Rams Look Ahead to a Division Rival on Thursday Night
The Los Angeles Rams are set to take on the San Francisco 49ers in a division matchup as both teams are looking to move to 4-1 on the season. Injuries have riddled this 49ers team so far this season, as quarterback Brock Purdy, wide receiver Jauan Jennings, and Ricky Pearsall have all been ruled out ahead of Thursday’s game. This means that Mac Jones will be starting for his third time with San Francisco, looking to remain undefeated since joining the squad. Even though the 49ers are without their main pieces, the Rams should not let injuries stop them from competing at their best, especially in a rivalry game.
The Rams’ defense has been impressive so far this season, tied for second in the league in sacks, to go along with four forced fumbles and three interceptions. This game will be another opportunity for the defensive front to take over and make the matchup difficult for Mac Jones. Byron Young and Jared Verse have already shown their ability to win at the line of scrimmage, especially in key moments, while Nate Landman and Braden Fiske have been a strong presence in the middle, stopping the run. In the secondary, Cobie Durant and Kam Curl continue to play physical and tighten up coverage, which is crucial against this 49ers team. The priority will be slowing down Christian McCaffrey, who continues to be the engine of this offense.
On offense, Puka Nacua and Davante Adams continue to tear up the field, combining for 772 receiving yards in just four games. The duo has created matchup problems for every defense that they have faced, and this week, they have another go at one of the NFL’s top-ranked defenses. The 49ers defense, led by defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, has allowed only 18.8 points per game so far this season and is currently ranking sixth in passing yards allowed per game at 165. Cornerback Deommodore Lenoir has emerged as one of the more consistent players in San Francisco’s secondary, so the Rams will have to look for ways to keep their receivers active and in favorable matchups.
The 49ers' run defense has taken a noticeable hit without Nick Bosa, who is out for the year with a torn ACL. Linebacker Fred Warner is still in the lineup and a force to be reckoned with as he remains one of the best in the league. The Rams’ rushing duo of Kyren Williams and rookie Blake Corum will have the opportunity to take advantage of a depleted front. Through four games, Williams has shown his explosiveness, while Corum’s carry count has increased each week, showing that he is earning more trust from the coaching staff. Establishing the run will not only open things up for Matthew Stafford in the passing game but also keep the 49ers' defense on its toes throughout the game.
This matchup has the recipe of a classic NFC West battle with playoff-level intensity. For the Rams, protecting Stafford and finding ways to get the ball to Puka and Davante will be key on offense, while the defense must continue its dominance and keep McCaffrey from taking over the game all on his own. The 49ers are short-handed but still one of the toughest teams to play against, and Mac Jones has already shown he can manage games while Purdy gets back healthy and delivers wins for this team. While the Rams and 49ers fight to prove who is the best in the NFC West, Thursday night at SoFi Stadium should be another game that tests the Rams’ ability to compete at the highest level.
