By Scooter_McG
Week 4 sees an NFCCG rematch, as the NFC West leading LA Rams visit the 1-2 49ers. While the Rams enter the game with the superior record on the 2022 season, neither team has found their groove on offense as yet. And if history is any indicator, you can throw at form in these matchups anyway as these two teams have regularly provided highly entertaining and close games in the Shanahan-McVay era (with Shanahan holding a 7-4 advantage in these matchups). These games have been hallmarked by extremely physical play from both sides and I expect nothing different in this one.
For the 49ers, the talk for most of the week has been around what JG did or didn't say to Kyle Shanahan during the game against the Broncos. Regardless of what was said it wasn't a great look for the 49ers QB in a game where his play was one of the biggest factors in their disappointing loss, which saw one of the most insipid offensive performances by the 49ers since Shanahan took the reins. But at least JG took responsibility for his performance... oh, wait... 😅
Anyway, what is very clear is the royal we need to get on the same page in a hurry to avoid another embarrassing performance.
Here's what I see as being the keys to winning this one for the 49ers:
- Dominant running game. A key in any victory for the 49ers this week will be re-establishing the run, which all starts with the guys up front coming into the game with the right mindset and seeking to physically dominate their opponent. And by "up front" I don't just mean the five linemen - all nine guys leading the way for the RB must do their part and "snatch some souls". I want to see the 49ers come out be bullies right from the jump in this one, and if they do, I like their chances of coming away with the win.
- Slow Down Aaron Donald. The 49ers need to find a way to not let Aaron Donald ruin their day. In recent matchups Daniel Brunskill has done a good job of keeping Donald at bay enough to allow the offense to get rolling, and it will now be up to the other three B's (Banks, Brendel and Burford) to do the same. A big task for those men this week.
- Hit the big plays in the passing game. Getting the running game going, or at least committing to it, will be important for a win. But equally important will be to not waste the opportunities it brings in the passing game as the Rams defense defends the run aggressively. The 49ers can't afford to see another three or four TD opportunities missed like they did last week.
- Stop Kupp. Ok, maybe stop is the wrong word. But much like Donald they can't afford to let Kupp run havoc on the defense. Last years triple crown winner is by far and away the Rams biggest weapon on offense and the 49ers have to force Stafford to look elsewhere or be throwing into tight windows if he wants to find Kupp.
- Keep Stafford uncomfortable. A key to the 49ers two wins against the Rams last season was Stafford - he had some of his worst games against the 49ers. Even in their win in the NFCCG, Stafford tried his best to lose the game and should have had a second INT late in the game on what is a now infamous drop by Tartt in 49ers fans minds. The Rams OL is vulnerable and the 49ers DL has to be right up for this game to get after Stafford, who while not a statue does not bring the same level of escapability as Wilson last week. Combined with good coverage on the backend (including against Kupp as noted above), the 49ers DL should feast in this one.
The run game is the essence of Niner identity. Running the ball controls the clock. The Niners run game only works when the O-line is doing its job.
ReplyDeleteThe Darnold killer is healthy for the first time this year - Brunskill
The passing game hinges on the run game. Play action, roll outs, screen passes.
Controlling Kupp and Stafford is one and the same, constant pressure.
Pretty much, under.
DeleteI don't expect Brunskill to be starting even though he is healthy. But glad he is back.
Let's hope the Niners get a better performance from the JG. Looks like Gray isn't going to play due to injury.
DeleteI'm interested in the pecking order at running back with the return of Bobby Turner.
ReplyDeleteWilson, Coleman,
Deletethen Mason and Mack
DeleteIf our defensive line doesn't beat the snot out of Stafford then we aren't as advertised.
ReplyDeleteLT Joe Noteboom, LG Bobby Evans, C Coleman Shelton, RG Alaric Jackson and RT Rob Havenstein
DeleteKey for D line is to be able to keep up the pressure up for all four quarters.
DeleteI hope Ryans has learned his lesson and doesn't blitz Stafford. 144 rating when blitzed, and a 72 rating when they do not blitz.
ReplyDelete49ers opponents have only 6 return yards on Wishnowsky's punts so far this season.
ReplyDeleteKinlaw's acl reconstruction will be a year old at the end of this month. Hopefully his flare up is normal considering it takes a full 12 months to fully recover.🤞
ReplyDeleteTook almost 5 years but LaMar Jackson has evolved into a pocket passer. Could be looking at the same timeline for Lance.
ReplyDeleteThink it will considerably less time with Lance.
DeleteThree things the 9ers must do to beat the Rams:
ReplyDelete1) First downs: The 9ers were 1-for-10 on 3rd downs in Denver. Their 1st conversion came late in the 4th qtr. It’s hard to win without extending drives on 3rd downs.
2) Passing: JG was not good on throws 10+ yards downfield in Denver. On throws 10-19 yards down the field, he was 2-of-8 for 38 yards and an interception. If this continues against the Rams, we could see KS look at Purdy, to see what he can do.
3) The O-Line: The success for #1 and #2 will depend on the O-Line winning at the LOS. Giving JG a clean pocket, time to throw and the RB's a lane to run in and pick up 1st downs.
Hard to predict this game. Niners in recent past have done really well against the Rams and coupled that with 56 wins on Monday night could be an indicator for victory. However, the Rams are world Champs and the Niners are playing at home. Usually there is a home field advantage but not in this case. But then again both losses this year have been on the road, and the lone win was at home...
ReplyDeleteJG is not as bad of a QB that he demonstrated last week in Denver.
He is fighting for his football life; I expect him to play really well tonight.
Running game is on, JG is playing at 'his' best and the defense will be brilliant. Niners win this game,
Note - I believe the Steelers have the most MNF wins with 57.
DeleteNot going to get to watch this one live, so will watch the replay this evening and post my synopsis after that. Go 49ers!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the intro article, Scooter. Niners will probably try to run inside -- let's hope the O line can get some solid blocks going.
DeleteIf the Rams have a hole player showing up in the middle like we saw with the Broncos, Jimmy G will have trouble with his quick throws. Aiyuk needs to get more separation on his routes, and make himself available to Jimmy G.
ReplyDelete