Game Recap Week 1: SF vs LA

Rams V 49ers: LA Inept

1st Quarter

It was an avalanche of physical running from both Carlos Hyde and Blaine Gabbert. The highly touted Rams front 7 had no answer early on for Chip Kelly’s fast pace offense with Hyde showing elite patience and physical play along with Gabbert’s fearless running gaining drive extending first downs multiple times.

The 49ers defense held strong containing Gurley and exposing the weakness of the Rams passing attack. Early signs show that if this LA team can not control the game on the ground then they wont be able to catch up to teams if they are forced to pass. As impressive as the 49ers secondary has looked there are many secondaries that possess better talent even within their division which spells bad news for the Rams.

Although Gabbert has looked solid as a game manager he has missed critical passes such as overthrowing a wide open Gurely for a likely touchdown, along with a poor decision on a fourth and one resulting in a turnover.

2nd Quarter

Much of the same has occurred in this contest, poor blocking and no passing threat had the focus solely on Todd Gurley as the Rams main threat. Hyde looked like a top tier back and after having a spell backup Shaun Draughn fumbled the ball after looking impressive earlier on. The Rams weren’t able to take advantage of the turnover going three and out yet again.

3rd Quarter

The Rams punted the ball eight times and it was only the middle of the third quarter. This is as dismal as an offensive display as we have seen in years. The Rams only have one offensive threat to in Todd Gurley and he has no chance when there is a non existent passing game. The 49ers relied heavily on chewing the clock with Carlos Hyde. However, both passing games have proven to be underwhelming leaving a fourth quarter to be less then desired. After a great return by Tavon Austin late in the third, the Rams had great field position to score and make it a game. However, to follow the theme of the day the Rams Case Keenum threw a back breaking interception to end the quarter.

4th Quarter

Gabbert played better completing a string of passes followed by a pass interference call on Trumaine Johnson. This was capped off by a 10 play 77-yard drive where we saw the 49ers control the ball and frustrate the Rams. LA looked undisciplined all night with two consecutive personal foul penalties on defensive tackle Arron Donald resulting in an ejection embodying a disastrous night for the Rams. To add insult to injury the 49ers punched in a late score with Carlos Hyde adding to the embarrassment ending the game with a final score of 28-0 San Francisco