NFC WEST 49ers survive in coach Nolan's debut

The NFL's worst team last year turned back the Rams' late bid to win, 28-25.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Mike Nolan left the locker room with no grin, no spring in his step, absolutely no indication his San Francisco 49ers had just shocked their oldest rivals in his head coaching debut.
The jubilant players in the room behind him -- and John York, the excited owner shaking his hand -- still knew something remarkable had just happened for the NFL's worst team in 2004.
Brandon Lloyd and Arnaz Battle caught second-quarter touchdown passes from Tim Rattay, and Michael Adams intercepted Marc Bulger's pass in San Francisco territory with 52 seconds remaining as the 49ers hung on for a 28-25 victory Sunday over the St. Louis Rams.
After the 49ers barely preserved the win in the final minutes, the relief on the players' faces was as palpable as the excitement in the sellout crowd throughout an entertaining second half. Nolan is just getting started, but his new players already believe.
"Just getting rid of that stench from last year, taking advantage of this fresh start, that's what this game is," linebacker Jeff Ulbrich said. "To win in a game that's truly meaningful, that's great."
21 points in second period
Rookie Otis Amey returned a punt 75 yards for a touchdown the first time he touched the ball for the 49ers, who erupted for 21 points in the second quarter -- more than last season's 2-14 team scored in any quarter of its wretched season.
Rattay, who beat out top draft pick Alex Smith to retain his starting job, went 11-of-16 for 165 yards, but his offense was shut out in the final 25 minutes. The 49ers hung on with just enough defense -- Nolan's specialty in a long career as an assistant coach.
"I don't know what word describes it, but it's certainly a big win for our team," Nolan said. "I wasn't here last year, but I can only imagine the frustration they have."
It also was an emotional victory for a team coming off a tragic summer in which offensive lineman Thomas Herrion collapsed and died after a game Aug. 20 of heart disease.
Brandon Manumaleuna caught a 6-yard TD pass from Bulger with 2:13 to play, capping a drive that seemed to move far too deliberately, with nonchalant players jogging to the line while time expired.
San Francisco ran just 53 seconds off the clock on its next drive, but Bulger threw a pass behind Isaac Bruce across the middle. Adams, the nickel back abused by the Rams all day, swiped the deflection out of Bruce's hands.