49ers blank the Rams

In week 2, the Rams took advantage of the 49ers, who were without QB Steve Young (Concussion) and Jerry Rice (season-ending ACL injury), for a 10-3 victory. This Sunday at 3COM Park, Young was back under center for the Niners, but this time it was the Niners’ defense and special teams that stole the show.

Chuck Levy got the 49ers cooking in the second quarter. The Niners were leading 3-0 when Levy took a punt and weaved through the Rams’ punt coverage for a 72-yd punt return TD.

At that moment, the Niners defense took over. They held the Rams scoreless and held the Rams to 135 total yards. They sacked Rams’ QB Tony Banks four times and forced three turnovers in the 23-0 win.

DT Dana Stubblefield had 2 sacks and so did DE Chris Doleman. Safety Merton Hanks picked off a Banks’ pass and so did CB Rod Woodson.

After starting 0-2, the Niners have won four in a row and are now 4-2. They will travel to Atlanta on Sunday, while the 2-4 Rams will host the Seahawks.

1997 Game 92 Stats