The Los Angeles Rams went into their bag of tricks to hunt for momentum against the San Francisco 49ers, but a fake field-goal attempt just before halftime went awry.
With the Rams facing a 21-7 deficit, it appeared as though they were content to cut the 49ers' lead to 11 rather than attempt to convert a fourth down and eight. But punter Johnny Hekker, who was acting as the holder on the play, stood and rolled to his right before throwing short pass to tight end Kendall Blanton. The play managed to pick up only a couple yards before Blanton was cut down by the 49ers' D.J. Jones.
.@49ers defense stops the fake field goal attempt! #FTTB
— NFL (@NFL) November 16, 2021
: #LARvsSF on ESPN
: https://t.co/Pbh7qEl7Sy pic.twitter.com/ooTJa4Immt
Hekker, 31, is no stranger to throwing passes on trick plays. The throw to Blanton was his 23rd career pass attempt and 14th completion. The unsuccessful try allowed the 49ers to take their 21-7 lead into halftime.
The Rams entered Monday with a 7-2 record and an opportunity to get back to even with the Arizona Cardinals at the top of the NFC West. The 49ers came into Week 10 with a 3-5 record and five losses in their last six games.
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