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On the Phone with Fisher and Finnegan

Not even five quarters of football could separate the 49ers and the St. Louis Rams at Candlestick Park in Week 10. The two NFC West foes battled through the entire overtime period but ended in a 24-24 tie, leaving for some mixed emotions on both sides.

But the two teams don’t have to wait long to settle things, as they’re slated for a Sunday showdown at the Edward Jones Dome.

“This is like the sixth quarter now,” Rams coach Jeff Fisher told reporters on a Wednesday conference call.

It marked the first tie in 49ers franchise since 1986, in the first clash between Fisher and Jim Harbaugh as divisional foes. Fisher has improved the Rams (4-6-1) dramatically since last year’s two-win season, but still left Candlestick Park a few weeks ago feeling unsatisfied.

“I think it’s fair to say both clubs felt the same way – disappointed,” Fisher said. “Both teams had ample opportunities to win the game and neither of us were able to. You just move on. You look at it, you correct it and you know that you’re going to pick up where you left off in a couple weeks.”

The Rams contest also marked the changing of the guard at 49ers quarterback, as Alex Smith went down late in the first half with a concussion. Colin Kaepernick has since performed a high level in Smith’s place, leading the 49ers to wins against Chicago and New Orleans before being anointed the Week 13 starter by Harbaugh on Wednesday.

Rams cornerback Cortland Finnegan saw both quarterbacks in action and says the 49ers have two quality options under center.

“Both of them can make plays with their feet and both them can make good throws,” Finnegan said. “I don’t know if they have much difference; Alex is a little bit more seasoned and he’s been around the game a while, but Kaepernick has came in and played well for them. He’s made some off-schedule throws, plays with his feet and he’s got swag. Both of those guys have it.”

Finnegan didn’t stop there with the praise of the 49ers offense. He also took time to address the team’s talent at the skill positions, receiver Michael Crabtree in particular.

“Crabtree’s a special guy, he can run all the routes,” Finnegan said. “To me, he’s underrated, but he makes all the plays that all the big-time guys make. Randy Moss can still take the top off the defense, they’ve got two exceptional tight ends and they set up play-action well. Frank Gore is the horse and … they’ve got a good-rounded football team in every position.