisco still ranks 25th in offensive giveaways with 14 for a still-bad turnover differential of minus-7.
Still, good things tend to happen when the offense doesn’t turn the ball over. The 49ers learned that in a good way against the Rams.