The question isn't just penalties, it's WHICH penalties. The Cook OPI was a first down that put the Rams in FG range late in the first half and would have sealed a 17-3 or even a 21-3 halftime lead. Instead, we punt and they gash us for an 80 yard TD.
It was a HUGE turn of events. And that's the point. That completely wrong call, which everyone even on the broadcast team called both wrong and game-changing, changed the complexion of the game. Instead of the Rams having a commanding lead going into the half with the 9ers doubting themselves, they went into the half only down 4 and feeling like they just needed to get back to 9er ball and everything would be all right. That one quick turn around allowed to settle down.
it was potentially a 14 point swing and totally changed the game because if the 9ers are down 21-3, they have to throw more, which means maybe the Rams can dial up the pass rush more. Who knows what happens then? We sure don't because the damn refs called fouls that didn't happen and totally changed the outcome of the game.
As for crying about penalties, I don't see that. I can only speak for myself, but I only want fair. If we go 0-16, but lose fair and square, I might have plenty to say about our team, but I won't be complaining about the Refereeing (btw, they should have called Janoris Jenkins for a PI on Crabtree, but the game was pretty much over at that point, so I guess the Refs just let it go. I would rather they called it because... it was a foul. Call it legit and let the chips fall where they may. I'd rather be blown out legit than lose like this...wondering what the hell could have been if the game WERE legit. And this game just...was NOT. The Cook OPI wasn't the only illegitimate call, either, to really damage the Rams at a really inopportune time.
Point is that all penalties aren't created equal. A false start on 1-10 isn't the same as a holding on 3-4 making it 3-14. Massive difference.
And really, must we look any further than Robert Quinn having ZERO sacks in 5 games? Does anyone think he's really not been held??? And if those calls were called, wouldn't that affect the game?