Week 4 Game Preview: 49ers vs Rams

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.