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The last time the San Francisco 49ers and St. Louis Rams met, the game ended in a tie. What was forgotten in that wild finish was the flat start for the 49ers defense, which allowed the Rams to take a 14-0 first quarter lead. During his weekly press conference, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio discussed the slow start, calling a question about a lack of preparation "just an excuse."
"Well, it was a low point because they blocked us and they ran the ball extremely well against us. Give them credit," Fangio said. "They're O-line, their tight ends and their backs blocked us and ran the ball harder than we were able to defend at that time. So, give them credit."
The defense picked up the intensity after the first quarter, allowing just 10 points for the following three quarters and overtime. Sunday's rematch is set for 10 a.m. PT from the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis and is being broadcast on Fox.