First NFL Tie Since 2008: 49ers and Rams Miss Game-Winning Chances
On Sunday, the National Football League saw two teams play to a draw, and it was the first time it has happened since 2008.
The St. Louis Rams went to California to play the San Francisco 49ers in what was supposed to be just another regular season game, but ended up being one for the record books.
Throughout the game, the teams looked both dominating and dominated as the NFC West-leading 49ers looked to further distance themselves from the rest of the conference; they had planned to position themselves for the second half of the season with a victory.
Both teams had an opportunity to win the game in overtime, with the Rams getting the first chance after winning the coin toss to begin the extra quarter.
On the first play of the extra session, Rams quarterback Sam Bradford completed an 80-yard pass to Danny Amendola, which put the team on the two yard line, but it was called back after the Rams' offensive line was cited for an illegal formation.
The Rams continued to the drive and ended up in field goal range. Greg Zuerlein kicked a 53-yarder that was good, but the Rams were penalized 5 yards for delay of game.
His second attempt from 58 yards sailed wide right, giving the 49ers good field position with 2:42 left.
The 49ers were able to drive into field goal range that sent up a makeable 41-yard attempt for one of the best kickers in the game, but David Akers pushed his attempt wide, effectively ending the game.
"I don't know what to make of this," 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis told reporters after the game. "We have one of the best kickers in the game, and it came down to him at the end and he misses it. That tells you right there something wasn't right."
The last tie in the NFL came in 2008, when the Cincinnati Bengals and Philadelphia Eagles played to a 13-13 tie.