NFL: Colin Kaepernick stars as San Francisco 49ers comeback to beat St Louis Rams
Tuesday 14 October 2014 14:20, UK
Colin Kaepernick passed for 343 yards and three touchdowns as the San Francisco 49ers claimed a 31-17 comeback victory over St Louis Rams in their Monday night NFL showdown.
The San Francisco quarterback turned in the second-best passing display of his career as the 49ers erased an early deficit to claim victory as their NFC West hopes continue to be revived.
After losing two of their opening three matches, the 49ers have now chalked up a hat-trick of successes, albeit they were made to work hard by the Rams.
It was not looking positive for San Francisco after the Rams raced to an early 14-0 lead.
However, the 49ers' riposte was emphatic as they scored 24 unanswered points, a run that included a game-changing touchdown on the cusp of half-time.
The 49ers trailed 14-3 with fewer than 30 seconds left in the first half when Brandon Lloyd eluded Rams defender Janoris Jenkins and turned up the left sideline. Kaepernick found him and Lloyd sprinted away for an 80-yard touchdown.
Kaepernick also connected with Anquan Boldin and Michael Crabtree on touchdown passes. It was his first three-touchdown passing game since last November in Washington.
San Francisco improved to 4-2, to lie second behind the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC West, while the Rams at 1-4 prop up the divisional standings.
The win may prove costly for the 49ers, with All-Pro linebacker Patrick Willis sustaining a toe injury, rookie linebacker Jimmie Ward picking up a quadriceps injury and Pro Bowl guard Mike Iupati concussed during the game.
Rookie Dontae Johnson sealed the win with a 20-yard interception return for a touchdown with 53 seconds on the clock.
