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What We Learned from 49ers vs. Rams

View select images from the 49ers Week 17 matchup with the St. Louis Rams.

The San Francisco 49ers finished their season on a high note on Sunday, defeating the visiting St. Louis Rams in overtime, 19-16.

Phil Dawson sent the 49ers home winners by connecting on a 23-yard field goal with just over three and a half minutes remaining in the extra period.

Quinton Patton set up the kick when he caught a 33-yard pass to give his team a first down inside the 5-yard line. Moments earlier, Dontae Johnson blocked a potential game-winning Rams field goal from 47 yards out.

The 49ers finish the season 5-11 and will pick seventh in the 2016 NFL Draft.

Here's what we learned from the team's final game of the 2015 campaign.

Boldin Muscles Way into End Zone

On the first play of the second quarter, Blaine Gabbert connected with Anquan Boldin over the middle for a 33-yard touchdown. The veteran wideout got position on his defender, fellow Pahokee, Fla., native Janoris Jenkins, by using his frame to box him out like a basketball player.

Boldin caught the pass, shed a Jenkins arm tackle and back-stepped into the end zone with ease. The score gave Boldin his fourth touchdown of the year and capped a 7-play, 70-yard drive.

The 49ers got into scoring position when DuJuan Harris caught a screen pass on 3rd-and-12 and eluded the Rams defense for a 31-yard pickup. Also in the first half, Harris recorded a 47-yard run through a gaping hole up the middle to set up a Phil Dawson field goal.

Other notable plays from the first two quarters of action included a Rams fake punt that Bruce Ellington thwarted with a pass breakup in the end zone and a Gabbert interception tipped up by Aaron Donald at the line and returned 42 yards.

The only points scored in the second half came on a Dawson field goal.

Bowman Ends Comeback Season Strong

NaVorro Bowman received proper recognition for his remarkable 2015 campaign when he was voted to his third career Pro Bowl last week.

And in Sunday's season finale, the linebacker continued to show why his return to form has been one of the best feel-good stories in the league this year.

After sitting out all of 2014 with a severe knee injury, Bowman capped his comeback campaign versus the Rams with nine tackles, including two for loss. Bowman totaled a career-high 154 tackles this year.

Bowman, along with Kansas City Chiefs safety Eric Berry and Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer, are the likely candidates for the NFL's comeback player of the year award.

Rotation Updates

With Quinton Dial (back) sidelined, first-round pick Arik Armstead stepped in as starter at left defensive tackle. Mike Purcell got the nod at right defensive tackle.

As expected, Jimmie Ward took over for the injured Jaquiski Tartt (knee) at strong safety. Sunday marked Ward's first ever NFL start at the position.

At cornerback, Johnson again joined Tramaine Brock while Kenneth Acker sat. Keith Reaser replaced Ward as nick cornerback.

Harris became the fifth different starter at running back this year for the 49ers. He joined Pierre Garçon, Reggie Bush, Jarryd Hayne and Shaun Draughn.

Golden Nuggets

-- With four field goals on Sunday, Dawson moved into 11th place on the NFL's all-time list with 384 career makes.

-- In his return from a broken hand, rookie running back Mike Davis broke off a career-long 13-yard carry on his first touch of the afternoon. He amassed 34 yards on 10 carries.

-- Harris led the way on the ground with 67 yards on 16 carries. He also caught a team-high eight passes for 86 yards.

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