49ers report card vs. Rams: Jones' prolific passing not enough to overcome defensive woes

"PASS OFFENSE: B Mac Jones' three touchdown strikes obviously weren't enough to offset the four-pack from his counterpart, Matthew Stafford. Jones was not sacked, and he connected on 33-of-39 passes for the second-best completion percentage (84.7) in 60 career starts (5-3 with 49ers). Jauan Jennings fumbled away a second-series catch near the red zone, but Jennings, Luke Farrell and finally George Kittle each made touchdown catches. A fourth-quarter interception extinguished the comeback bid."

"PASS DEFENSE: F Matthew Stafford bolstered his MVP candidacy by shredding the 49ers for four touchdown passes and 280 yards. Kalia Davis and Keion White split the 49ers' lone sack, and Bryce Huff had three quarterback hits in his return from a two-game hiatus. But there were no interceptions or forced fumbles from a unit that needs takeaways to compensate for its loss of key players. Renardo Green nearly had an interception as Stafford targeted him early, and Stafford coveted matchups against linebacker Luke Gifford."

"RUN OFFENSE: C- The 49ers were 6-0 when they ran for over 70 yards until this game, when they had 74 yards on 21 runs. Christian McCaffrey gained just 30 yards on 12 (seemingly predictable) carries. Brian Robinson surpassed him with 41 yards on eight carries, including five rushes on a third-quarter drive that ended with his 1-yard, second-effort touchdown run."

The 49ers fell 42-26 to the Rams despite Mac Jones throwing three touchdown passes and completing 33-of-39 attempts (84.7%). Jauan Jennings fumbled a red-zone catch, and a fourth-quarter interception ended the comeback. The rushing attack managed 74 yards on 21 carries, with Christian McCaffrey gaining 30 yards on 12 attempts and Brian Robinson adding 41 yards and a short touchdown. The pass defense allowed Matthew Stafford four touchdown passes and 280 yards, recorded limited sacks and no turnovers. The run defense yielded two rushing touchdowns to Kyren Williams (73 yards) and 56 yards from Blake Corum. Eddy Pineiro had a point-after attempt blocked.

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