Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
The facts: The Rams fell behind early yet again in suffering their fourth consecutive defeat of the season, 35-16 to the 49ers.
The upside: Even the worst defeats tend to feature a bright spot or two ...
- Running back Antonio Pittman ran with authority while gaining 95 yards on 14 carries.
- Safety Oshiomogho Atogwe forced another turnover when he knocked the ball from the 49ers' Frank Gore. Cornerback Jason Craft caught the ball.
- Rookie receiver Donnie Avery caught nine passes for 93 yards. The experience he gains helps the Rams for the future.
- The Rams downed three of Donnie Jones' four punts inside the 49ers' 20-yard-line.
- The Rams finished with 406 yards on 80 plays.
- The Rams held the 49ers scoreless in the second half.
- Craft finished with two sacks and three quarterback hits.
- Gary Stills made two more tackles on special teams.
OK, we're reaching now. It's getting pathetic. I've watched most of the first half at this point. The Rams appear to be giving good effort on defense. They're chasing
Shaun Hill around the field. But they're not finishing plays. The 49ers are making big plays routinely. But enough negativity! This is a silver-linings file, after all.
Sando joined ESPN.com in 2007 after nine seasons covering the Seattle Seahawks for the Tacoma (Wash.) News Tribune. He lives in the Seattle-Tacoma area with his wife and two sons.
