Can we beat the 49ers?

It’s a challenge. SF is coming off a bye, Rams are coming off a short week with a cancelled practice. SF appears to have the Rams number. Their defense is formidable: ranked 7th overall, 4th in passing yards, 7th in rushing yards per attempt, and 11th in pressure percentage. They lost 3 in a row but that was to Seattle, Green Bay, and New Orleans.

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InvaderRam wrote:

niners are injured. at key positions.

it won’t be easy though.

Yeah it’s not easy (though it would be fun if they just blew them out this time and MADE it easy.)

Here’s the thing about SF, and I noticed it when Shanahan first got there, before they had the horses to compete. Even as a talent-lacking team, they were so fierce and energetic. They always seem to come to play (though I think with just a few exceptions over the last few years I have only seen them play the Rams).

If I find one real flaw with the Rams, they can sometimes come into a game without that level of energy ready to play. They can start games flat, and/or get stymied. If the Rams had SF’s level of play all the time they would be unbeatable.

O’Connell talks about it in today’s presser
(which is here– http://theramshuddle.com/topic/mcva-oconnell-11-27-transcripts/ ):

“It’s no secret they’ve had some injuries and just like a lot of teams in this league, but the one thing you continue to see when you turn on the tape is a really well coached team. They play really, really hard. You have got to match that energy and urgency and then match the execution level. Because you know they’re going to be so well coached. It’s always going to be a challenge when you play these guys….we know that and Sunday is going to be no different.”

Zooey wrote:

49ers may have Sherman back as well. Not telling what he has at this point, but he would be an addition to an already good secondary. The 9ers are among the best against both the rush and the pass, so they can frustrate the Rams (as they have done in the past). This game is no gimme, though it’s hard to imagine the 9ers putting up much offense against the Rams, either.

They had an extra week to prepare and recover, and their backs are against the wall. They have 6 losses right now, and can still tell themselves they have something to play for. A loss to the Rams basically finishes them, as it means their only path to the playoffs comes through other teams collapsing.

This is a talented team with a very good head coach.

I think a win here by the Rams will be underappreciated by the national media, and a loss overblown. The Rams should win this game, but – (I’m not a betting guy and don’t follow the spreads and such) – if I had to put money on this game, I would hate to give up seven points in order to bet on the Rams. I think the final score will be closer than that.

Do you know what I mean about them always seeming to be up for games and playing hard regardless of personnel? I am not sure McVay has that knack with a team yet the way Shanahan does.