DC Chris Shula's miraculous secondary effort ignites new hope for Rams

(2) - Jauan Jennings

When the San Francisco 49ers collided with the Los Angeles Rams in Week 3, the two teams were not exactly a full strength. But the 49ers offense rode the performance of veteran wide receiver Jauan Jennings to come within three points of victory. It was quite the game for Jennings, who hauled in 11 of 12 passes for 175 yards and three touchdowns.

He has never broken 100+ receiving yards all season.

So when Jennings faced the Rams secondary in Week 15, he had all of the confidence in the world. And the 49ers offensive coordinator did too. After all, if he could put up anything close to his Week 3 performance, he would be the hero for the 49ers and put them back on track for a postseason appearance.

49ers QB Brock Purdy was on board. He threw nine passes to Jennings in Week 15. The thing is, Juaun Jennings could only come down with two of those nine passes for 31 yards. As superb as Jennings looked in Week 3, he looked just as pedestrian in Week 15.

The 49ers offense starts with a powerful running game. In Week 3, the 49ers rushed 34 times for 137 yards. In Week 15, the same 49ers offense rushed just 19 times for 63 yards. Without a strong rushing attack, the passing game never seems to get on track. Jauan Jennings is a good receiver. But the Rams' secondary was more than up to the challenge of defending him the second time these two teams met.