Week 1: 73-RAMS 27, 70-SF 17

Today, we see 2 old division rivals facing each other for the 1st game of the season. The ‘73 Rams square off against the ‘70 49ers – at Kezar Stadium. Its 71 degrees on a clear day – and the 9ers win the toss.

The 1st Quarter saw little action as the teams traded punts – but SF squeezed out a FG on a couple of short dumps by John Brodie – who was looking to expose the Rams secondary early- and SF was up 3-0 after 1. But, the Rams were driving.

The 2nd Quarter opened with the Rams still driving deep into SF territory behind their workhorse Lawrence McCutcheon. The Rams now with a 1st & 10 - at the SF 18 – hand the ball to McCutcheon and he gains 10 yards only to FUMBLE at the 8. The Rams Defense held SF to 1 yard on the next possession and forced another punt from Steve Spurrier. The Rams were again driving deep into SF territory – and once again were faced with a 1st & 10 at the SF 18. This time Hadl decides to dump a pass – but the coverage was tight and John Hadl had to scramble - and he too FUMBLED at the 21. The Rams came away with nothing after 2 long drives – and to make things worse, SF capitalized on this turnover with more passes from Brodie that ended with a 4-yard strike to Washington. SF now led 10-0 with a little over 8 minutes left in the 2nd Quarter. The Rams got the ball back looking for another long drive – but had to punt – and Taylor took the punt 79 yards for a TD – SF appeared to be running away with this game…….but wait !!!....a yellow hanky on the field……penalty.…..illegal block in the back – the TD was brought all the way back to the SF 21. The Rams Defense held once again – Spurrier sputtered his punt just 37 yards – and the Rams took over at the SF 34 with 1:44 left to play in the half – with all of their timeouts in tact. The Rams mixed up some plays – to finally see McCutcheon catch a 9-yard flare pass for a TD with just 0:22 left. SF led 10-7 at the half.


The second half opened with SF taking some chances early on. At the 11:30 mark and faced with a 4th & 1 at their own 10 – SF went for it – and the Rams D held fast. McCutcheon made short work of it and scored his 2nd TD of the game. LA now led 14-10. On the very next possession, Brodie was moving the ball - but he was rushing his throws and picked by Eddie McMillan at the LA 37. The Rams then drove the ball down for a FG – and now led 17-10. Still in the 3rd Quarter, John Brodie calmed down and once again passed his way down the field on a 61-yard scoring drive that ended with an 11-yard pass to Willard – SF tied the game at 17 at the end of the 3rd Quarter.

The 4th Quarter opened with the Rams driving down for another FG – this time on the legs of Bertelsen – to push for another Ram lead…..20-17. The Rams D was ready this time around and forced Brodie into another 4th down & 10 – at his own 48 – and 9:43 left to play in the game. Brodie gambled and lost – but the Rams were forced to punt again with a quick 3-and-out. The gamble did not hurt SF – and they got the ball back, down by only 3, and with 6:46 left to play. The Rams D bent a little bit by allowing the 9ers to sustain a 3 minute drive – but yielded only 12 yards in the process – to force another punt by Spurrier. The Rams, with a 20-17 lead, now have the ball back with 3:28 left to play – tried to run some clock but had to punt and give the ball back to SF with 1:40 left – however, SF was pinned at their own 6. Right away, Brodie went to work on the passing game once again. His 1 pass was incomplete. His receivers looked exhausted and battered – and the Rams D could smell victory. On the 2nd play, Brodie threw a pick to Charles Stukes at the SF 21 – who ran it in for a TD. There was a flag on the play – but it was against SF. LA now lead 27-17 – with 1:24 left. SF chose to run out the clock – and LA came away with the 27-17 victory.

Player of the Game: Lawrence McCutcheon with 102 yards (6.4 avg) and 2 TD (1-rush, 1-pass).
-contributed by George Bseiraini-