Jauan Jennings dazzles in 1st half-plus against the Rams with 3 touchdowns

The San Francisco 49ers are in a tight battle against the Los Angeles Rams today. After one half of play, the Niners were up 14-7.

A big part of why San Francisco led in the first half is the production of wide receiver Jauan Jennings. Jennings has four receptions in one half against the Rams, 62 yards receiving and two touchdowns.

Then, just before the seven-minute mark of the third quarter, Jennings answered the call again with his third touchdown of the game, putting the 49ers up 21-7:

After that hat-trick score, Jennings has 102 yards on six catches and three touchdowns, effectively saying he's the "go-to guy" amid all the injuries the Niners are currently dealing with.

In a game where tight end George Kittle, wide receiver Deebo Samuel and running back Christian McCaffrey are all out with injuries, the next man up was needed on offense.

Jennings has been that and more thus far in the game. He has been in sync with quarterback Brock Purdy since the 49ers' opening drive.

Many thought this would be the game where wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk would finally have his first breakout game of the season, post-contract extension. While he has been active in the first half with four receptions for 34 yards, Jennings has been the standout star.

While there is still time for Aiyuk to have a big second-half performance, there's no reason to believe Jennings will slow down in the second half.

With Jennings seemingly in sync with his quarterback in the first half, he will likely be Purdy's safety blanket in the second half as well.

If the player fondly nicknamed "3rd and Jauan" keeps getting open, he should have over 115 yards receiving to close out the game.

In a close and contested game like this one, Jennings will need to give his everything to the 49ers in the second half.