By Scooter_McG
The 49ers maintained their impressive regular season winning streak over the Rams with a commanding 24-9 win at home on Monday Night Football.
While I find it hard to call any week 4 game a "must win", there is no doubt that getting this win over the Rams was important to keep pace with the NFC West, where all four teams now find themselves with a 2-2 record, and avoid putting the team in an early hole like they did in 2021.
Getting the win is one thing, but the manner in which they did it was another. This wasn't a close fought battle in the NFCCG rematch - this was a game where the 49ers always looked on top, even if they weren't blowing the Rams away. And a large part of the comfortable victory lays at the feet of a dominant defensive performance that harried QB Matt Stafford all game and didn't allow the Rams running game to give Stafford a crutch to lean on. According to PFF the 49ers registered 30 pressures on Stafford at a rate of 53.6% of passing snaps, with seven sacks.
Equally impressive was the coverage behind the pass rush. While Kupp continues to be a thorn in the 49ers side, the 49ers were able to limit his damage as he averaged just 8.7 yards per catch. Stafford's reliance on Kupp also led to Hufanga's game sealing pick-6 in the fourth quarter as well as other potential picks that were missed. The only other Rams offensive player that provided anything of note was TE Higbee, who averaged an even more pedestrian 7.3 yards per catch. Combined those two players accounted for 24 of Stafford's 32 completed passes.
On offense, while the 49ers were far from excellent, they were considerably improved from last week. The run-pass balance we a lot better in this game, and the 49ers also used the short passing game a lot to supplement the run. Importantly, the team was able to get just enough big plays to get out in front of the Rams and put them under pressure to play catch up against the 49ers swarming defense. The two touchdown plays in particular stand out, with Wilson's 32 yard TD run blocked up perfectly, while Deebo's 57-yard catch and run was a prime example of how devastating Deebo can be with ball in hand. The 49ers also went 5 of 12 on third downs in this one, a stark improvement from last week where they only converted once.
In short, the 49ers did enough on offense and took advantage of their opportunities when they presented themselves to allow their defense to win them the game. It's the formula that took the 49ers to a Super Bowl in 2019.
Some other notables from the game include:
- Daniel Brunskill's return from injury saw the 49ers rotating the RG spot between Burford and Brunskill throughout the game. It didn't look like an in-game performance-based decision but rather a plan going into the game. And what we saw was a good reflection of what you get from the two players - Brunskill was solid and generally reliable with no big whiffs, but equally nothing spectacular. Burford on the other hand was very up and down, with some notable missteps, but also some nice blocks including on Wilson's TD run. You like Burford for the highs, but you like Brunskill for avoiding the lows.
- Jaylon Moore was far more comfortable this week stepping in following an injury to the starting LT. However, the 49ers also did not ask him to do a lot in terms of pass protection. It is unclear how severe the injury to McKivitz is at this stage and it will be interesting to see if he needs to miss time as to what the 49ers plan will be for LT now that Brunskill is back in the mix.
- Hufanga made another highlight play and has been a star for the 49ers defense through four weeks. Trevon Diggs parlayed a season of highlight plays into an All-Pro spot despite also having a number of defensive lapses. So far Hufanga is providing big time plays every week but they come without any real glaring missteps. If he keeps it up... could the 49ers have another All-Pro?
- The 49ers have allowed just 46 points through four games, of which the defense has been responsible for only 37. As a result the 49ers find themselves in the top two of most defensive categories (and first in many). It is worth noting though that the offenses of the four teams they have played have not been very good this year most weeks.
- Nick Bosa now leads the NFL in sacks with six through four games. PFF also had Bosa with 14 pressures against the Rams... 14! Monster.
Very good game
ReplyDeleteYes, enjoyable to watch.
DeleteHufanga is already All Pro for mine, ultimately equaling Lynch's other impressive 5th round pick, George Kittle.
ReplyDeleteTo think Cohn wanted Allen over Bosa while at the same time participating in a race smear campaign against him.
Great win and although as Scooter stated, not a must win, it was a statement game; we still own you!
"To think Cohn wanted Allen over Bosa while at the same time participating in a race smear campaign against him."
DeleteBosa has let his play and not his collegiate MAGA social media-ism define him. Hey, maybe there is something to keeping politics out of sports.
Cohn wanted everyone else...no matter the pick it was never the right one.
DeleteWilson clocked at 20.82 mph on the TD run, the fastest of any 49er this year.
ReplyDeleteplease no Cohn references. He is what is wrong with sports media.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. The look on Shanny's face when Grant asks a question tells the story.
DeleteBoth victories come against division foes. A sweep of the division would go a long way toward winning the division.
ReplyDeleteEasiest way to the playoffs.
DeleteI don't see any of the division threatening the Niners. They just have to plan better for that little skitter-bug on the Cards.
DeleteHey no page long postings from "anonymous"? F-ing coward always disappears when Niners are rolling.
Not sure what it is about Kyler that gives Niners fits, really hope he isn't turning into the next Wilson...even outside of Seattle he just has the teams number.
DeleteAnd don't want to jinx it but yeah, been a while since he was on here being a troll, lets just ignore we said anything and hopefully it stays as such.
Don't kid yourselves guys, Jimmy is still the same QB who can't win the big one. The 49ers defense is absolutely elite this year. We'll see how well the interior of the DL holds up against good rushing offenses, but the Niners defense sure seems to be the real deal. However, the 2022 Rams are not one of the top teams in the league, as they are 31st in yards per play. Jimmy Garoppolo continues to leave way too many big plays on the field, and as a result, he makes life far too easy for opposing defenses. The Rams are not a great team, and they don't match up well with the 49ers, but like we saw in the NFC Championship game last year, it's just a matter of time before the 49ers get outscored in a big game, because they can't consistently move the football.
DeleteIt's not 2019 anymore guys, it's 2022. The better teams know how to beat Jimmy Garoppolo these days. Through 4 games, the Niners offense ranks 28th in points per game, and 26th in passing yards, and unlike 2019, the better teams know how to beat Jimmy Garoppolo, while limiting the 49ers rushing attack.
I enjoy watching defensive battles as much as the next guy, and I realize that an elite defense can still win you a lot of games, but without the ability to dominate on the ground like they did in 2019, the Niners have zero margin for error these days, which is why they struggle to win any game in which they don't outright win the turnover battle. And while the NFC isn't as strong this year, there are at least a couple NFC teams who have an advantage VS Garoppolo, and unfortunately in the AFC, there are 4-5 teams who have the ability to outscore the 49ers.
You guys would be well served to temper your expectations. Don't get me wrong, the Niners' defense certainly makes a playoff caliber team, it's just that even if Jimmy manages to stay healthy (which is a stretch), it's an offensive league, and so the 49ers will eventually find themselves trailing behind one of the more prolific offensive teams of which Jimmy G simply can't keep pace!
Most NFL teams have outgained Jimmy and the 49ers offense through 4 games. How bad has the 49ers offense been .... well, here are some of the more notable offenses who actually rank higher than the 49ers:
Delete- Detroit Lions (J. Goff)
- Washington Commanders (C. Wentz)
- NY Giants (D. Jones)
- Jax Jaguars (T. Lawrence)
- Denver Broncos (R. Wilson)
- NE Patriots (M. Jones, B. Zappe, B. Hoyer)
- Atlanta Falcons (M. Marriota)
- Seattle Seahawks (G. Smith)
- NY Jets (J. Flacco, Z. Wilson)
- Cleveland Browns (J. Brissett)
Meh. They got to the NFCCG last year with the same QB despite playing with a bad shoulder and thumb. And the defense looks better this year than last.
DeleteI don't see why anyone should think this team can't get to the playoffs. And sure, I don't expect them to win the SB, but I also think any team that can get to 2 NFCCGs (and win 1) in 3 years with much of the same roster is one that has a puncher's chance.
Scooter, the addition of Ward at cb, and the emergence of a legitimate playmaker in Hufanga, combined with Kocurek's wrecking crew has put this defense over the top.
DeleteI agree razor. The defense has been good for years but lacked playmakers in the secondary (Jimmie Ward is good but not really a playmaker). With Charvarius Ward and Hufanga they now have playmakers.
DeleteOh, they certainly have a puncher's chance, Scooter_McG. Anytime you ha e an elite defense you have a chance. But there's a reason why most reputable NFL analysts have the 49ers ranked at right around #10 overall, and that's because their offense will always be limited with such a limited QB. I'm just saying, don't mistake beating the Rams in trhe regular season, as some kind of affirming victory. It's the 49ers 7th straight regular season win over their divisional rival Rams, but what has it amounted to? Like I said, the 49ers match up well against the Rams, but they don't matchup up well VS the better teams, and that's because they can't win games in which they don't win the turnover battle. You know as well as I do that TO come in bunches, and some TO's are simply random events. The best teams in the league can win games even without winning the turnover battle, and that's NOT the 49ers with Jimmy at the helm.
DeleteI do find humor in the fact that you think that somehow things will be different this year. How does the saying go ....
"one definition of INSANITY is doing the same thing over and over again while expecting a different result?"
BTW Scooter, does the 49ers offense look any different under Jimmy G this season, than it has in past seasons, or does it look like the same constricted offense that most good teams have figured out how to defend a couple years ago?
DeleteI agree that the 49ers might very well have the leagues best defense. The problem isn't the defense. 7-8 years ago the 49ers might have a chance to over come Jimmy G with an elite defense, but defenses don't win championships anymore. Dynamic offenses do, and that's because all of the rules have changed in favor of the offense over the last 20 years. In 2019 the 49ers were able to make it to the Super Bowl by relying on a dominant running game while not allowing Jimmy G to lose games in the postseason. The 49ers don't have that kind of running game this year, in part, because the league has caught up to Jimmy's limitations. Until Jimmy improves, the results will be the same, which means you all need yo get ready for another heartbreaking loss in the postseason. Joy!
You are the most negative individual I have encountered. But I think that comes down to only being happy if they win the Super Bowl. That means you can never just enjoy the ride.
Delete"Defenses don't win championships anymore"...yet what was it that got the Rams over the Niners and the Bengals? THE DEFENSE!! Literally having Von Miller made all the difference, he provided a counterpoint to Big Baby Aaron, the most memorable sequences of both games was the defense forcing both teams into passing situations and collapsing the pocket on both JG and Burrow. Both games ended in almost mirrored situations.
DeleteThis shows just how little you know and only glom onto what some random talking head says...then repeat ad nauseam.
Hufanga hit over 21 mph on the pick six. Thank god our staff pays more attention to game speed than combine speed.
ReplyDeleteIn most cases instincts is better than speed and Huf has a lot of instinct.
DeleteAt 21mph he has plenty enough speed too. He was a playmaker at USC, just couldn't stay healthy. Now a playmaker in the NFL. After the first couple of games I said we should pump the breaks on talking him up. But he keeps making plays. I'm a believer.
DeleteMcKivitz out six to eight weeks. Verrett and Ward are due at practice Wednesday.
ReplyDeleteSeems to me Danny Brunskill is your best option at LT instead of Moore.
DeleteI think an OL that has Burford and Brunskill in it is better than one with only one of those guys + Moore. As to which one goes to LT I don't mind.
DeleteI agree Razor Brunskill was very effective when he played left tackle.
DeleteHas anyone heard if the niners will be staying back east this next week? NC and Georgia, maybe they have connections at Clemson or with the Cocks, seeing as Clark (among others) went to Clemson and Deebo, Kinlaw (and some others) were from the real USC.
ReplyDeleteIts worked before and SC might be the best place to avoid any nightlife troubles, much better than ATL.
I think staying back east on these types of trips has proven to be the way to go. Makes sense. Leave on Saturday and get back next Sunday, it's only an 8-day trip. Saves two days dealing with the travel.
DeleteeMJay - Between the two games, the team will be staying and practicing at The Greenbrier in West Virginia to stay acclimated to the East Coast timezone.
DeleteIsabella released.
ReplyDeleteWillie Sneed released as well. One wonders...
DeleteIsabella has not been the player I thought he could be coming out of college. I don't know that a change of scenery will make him any better.
DeleteJeff Deeney
ReplyDelete@PFF_Jeff
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9h
Nick Bosa had a career-high 14 QB pressures last night. His pressure rate vs. LA was 31.8%. To put that into perspective, the NFL average pressure rate for AN ENTIRE DEFENSE this season is 31.9%. #49ers
Nick Bosa vs the World.
DeleteImagine if he wasn't held on every play
DeleteNiners D has not given up a touchdown in three games.
ReplyDeleteDidn't they give one up to Wilson last week?
DeleteYes, my mistake.
DeleteJeff Deeney
ReplyDelete@PFF_Jeff
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23h
Bosa currently leads the NFL with 30 QB pressures. Micah Parsons is next with 22. Bosa also leads the league in sacks (six), PFF Pass Rush Productivity Rating (15.5), Pass Rush Win Rate (29.3%), and pressure rate (25.9%).
Nick Boss the real heir of Tony 'Batters' Accardo.
ReplyDeleteMaybe we can name him The Outfit hehe
That was one of the better Q&A's from the local beat writers at Shany's presser that I've seen.
ReplyDeleteWas really impressed with Huf's post game press conference. Very down to earth guy and his humility comes through with every answer. Infectious personality and he is just 22!! Wish him all the success.
ReplyDeleteChris Foerster should also get some love IMO. Excellent play/game plan from O Line.
Agreed.
DeleteWith Ward and Verrett having their practice windows opened today, what happens once they are removed from PUP? Who gets released?
ReplyDeleteGipson has been excellent. But also can't imagine they will keep him as the starter over Ward. Does Gipson provide STs value? And if not... is he even retained?
And with Verrett... again, if he isn't starting, does he stick on the roster if he doesn't play STs?
Maybe we make a trade or incorporate more big nickel packages. Gonna be interesting.
DeleteOn a different note, did you catch Ally on Today Show Australia where she referenced the San Francisco 69ers? Somewhere Mike McGlinchey is smiling....
I love Verrett, it's time to trade him or release him. Release Thomas and resign him to the practice squad.
DeleteLol! Did not see that razor, but hilarious!
DeleteJeff Deeney
ReplyDelete@PFF_Jeff
·
4h
When targeted in coverage this season, the safety combo of Talanoa Hufanga and Tashaun Gipson have combined to allow a passer rating of 0.0.
What a great pick up Gipson has been. Can't believe he was still available.
DeleteAaron Banks has really surpassed my expectations through four games. Just saw a tweet that he has only been credited with giving up 5 pressures this season (and no sacks), and that lines up with what you see on film. PFF grade just below 70.
ReplyDeleteI know as a 2nd round pick the expectation should be that he is good, but I thought he would struggle initially.
Banks is looking good. The O-line as a whole has been a mild surprise.
DeleteJake Brendel's pass-block win rate ranks top-5 in the league.
DeleteJust need better communication to Burford so he doesn't let guys rush in unblocked.
DeleteI mean, if you have a guy lining up basically over your nose, don't turn your back on him to help the center whos man is on his left side so youre basically blocking your own center.
It'd been pointed out to me besides Huf playing safety he has also spent time as a linebacker.
ReplyDeleteI've not noticed that. I know they have been moving him around, but pretty sure he's always been 1 of 2 safeties on the field. Just playing some 8 man boxes.
DeleteScooter / Razor
ReplyDeleteOn base downs, if his hamstring injury is 100%, I believe Ward will replace Gipson at safety.
In passing situations, I suspect the 9ers may go back to the 3 safety look they ran during the second half of 2019.
I did find it interesting that they were in nickel for all 74 defensive snaps against the Rams.
DeleteRazor, partly a reflection of the Rams offensive personnel.
DeleteScooter, you think it'll be a similar reflection against the Chiefs?
DeleteI think Ryans is more than comfortable playing a lot of nickel with the way Lenoir has performed to date, if opponents want to go heavy on 3 WR sets.
DeleteGEEP may also be right about the team being happy to play 3 safeties a bit with Ward coming down in man.
Regardless, with Huff and Gipson playing well at the back, and Lenoir doing well in the slot, the addition of Ward provides a lot of flexibility.
Maybe that flexibilty is allowing Ryans more leeway in blitzing.
DeleteWith Al-Shaair on IR, I can see Ryans having Hufunga playing LB with Ward and Gipson in that 3 safety look.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.footballoutsiders.com/film-room/2022/meet-talanoa-hufanga-san-franciscos-latest-stud-defender
DeleteThe second video shows Huf down in the box. The third and fourth video shows him playing linebacker.
In the 3rd video he does end up shifting to more of a LB role due to the offensive shift, but really it is more a case of Ryans using 8 man boxes with Huff as the in the box SS. Huff is showing excellent versatility with the ability to line up in multiple alignments and excel.
Delete