Huge plays from the San Francisco 49ers left the St. Louis Rams’ defense reeling, but after four plays brought the Niners 84 yards to the Rams’ four-yard line the Niners had to settle for a field goal, putting them up 10-3.

After Troy Smith’s 64 yard completion to Josh Morgan, the 49ers picked up another 12-yard pass and a 23-yard run from Frank Gore. But Gore’s first-and-goal run was stopped for no gain, then two Troy Smith incompletions and a Delay of Game penalty left them on the eight-yard line. Joe Nedney completed a 26-yard field goal to cap the drive.

The 49ers’ offense looks to be firing on all cylinders right now. Smith is 4-for-6 for 118 yards passing, and Gore has six carries for 29 yards and a touchdown. But the Rams’ field goal stop here could prove to be crucial, if their heretofore sterling defense can buckle down on the road in San Francisco.