Niners put debacle in desert behind them

SAN FRANCISCO — The 49ers, coming off one of the most agonizing defeats in recent club history, managed to put behind them the disastrous game from six days earlier.

Last-second losers on Monday night to the Arizona Cardinals, the 49ers came out with a vengeance Sunday against the St. Louis Rams. They built a 32-point halftime lead and held on for a 35-16 victory.

“It’s a tough deal on a couple of levels,” 49ers quarterback Shaun Hill said. “One, it happened and we wanted the win. Two, it was a short week. You don’t get those two days to really go get over anything. So that was tough.

“We answered the bell, and we came to work on Wednesday. And we were able to move on. We approached Wednesday as (a normal) Wednesday, and we left the whole game behind us. That says a lot about the character of our team.”

Interim coach Mike Singletary credited his coaching staff and players for getting beyond the heartbreak of the 49ers’ loss to the Cardinals.

“We talked about mental toughness throughout the week and being able to put a devastating loss behind you and not look in the rearview mirror and have a wreck this Sunday,” Singletary said.

“So that was the biggest thing that we focused on, and they really pushed hard, pushed through it and it came out today, and I thought they did a good job being focused for the most part.”

Tight end Vernon Davis continues to attract the attention of the TV cameras. He caught a 2-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter, but he was also seen exchanging some words with running back DeShaun Foster.

Foster entered the game in the fourth quarter after starter Frank Gore was removed from the action. Foster then lost a fumble.

“It was nothing at all,” Davis said. “Me, Frank Gore and DeShaun Foster, we’re all family. That’s how we push one another.”

Davis said he went to Foster and said, “You’re better than that.” He said he encourages Gore and others to challenge him when he drops a pass or runs an incorrect route.

“Frank comes to me all the time,” Davis said.

Receiver Isaac Bruce, who played 14 seasons with the Rams before getting released in the offseason, caught just one pass for 20 yards against his former teammates. He played only a minor role as the 49ers snapped a six-game losing streak.

“I’m happy to get the win,” Bruce said. “It was interesting. I was happy to see the guys and I miss them. It was good seeing them, and I plan on seeing them again in St. Louis.”

The 49ers gained 259 of their 334 total yards in the first half, setting the tone with a physical brand of football.

“The first half is how we want to play a full game,” 49ers guard David Baas said. “We kind of died off in the second half. In the second half of the season, we need to stay together and finish these games.”

Cornerback Nate Clements had an interception in the first half. He also threw a monster block on Rams receiver Donnie Avery on Walt Harris’ interception return, allowing Harris to pick up 24 yards.

“As soon as I saw Walt get it, I just wanted to make a play to help him,” Clements said.

The Rams lost two starters due to injuries on their offensive line in the first half. Tackle Orlando Pace (knee) and guard Rich Incognito (shoulder) sustained injuries and did not return to action in the second half.

Niners injury report: cornerback Tarell Brown (neck strain) did not return, while running back Michael Robinson (stinger) and safety Michael Lewis (left knee) both returned to action.

For more on the 49ers, go to Instant 49ers at blog.pressdemocrat.com/49ers. You can reach Staff Writer Matt Maiocco at 521-5492 or matt.maiocco@pressdemocrat.com