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5 crazy surprises from 49ers Week 10 win over Rams

By Romelo Bracy

November 15, 2021; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers free safety Jimmie Ward (1) celebrates after intercepting the football against the Los Angeles Rams during the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 15, 2021; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers free safety Jimmie Ward (1) celebrates after intercepting the football against the Los Angeles Rams during the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Talanoa Hufanga, Jimmie Ward, San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers free safety Jimmie Ward (1) Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

42. Final. 10. 51. 31

The 49ers came up with a huge 31-10 victory over the Rams putting them at 4-5 on the season. But winning the game wasn’t the only pleasant surprise in this matchup.

The San Francisco 49ers headed into Monday Night Football coming off a discouraging loss to the injury-riddled Arizona Cardinals the week before. The 3-5 Niners knew how big this Week 10 game was to keep their postseason hopes alive and they delivered.

All three phases of the game came together for the first time all season, and the team played a complete game, dominating the visiting Los Angeles Rams in all four quarters.

San Francisco didn’t trail the entire game and appeared to play with a different type of enthusiasm. Additionally, head coach Kyle Shanahan called nearly a perfect game and the Rams looked helpless.

Analysts and experts across the NFL spectrum hammered the Rams to win this one, but the 49ers nevertheless prevailed.

Big time.

Here are a few more crazy surprises from the victory Monday night.

No. 5: 49ers forced two turnovers, one for a score

Heading into Week 10, the Niners defense ranked 30th in total turnovers with five entering the game and 31st in scoring defense, having intercepted only two passes all season and one of them coming all the way back in Week 1.

Safety Jimmie Ward was able to get his hands on the ball early with two interceptions on the Rams’ first two drives. He took the second one to the house, giving the 49ers an early 14-0 lead.

Ward’s first interception Monday night was his first in five years. Coming into the game, he was questionable dealing with a quad injury this week, but it’s safe to say he is good to go:

The Niners’ turnover luck may begin to turn after tonight, which would bode well for the rest of the season. After Monday night, San Francisco has a turnover differential of minus-7, and as that continues to improve, so will its overall record.

The defense creating more turnovers and opportunities for the offense makes it much easier for the offense to settle in. If the defense can continue to play well and force turnovers, the offense has the talent to play with any team.