Rams putting heartbreaking loss to 49ers behind them

Stafford and Co. have rolled since losing in overtime to San Francisco

- BY GARY KLEIN

It’s been just more than five weeks.

But for the Rams that seems like ages ago.

On Oct. 2, the San Francisco 49ers came to SoFi Stadium and handed the Rams their second loss in four weeks, a 26-23 overtime defeat on “Thursday Night Football” that ended when the 49ers stopped running back Kyren Williams on fourth and one at the 49ers’ 11-yard line.

Much has changed for the Rams (6-2) since that defeat.

In victories over the Baltimore Ravens, Jacksonville Jaguars and New Orleans Saints, the Rams offense broadened its scope by utilizing four tight ends, receiver Davante Adams emerged as the hoped-for red-zone threat and quarterback Matthew Stafford is enjoying one of the most productive and efficient stretches of his 17-year career.

The Rams have largely shut down three consecutive opponents with a dominant defensive front, a steady linebacker corps and an improving secondary.

One phase, however, remained the same: The kicking game has been a liability.

But the Rams addressed the situation by signing veteran long snapper Jake McQuaide and bringing in Harrison Mevis to compete with kicker Joshua Karty.