Alfred Collins states game-saving punch in 49ers’ win felt like his ‘birthday’

When Alfred Collins made the game-changing forced fumble and recovery in the 49ers’ 26-23 win over the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday, it took a minute for the second-round 2025 NFL Draft pick to realize what he had done.“I didn’t even know,” Collins said Monday with a smile. “I was looking up, and I thought he scored, but then I was like, ‘The ball is right there.’ It was awesome to be able to make that play for my team.” With less than two minutes left in regulation, the Rams were moving the ball down the field with a little help from defensive penalties. Deommodore Lenoir was called for defensive holding, and two plays later, Mykel Williams was flagged for illegal use of hands.The penalties helped the Rams reach the 2-yard line. Quarterback Matthew Stafford handed off the ball to Kyren Williams, and Collins dove in from the right side of the field with a full swing. The defensive tackle knocked the ball loose, and then recovered the fumble.“It was just instinct,” Collins said of the play. “I couldn’t really tell you how I did it, I just did it.” ALFRED COLLINS PUNCHES IT OUT AT THE GOAL LINE...