On the Thursday Night Football national stage, two bitter rivals, the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers battled each other and the elements. The prize? Another rung on the playoff ladder. L.A.’s 12-6 road win put them on firm footing, in charge of ascension, and stomping on the fingers of S.F.’s tenuous hold.
The biggest takeaway from the game, was the Rams defense stepping up with their best game of season. And it was needed, as the offense sputtered and couldn’t get going in the wet conditions.
The Rams defense shut down where 49ers offense lived. The run game was smothered and the pass game couldn’t dominate the center of the field. Sure, okay, some it was weather and ‘Niner injuries, but L.A. played on the same field and fan’s will turn a deaf ear to opposing teams injury problems. They have already coped.
Those quick-hitting crosser/post routes that work as downfield mis-direction plays were limited. Squelching the run game also neutralized play action, so S.F quarterback Brock Purdy could not toss floaters into wide-open swathes of space for his receivers to pluck for big gains.
Purdy was also refused access to off-platform plays. There’s always going to be a debate about sacks and pressure’s, but when the Rams can keep a mobile QB in the pocket and squeeze him, the resulting pressure can be more effective at changing the game.
Here’s how the snap counts were doled out. Who played, and more importantly, who played well. Players, the count, and percentage are in bold.
Quarterback
While he didn’t play all that well, Matthew Stafford (65, 100%) showed veteran savvy, protecting the ball and field position, while converting his one deep pass attempt that led to a score. Color it a gutty effort under inclement conditions
Running back
Just like last week, Kyren Williams (56, 86%) appeared a little off in picking out lanes, but persevered on sheer toughness. Quite often, he was looking at the in-stadium big screen after runs and using body language that would suggest he wasn’t always happy with his decisions. After all his physical running in these last two games, he deserves a weekend off. Both plays and touches were down from the past two weeks for Blake Corum (9, 14%).
Wide receiver
It appeared that the 49ers had scouted the Rams “quick release” compressed offense. Early in the game, the 49ers defenders were well-stationed in L.A.’s passing zones and lanes. At the time, I thought some deep shots might loosen it up, but a combination of weather and ‘Frisco’s own offensive struggles made Sean McVay’s decision to play it very close to the vest the right one. Back in the day, there were many games managed the same way. Play a field position game, don’t make turnovers, and keep constricting pressure on opponents.
I guess hell froze over, a healthy Cooper Kupp (55, 85%) didn’t chart a reception and was targeted three times early in the game. Not much downfield action at all, Tutu Atwell (20, 31%) had a pair of targets while Demarcus Robinson (51, 78%) only had one. Jordan Whittington (10, 15%) and Tyler Johnson (5, 8%) didn’t rate any. That’s a lot of play time (137 reps) for six total targets.
Puka Nacua (50, 77%) had been limited to six catches for 46 yards before shaking loose for the big 51-yard fourth gain with 12:28 left in the game.
Tight end
As part of the gameplan to get the ball out quickly, the tight ends were targeted seven times, the unit’s most since Week 5. Colby Parkinson (32, 49%) regained the starting role and had a pair of catches, including a clinching first down at the final two-minute mark. After a good game last week, Hunter Long (22, 34%) received a small bump in reps and chipped in two receptions. Davis Allen (15, 23%) continued his snap slide. Now toss Tyler Higbee into the mix.
Offensive line
Starting-grade players are expected to play hurt and hold their mud. Beaux Limmer (65, 100%) and Alaric Jackson (65, 100%) were both designated questionable, but answered the call and played pretty well. Steve Avila (65, 100%) has improved over the last two games after some shaky reps coming off injury. Kevin Dotson (65, 100%) continues to be the Rams best lineman and had the rep of week by getting two pancakes after hustling to the second level. Rob Havenstein (65, 100%) came into the game as the fourth-rated tackle on ESPN’s Run Block Win Rate list and had another solid game.
Special teams
Another good punting day for Ethan Evans (15), a 45.7 net and two inside the 20. Longsnapper Alex Ward (10) was on point. Josh Karty (4) powered a 48-yard field goal in a driving rain and converted three chip shots to account for all the Rams scoring.
Defensive line
Kobie Turner (38, 70%) had a powerful game and led this unit to their strongest effort of the season. He is productive game-after-game and is tasked with the dirty work. Not enough superlatives for this lunch pail warrior.
When you hold a good running team to 63 yards, it’s fair to say everybody contributed. As a group, they had 11 tackles and allowed 3.3 yards per carry. The Rams have been very consistent in their use of Braden Fiske (34, 63%). Bobby Brown (24, 44%) was back up to his usual amount of reps and had three tackles. Tyler Davis (15, 28%) has been trending down in snaps for three straight games. Neville Gallimore (12, 22%), and Desjuan Johnson (8, 15%) were down a few from last week.
Edge
The splash plays were down again for this unit. It could be them hitting a late-season wall, but more likely explained by scheme. Being less aggressive in pursuit and setting a strong edge, as well as wanting to be more disciplined on keeping the pocket escape-free while rushing the passer. Jared Verse (44, 81%) has been battling an ankle tweak, the extended rest will do him good. Production numbers for Byron Young (41, 76%) mirror last years. Michael Hoecht (30, 56%) had his fewest snaps since Week 8.
Off-ball linebacker
While the Rams offense was punting on their first five possessions, Christian Rozeboom (47, 87%) and Omar Speights (36, 67%) were making tackles all over the field. This was before the rain started and had the 49ers been able to capitalize, the game could have easily gone the other way. Stellar outing for both, a total of 16 tackles, two for loss, and a sack.
Safety
A good day for a unit that’s been dogged. All four had good coverage reps, Quentin Lake (54, 100%) and Kam Curl (54, 100%) each knocked down two passes, Kam Kinchens (28, 52%) added another, and Jaylen McCollough (18, 33%) had a good 1on1 cover down the sideline that forced an overthrow.
Cornerback
Before the ‘Niner game there was some debate about who should replace the injured Cobie Durant. After just six snaps the previous week, Ahkello Witherspoon (54, 100%) was tapped and played every rep. S.F. did challenge him with nine targets, but ‘Spoon stepped up and had a stellar game. He had a season-best five tackles, batted away three passes, and allowed a miniscule 44.4% completion rate. Darious Williams (54, 100%) had the game-changing interception. For the past six weeks, Josh Wallace (3, 6%) has had the same role, special teams.
Active, but did not play
QB Jimmy Garappolo, OL Joseph Noteboom, OL Joshua Jackson, CB Emmanuel Forbes
Inactive
QB Stetson Bennett, RB Cody Schrader, OL Dylan McMahon, OL Warren McClendon, CB Cobie Durant, E Brennan Jackson
Carpe diem
The Rams control their own destiny and can effectively seize the day and NFC West title by continuing their winning ways.
And the final WildCard berth is still in play as well creating two viable path’s for L.A.
On 12/6, I wrote that the Rams were in an eight team race to 10 wins or eight losses for either the division crown or final WildCard. Following that theory, the 6-8 49ers and 5-8 Dallas Cowboys have dropped out. That leaves the 8-6 Rams, 8-5 Seattle Seahawks, and 6-7 Arizona Cardinals still alive for the NFC West. For the WildCard, add the currently leading 8-5 Washington Commanders, 7-6 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and 6-7 Atlanta Falcons.
With a victory already in hand, Rams players get to join fans this weekend in rooting home the Green Bay Packers over Seattle, the New England Patriots over Arizona, and New Orleans Saints over Washington.
