Ultimately, it was Rams use of 12-personnel that turned the tide in Week 3

When the LA Rams signed TE Colby Parkinson in the offseason, the move was both puzzling and provocative. After all, we knew that the team faced an uncertain timeline to the healthy return of starting TE Tyler Higbee. But the team had a promising rookie debut of Davis Allen, and the team still had unfulfilled plans for TE Hunter Long. So signing Parkinson to a multi-year deal seemed . . . superfluous.

And yet, after a week of lobbying the Rams fo consider emphasizing a 12-personnel sub-package to compensate for a depleted wide receiver room, that is exactly what the team did. Tight end Colby Parkinson caught three of five passes thrown his way for 21 yards. But his best offensive play was not a reception. Rather it was a 25-yard defensive pass interference call as the Rams fought to get within field goal range.

That 25-yard play advanced the football from midfield to the San Francisco 49ers 25-yard line.

While backup tight end Hunter Long was never targeted in the game, he was instrumental as a blocking tight end. In many ways, he reminded me of former Rams blocking tight end Johnny Mundt. That extra bit of oomph off the ball allowed the Rams to score a touchdown in three of five Red Zone opportunities.

All three scores came from RB Kyren Williams. Two were end zone plunges for a touchdown. One was a pass reception. But in all cases, scores were set up by the Rams tight end formation.

It was not a dramatic improvement. But as I observed the game, it was clear that it was not what the 49ers defenders were expecting. In the game, the 49ers were penalized seven times for 111 yards. Several of those penalties were pass interference, as defensive backs flailed in coverage against Parkinson.

It was very satisfying to see the Rams make use of their tight end talent in a game where that was required. It's not as though the 49ers are magically imbued with talent. They simply have played the LA Rams so often that they can anticipate what the offense will do on game day.

But not on this day. The Rams, using two tight ends, frustrated the 49ers defense. And it was that unexpected twist that allowed this team to claw its way back from a 14-point deficit twice. In the end, this victory is especially sweet. Not just because it came at the expense of the San Francisco 49ers. But because this victory has flipped the entire NFC Playoff race on its ear.

The San Francisco 49ers were favored to represent the NFC In Super Bowl LIX. I don't think anyone is talking about the 49ers in the Super Bowl today.

Perhaps if the Rams string together some wins and get healthy, they will be mentioned in Super Bowl conversations.