49ers Still Have the Rams’ Number

An off-game by Steve Young didn’t stop the San Francisco 49ers from dominating the St. Louis Rams again.

Young had his first multi-interception game in nearly two years but still had three touchdown passes and and Darnell Walker had two first-half interceptions that led to scores as the 49ers defeated the Rams for the 16th consecutive time, 28-10, Sunday.

“They made the plays when they had to. We made none,” Ram cornerback Todd Lyght said.

Jerry Rice set an NFL record by catching a pass in 184 consecutive games, Terrell Owens had two touchdowns and the 49ers (6-1) sacked Tony Banks eight times.

The 49ers’ winning streak dates to 1990, five years before the Rams (2-5) left Anaheim.

“I’m not going to try and explain it,” Young said. “I just know that we see it as an individual effort. They’re won one at a time.”

Young’s first touchdown pass, a 12-yarder to Rice, came on the 49ers’ first play. Rice broke the record for consecutive games with a catch set by Art Monk from 1980-95 and also became the first receiver to top 17,000 career yards. He had four catches for 64 yards.

Young was 13 for 24 for 227 yards with two interceptions. His record streak of 300-yard passing games ended at six, but he still leads the NFL with 20 touchdown passes and has only five interceptions.

The Rams couldn’t overcome losing their three best offensive players to injuries, getting only 62 yards in the first half, 168 overall.

Wide receiver Isaac Bruce left because of a hamstring injury in the first quarter, third-down back Amp Lee broke his left hand in the first and left tackle Orlando Pace likely separated his right shoulder in the second. In the fourth quarter, tight end Ernie Conwell suffered torn knee ligaments.

Then there was an excruciating start by Banks, fined $5,000 for skipping the team flight out of Miami last weekend and missing a day of meetings and film study. The hometown fans greeted Banks with boos every time he came on the on the field.

Banks started the game 0 for 7 with two interceptions that led to 49er touchdowns. He finished 15 for 35 for 121 yards and three interceptions. Half of the 49er sacks were made by Roy Barker.

Banks scored the Rams’ first touchdown in two games with a six-yard scramble with 11:44 to go. Jeff Wilkins then recovered his own onside kick, but Banks fumbled a low shotgun snap on the next play and Ken Norton Jr. recovered at the Ram 21. Owens scored on an end-around the following play.