media previews the SF game (including bay area views)

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  • September 8, 2016 at 9:52 am #52450
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    Film Room Preview: Week One vs San Francisco 49ers

    http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2016/9/7/12802940/film-room-preview-week-one-vs-san-francisco-49ers

    Opening a season on the road is never easy. The 49ers stuck it out to beat the Rams in Santa Clara at the end of last season, making a return to Levi Stadium that much more meaningful for the Rams. As abysmal as the 49ers may be this season, the Rams have problems of their own and a few mishaps could spell trouble.

    ~ Special thanks to Jerod Brown for giving perspective on the 49ers for this preview ~

    Rams Offense vs 49ers Defense
    The Rams struggled to sustain an offensive attack in last year’s Week 17 battle. Tavon Austin made a few plays early on, but the offense tapered off and became stagnant, allowing the 49ers to inch closer and closer to victory. That being said, the Rams were without star running back Todd Gurley, who had been averaging nearly 100 yards and a touchdown in his twelve starts prior to the 49ers game.

    The Running Game
    Without question, Gurley will carry the offense against the 49ers (and for the rest of the season). The Rams have a few ways they could go in terms of Gurley’s usage in the run game. For the most part, the Rams employ a zone running scheme, but man and gap concepts are sprinkled in as necessary. Outside zone plays could be lethal versus the 49ers.

    The 49ers defense has problems tackling in space and out near the perimeter. Granted, their defensive line should be a bit improved as Arik Armstead heads into his second season and rookie DeForrest Buckner adds a more explosive presence upfront, but that does not save the 49ers defense as a whole. San Francisco’s cornerbacks are not going to cause problems for the Rams in run defense, meaning it is on the Rams interior offensive line to keep the 49ers defensive line pinned inside just long enough for Gurley to burst up the field. On outside zone plays, it will be on guards Jamon Brown and Cody Wichmann to not allow the 49ers interior linemen to force Gurley out too wide.

    Considering the youth and lack of strength that the 49ers have in their front seven, the Rams may be better off rolling with more power concepts. It worked out for them when they faced the 49ers last season and there is no reason to believe it can’t work again.

    Power out of the shotgun is a perfect concept for Gurley. He has the flexibility to adjust to tight angles when running out of the shotgun, while also being strong and fast enough to fly down hill behind the pulling guard.

    Center Tim Barnes is a power running fiend. If there is anything Barnes is good at, it is blocking down hill and using his strength. Barnes should fare well versus the Niners front again this upcoming week. It is the two players to Barnes’ left and right that are worth questioning. Wichmann and Brown are listed as the starting guards, making them the focal points of this play.

    If power is going to the right, the right guard is responsible for pinning the defensive tackle lined up over him back to the inside of the formation, which Brown did on the play above, while the left guard pulls around him. If power is going left, the opposite is true and the left guard must pin his defensive tackle inside, while the right guard pulls behind him. Wichmann and Brown can both operate in space, so asking them to find their man as the pulling guard should not be concerning. Rather, figuring out whether or not those two can consistently use their strength to pin players inside will be key to the Rams rushing success. The Rams should run power a few times early on and see if they can get something going.

    On top of exposing the 49ers interior, power running would keep the Rams from running at outside linebacker Aaron Lynch. Though Lynch is known for being a speed rushy, he is deceptively dangerous as a run defender out on the edge. Lynch attacks linemen and set himself up to force plays back inside. He’s no slouch as a tackler, either, often using his long arms to corral ball carriers and, at the very least, slow them down. If the Rams want to run to the perimeter, Lynch will need to be taken care of. Keep an eye on Rodger Saffold to have his hands full with Lynch. That matchup will be critical to how well the Rams can run to the outside.

    Play Action Passing
    Gurley can and will also be used as a decoy for the passing game. With as lethal as Gurley can be as a runner, the fear of him carrying the ball can be used to the Rams advantage. The Rams were able to trick the 49ers with simple play action last year even without Gurley.

    On this play, the Rams paired a quick screen with a run fake that looked like a ‘wham’ concept. ‘Wham’ can be run out of any blocking scheme, but the backside blocker being a player coming across from one side of the formation to the other is the core of the play. That then allows the backside lineman, the left tackle in this case, to block down hill, theoretically creating a cut back lane between the ‘wham’ blocker and the backside lineman. It is a concept that marries power with versatility- a great fit for Gurley.

    Now, what makes ‘wham’ an interesting concept for a run fake on a quick screen is that it sucks in the edge defender on that side. When outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks sees tight end Lance Kendricks working back to block the back side, he quickly assume that it’s going to be a running play and that he has to close the cut back lane. With Brooks sucked inside, the Rams get a three-on-two (ball carrier included) situation on the outside, allowing the receiver to pick up a solid chunk of yards and move the chains.

    The Rams have play action boots in their disposal, too. With Gurley back in the lineup to divert defenses from the passing game and rookie tight end Tyler Higbee providing an athletic pass catching presence over the middle, the Rams could have a deadly boot-action passing formula on their hands.

    The route combo to the right side of the field is critical here. Wide receiver Bradley Marquez running up the sideline on a wheel route forces the outside linebacker dropping back in coverage to widen out in order to close the passing window. In doing so, the linebacker leaves a lot for room for the tight end crossing the field to work with between the right hash and the right numbers.

    Similarly, Kendricks crossing the formation behind the line of scrimmage and leaking out to the flats does its part in sucking in the linebacker, leaving plenty of space to throw over the top of him. Quarterback Case Keenum then just has to complete the one-on-one throw, which he does on the play above.

    With Keenum at quarterback and the absence of a true No.1 wide receiver, the Rams will have to rely on running the ball and executing on play action, as well as operate out of a lot of two tight ends sets with Kendricks and Higbee. The 49ers defensive back group is atrocious, so it is possible that we see Austin or Kenny Britt slip by them once or twice for a deep reception, and we will likely see more successful intermediate passing to the boundary than we will for the rest of the season, but that should not be something the Rams count on for this game or at any point this season.

    Rams Defense vs 49ers Offense
    Pass Defense
    In Week 17’s game last year, the Rams ran a lot of man coverage versus the 49ers. Considering how much pressure they were able to generate with four or five rushers, it made sense to play a more aggressive style of coverage throughout the game. The problem, though, is that man coverage leaves the Rams exposed against hiding wide receivers in stacked sets.

    Right before the snap, San Francisco motions the outside receiver, Anquan Boldin, to be the middle man in a trips set, rewiring who covers who for the Rams defense. Instead of Boldin being the outside receiver and Trumaine Johnson’s responsibility, Quinton Patton becomes the outside receiver and, in turn, Johnson’s man. Patton releases and cuts inside of the inner most player in the trips set, Blake Bell. Doing so gives Patton about eight yards between himself and a trailing Johnson, making for an easy pitch-and-catch for Blaine Gabbert and Quinton Patton.

    Johnson is normally quite reliable, though, and the Rams defensive failure on the play above is more a product of great offensive play design than Johnson’s shortcomings. The real concern is with the rest of the Rams cornerbacks. With E.J. Gaines not fully readjusted to the game, it is likely that the Rams roll with some mixture of Lamarcus Joyner and Coty Sensabaugh as the second cornerback. Considering neither of them looked good in the preseason, expect the 49ers to try picking on them early and often.

    Thankfully, the cornerbacks should have plenty of help. The 49ers offensive line is still a major question mark, giving the Rams defensive line to tee off on them. Aaron Donald, Michael Brockers and Dominique Easley make for a terrorizing trio of defensive tackles that the 49ers will have to deal with. At any time, the Rams will have two of them on the field at once (maybe even three, as Easley can play defensive end) and will give the 49ers no chance to breathe.

    Due to the ferocity of the interior defensive line and defensive end Robert Quinn’s prowess on the edge, the Rams should have no problem generating consistent pressure with four rushers. Rushing just four defenders then allows the Rams to drop seven players into coverage and close off Gabbert’s passing lanes. Gabbert will have to deal with immediate pressure and heavy traffic in coverage. That is a disastrous recipe for any quarterback, let alone one as skittish as Gabbert.

    Being Aggressive Against the Run
    Largely due in part to former Rams linebacker James Laurinaitis, the Rams defense lacked the aggression from their middle linebacker that they needed.

    The Rams front seven needs to function like the Carolina Panthers’ front does. The Panthers have a nasty defensive tackle duo that allows their linebackers to sprint at plays as soon as they see them, instead of having to wait for the play to develop for a moment.

    The Rams are built the same way. Some combination of Brockers, Donald and Easley will disrupt every run play and force running backs to scramble. When runners have to scramble, the only thing that ever saves them is when a linebacker is waiting on the play to come to him instead of the linebacker attacking the play. The Rams linebackers need to attack the line of scrimmage.

    Mark Barron will have no issue attacking the line of scrimmage. Barron is a headhunter. Even when he was forced into an unfamiliar role last year, he proved that he could play fast and hit hard. The question mark is Alec Ogletree, who missed most of last season.

    Ogltetree can be aggressive, but he has moments of uncertainty and gets his feet stuck in the mud. Granted, he did it far less often than Laurinaitis did, but it was still a problem. In 2016, he will need to be more aggressive and decisive because he has a defensive line that is fully enabling him to do so. The season opener versus the 49ers will be Ogletree’s first game back and he will have the opportunity to prove that he can be an attacking leader for the defense.

    Conclusions

    This will almost certainly be a low scoring game. The 49ers have a miserable offense being lead by Blaine Gabbert, who stands little to no chance versus the Rams bevy of pass rushers. For the same reason Gabbert will struggle, the 49ers running game will struggle to get going. Carlos Hyde is a fine running back, but the 49ers offensive line is going to get beat down by the Rams front. The 49ers best chance at success is hoping that Torrey Smith can get behind the Rams’ safeties- which is quite plausible- but even if he does, counting on Gabbert to complete a deep throw is a last resort.

    On the flip side, the Rams should have enough offensive firepower to outscore the 49ers. Gurley is arguably the best running back in the league and, against a shaky 49ers defensive line, the offensive line has to be merely serviceable in order for Gurley to have a good game. Keenum will likely open the game with a handful of screen throws, which is a great move considering how poorly the Rams defended Austin last season. Beyond that, Keenum needs to simply protect the ball, a task he should be able to handle given San Francisco’s lack of playmakers at cornerback.

    Even if the Rams win, it’s going to be an ugly game, folks.

    September 8, 2016 at 9:53 am #52451
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    September 8, 2016 at 9:53 am #52452
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    from 49ers Defensive Coordinator Jim O’Neil

    What stands out to you about the Rams?
    “I’ll start up front. They are very physical. They have their whole offensive line healthy. In my opinion, they have six really good players. They haven’t been able to play together this preseason, but they are starting to get healthy. The quarterback does a great job getting the ball out of his hands, puts them in a position to win football games. Obviously, [Los Angeles Rams RB] Todd Gurley at running back is a dynamic player. [Los Angeles Rams WR] Tavon Austin is a dynamic player as a receiver, running back, screen guy, down the field. They’ve got a big receiver in [Los Angeles Rams WR] Kenny Britt. They’ve got three tight ends that they roll that all do a good job. So, they are pretty good personnel-wise.

    What’s the emphasis for the defense in terms of stopping Gurley?
    “Do your job. Takes all 11. You know, just execute.”

    Do you have to prepare any differently for a unique skill player like Tavon Austin where they really try to get creative to get him the football, use him in different ways?
    “Sure. You’ve got to do some stuff schematically to get guys around him because he is such a dynamic player in space, yeah.”

    They use a lot of those kind of ghost sweeps with Tavon to play Tavon off of Gurley. What are some of the challenges trying to defend that?
    “They just force you to communicate. You know, if you’re running any type of combo coverage stuff, if he’s running to the other side of the formation, you’ve got to change coverage or if your zone drops on one and now one could become two very quickly. So, it forces you to think a little bit quicker. It’s not the same thing, but it’s kind of similar to some of the up-tempo stuff. Just makes you think and react faster than probably what you want to as a defense.”

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    September 8, 2016 at 10:01 am #52455
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    Week 1 Preview: Rams at 49ers

    http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/8-takeaways-from-the-season-finale-of-hard-knocks-with-the-los-angeles-rams-090716

    When the Los Angeles Rams visit the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, there will be so many major narratives surrounding this game that the key one is often lost in translation.

    The Rams are back in Southern California after a 21-year stay in St. Louis. One of the most storied rivalries in football has come full circle to renew a once torrid intra-state rivalry between teams that were once the strength of the NFC West.

    Ultimately, the Rams would have loved to open at home, but due to a scheduling conflict with the University of Southern California, the game is in the Bay Area as the second half of a Monday Night Football doubleheader. Kickoff is 10:20 p.m. ET.

    A few months ago, this game looked like it would feature 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick and Rams No. 1 draft pick Jared Goff. But both will be on the sidelines as controversial backups.

    Kaepernick received significant publicity the last two weeks for his action of sitting during the national anthem. However, lost in all the hyperbole is the play of starting quarterback Blaine Gabbert. Even before all the national media attention, which had nothing to do with on-the-field play, Gabbert won over the San Francisco locker room and head coach Chip Kelly.

    “The whole body of work from April until today,” Kelly said when asked what impressed him about Gabbert. “He’s a good fit for what we want to get accomplished, and I have a lot of confidence in what he can do for us offensively.”

    Kelly said Gabbert was “very matter of fact to him,” about getting the news that he was named the opening-day starter, “and let’s go to work.”

    Gabbert’s best game of his NFL career came against many of the same defensive players he will face Monday night.

    In the 2015 season finale, the 49ers signal-caller threw for 354 yards and helped beat the Rams, 19-16. The defensive backfield of cornerback Trumaine Johnson, cornerback E.J. Gaines, safety T.J. McDonald and safety Maurice Alexander will need to play sound techniques and limit the deep-ball opportunities of Gabbert to wideout Torrey Smith. Smith is a true deep threat and has the speed to get behind a nicked-up Gaines. Look for cornerback Lamarcus Joyner to play a significant role if Gaines struggles in coverage.

    The Rams’ front defensive seven is as good as there is in the NFL. The 49ers’ offensive line is a middle-of-the-road unit. The Rams defense should be looking to control the 49ers rushing attack of Carlos Hyde and force Gabbert to make throws outside the pocket.

    Rams defensive tackles Aaron Donald and Michael Brockers need to be able to control the interior of the offensive line. If this duo can get Hyde, who likes to run with vertical power, to play laterally, this will allow new middle linebacker Alec Olgetree to use his speed to stop the run game.

    A key matchup in this game for the 49ers offense and the Rams defense is left tackle Joe Staley going against defensive end Robert Quinn. Five and half of Quinn’s 50 career sacks have come against San Francisco. Most of those sacks have been against Staley, who is one of the most technically-sound players in the NFL and will need to play his best against the Rams.

    The Rams’ quarterback situation is another key to the game, but that narrative is a long way from being written. The Rams gave up six draft choices to select quarterback Jared Goff, who begins the season as a third stringer. Goff, the rookie from California, will spend the first game of his NFL career in street clothes.

    “He’s not ready, but he’s really, really made significant progress,” Rams head coach Jeff Fisher said of Goff.

    While Goff seems upbeat and willing to learn, the Rams made the move to mortgage the franchise because they believed the signal-caller could start from Day 1. Instead that honor goes to veteran quarterback Case Keenum.

    No matter who the Rams start at quarterback for the opener, or for the rest of the season, the offense begins and ends with running back Todd Gurley. The second-year man out of Georgia tore up NFL defenses in 2015 and will be looking to add to his career totals after being healthy all offseason. The Rams will look to pound the football off-tackle behind right tackle Rob Havenstein and left tackle Greg Robinson.

    The 49ers’ defensive front comes into the season with major question marks. The unit already lost starting nose tackle Ian Williams for the season with an ankle injury. Starting defensive end Arik Armstead and key backup at nose tackle Glenn Dorsey are currently nursing injuries. The Rams’ offensive line needs to attack rookie defensive end DeForest Buckner and see if the young player can hold his own in the NFL.[

    September 8, 2016 at 10:02 am #52456
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    Analyzing 49ers’ offense, defense, special teams, coaching

    Eric Branch

    http://www.sfgate.com/49ers/article/Analyzing-49ers-offense-defense-special-9206320.php

    Run offense
    Chip Kelly wants to run: The Eagles ranked fourth in rushing yards (6,301) in Kelly’s three seasons. Carlos Hyde could be the latest workhorse in Kelly’s attack, but the hard-running Ohio State alum has missed 11 games in his first two seasons and suffered a concussion in the preseason. His backups are Shaun Draughn and Mike Davis, who looked elusive in the preseason. Whoever runs the ball figures to benefit from an overhauled line that includes center Daniel Kilgore and guard Anthony Davis (combined three starts in 2015).
    Pass offense
    Even if QB Blaine Gabbert is better than last year, it might be hard to see the improvement, given his underwhelming corps of pass-catchers. After Torrey Smith, his wide-receiver options include Quinton Patton, rookie Aaron Burbridge and two men, Jeremy Kerley and Rod Streater, recently acquired in trades. Gabbert could benefit if tight end Vance McDonald, a 2013 second-round pick, has a breakout season. The front five has been upgraded; last year, the 49ers allowed the third-most sacks in franchise history.
    Run defense
    This area will be tested a lot early in the season: Each of the 49ers’ first six opponents ranked among the NFL’s top 10 in rushing yards in 2015. The 49ers ranked 29th in rushing yards allowed last season and won’t have run-stuffing nose tackle Ian Williams this season. Still, they figure to be improved. All-Pro linebacker NaVorro Bowman is another year removed from his knee injury, and first-round picks Arik Armstead (2015) and DeForest Buckner (2016) are expected to play prominent roles.
    Pass defense
    The 49ers have one player, 32-year-old linebacker Ahmad Brooks, with more than 11.5 career sacks on the 53-man roster. The lack of pressure (29th in sacks) was an issue last season, and linebacker Aaron Lynch (6.5 sacks in 2015) is serving a season-opening four-game suspension. The 49ers hope linebackers Eli Harold and Tank Carradine, plus Armstead and Buckner, can offset Lynch’s absence. Cornerback Jimmie Ward made a seamless transition from the slot, but his replacement, Chris Davis, is unproven.
    Special teams
    The 49ers lost punt returner Bruce Ellington in the preseason, but his replacement, Kerley, ranks 13th among active players in punt returns (134) and 17th in yards (1,250). Kicker Phil Dawson, 41, returns for an 18th season. More was expected from punter Bradley Pinion last year, and the big-legged 2015 fifth-round pick will seek consistency in his second season. The coverage units figure to be headlined by Nick Bellore and Michael Wilhoite. Another core special-teams player, Bruce Miller, was released after his arrest Monday.
    Coaching
    They swapped Jim Tomsula, a position coach with no NFL coordinator experience, for Kelly, who had a 72-28 record in seven seasons at Oregon and Philadelphia. Kelly will oversee the offense, which was under the direction of coordinator Geep Chryst in 2015. Defensive coordinator Jim O’Neil, 38, and special-teams coordinator Derius Swinton, 31, are largely unproven. O’Neil is a Rex Ryan disciple whose scheme is heavy on blitzing and press man-to-man coverage. The players say it’s easier to grasp than Eric Mangini’s defense last year.

    September 8, 2016 at 10:03 am #52457
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    Can 49ers’ revamped line keep quarterbacks upright?

    CAM INMAN

    link: http://www.mercurynews.com/2016/09/06/can-49ers-revamped-line-keep-quarterbacks-upright/?source=rss

    SANTA CLARA — Down went Colin Kaepernick. Down went Blaine Gabbert.

    Last season, no matter which “mobile” quarterback was in for the 49ers, pass rushers easily took down their prey, piling up 53 sacks last season and 52 in 2014.

    A revamped offensive line should fortify things this season, beginning Monday night when Gabbert starts ahead of Kaepernick against the Los Angeles Rams at Levi’s Stadium.

    It won’t be a dry run. Right away, the 49ers encounter defensive tackle Aaron Donald, last season’s runner-up for the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year award, behind the Houston Texans’ J.J. Watt.

    “You’ve got to be on your toes with Aaron Donald,” center Daniel Kilgore said recently. “He’s an elite defensive tackle. If he’s not No. 1, he’s No. 2 or 3. He’s very explosive.”

    “It’s going to be a dogfight,” Donald told the Rams’ website. “A divisional game — a team that we know, they know us.”

    Actually, Kilgore will have new guards flanking him. The projected starters are left guard Zane Beadles, the 49ers’ lone prize from free agency, and right guard Anthony Davis, who spent last season on the retired list after starting strictly at right tackle in his 71 previous games.

    Joshua Garnett, a first-round draft pick out of Stanford, could sneak into the lineup, too, although his only exhibition start came in the finale at left guard. Andrew Tiller was the first-string right guard until Davis switched there about two weeks ago, with second-year behemoth Trent Brown (6-foot-8, 355 pounds) entrenched at right tackle.

    Neither Gabbert nor Kaepernick got sacked in the exhibition season; Gabbert took 43 snaps in the first three games, and Kaepernick had 49, including 36 last Thursday in San Diego.

    Last season, it was ugly. Kaepernick got sacked 28 times through eight games, then it was Gabbert’s turn to absorb 25 sacks, including nine sacks (tying a 49ers record) in a Dec. 13 loss at Cleveland.

    “Everybody knows that last year is not anywhere near the standard and expectation here,” left tackle Joe Staley said upon reporting to his 10th training camp. “Everybody is excited to get back to work. That’s the only way to remedy the kind of season we had last year.”

    The Rams only sacked Gabbert once in the regular-season finale, a 19-16 overtime win by the host 49ers. Kilgore carries confidence from that matchup into Monday night’s rematch, saying the 49ers have done “OK” against Donald, a third-year star who has 20 career sacks, but only one against the 49ers.

    “Guys get caught up to much with his speed and strength,” Kilgore said. “You just have to go in knowing he’s an enforcer, but they have 10 others (on defense) that are good, too.”

    The Rams defense does tout other solid linemen in Robert Quinn, William Hayes and Michael Brockers. But gone are defensive end Chris Long, defensive tackle Nick Fairly, cornerback Janoris Jenkins and linebackers James Laurinaitis and Akeem Ayers.

    Tank Carradine’s “excellent progress” in moving to outside linebacker earned him a one-year contract extension, 49ers general manager Trent Baalke announced Tuesday.

    Carradine slogged through the past two seasons as a backup defensive tackle. After dropping 30 pounds and moving positions, he must pick up the pass-rush slack as Aaron Lynch serves a four-game suspension. Carradine received a $1.25 million signing bonus, according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport.

    “Tank is a hard-working, dedicated player who is making excellent progress in his transition from DE to OLB,” Baalke said in a statement. “We look forward to his continued development and contributions to our organization.”

    Carradine has four career sacks in 23 games (one start) since 2014. He missed his rookie year recovering from his knee injury at Florida State.

    September 8, 2016 at 10:04 am #52459
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    49ers’ big 3 questions

    Eric Branch

    link: http://www.sfgate.com/49ers/article/49ers-big-3-questions-9206317.php

    Can Chip Kelly recapture his swagger?
    The Eagles were 6-9 last season when Kelly was fired, but it’s understood that the decision to part with him was more about his supposedly lacking people skills than coaching skills. Still, there is a belief that NFL defensive coordinators have adjusted to the frenetic pace of Kelly’s offense. After ranking among the top of the league in most offensive categories in his first two seasons, the Eagles slipped to middle of the pack in 2015 and had moments when they were far worse. In a 20-10 loss to the Cowboys, they had 7 yards rushing, and Fox analyst Troy Aikman sounded disgusted by both teams: “This is not good football. This is a terrible game to watch.” Kelly can change the conversation by making the 49ers’ terrible offense (NFL-low 238 points in ’15) respectable, despite working with below-average personnel.
    Can Blaine Gabbert take the next step?
    After he baby-stepped from punch line to semi-productive last season, the 49ers hope the No. 10 overall pick in 2011, right, can jump to another level. It’s fair to say there is skepticism about that transpiring. Gabbert beat out Colin Kaepernick for the starting spot, but that was somewhat by default, given Kaepernick’s injuries. Despite Gabbert’s huge advantage, he still wasn’t named the starter until two days after the final preseason game. Was Kelly merely being sensitive to Kaepernick, or was it a reflection of Gabbert’s limitations and meh preseason? The situation means fans might be hollering for Kaepernick, who has his own limitations, the moment Gabbert falters. And it’s possible the screaming could start early, given a schedule that opens against the Rams before road dates against the Panthers and Seahawks.
    Will the defense develop?
    The 49ers have invested plenty of high-end draft capital in a defense that ranked 29th in the NFL last season. And now it’s time for those big-time college players to pay big dividends. General manager Trent Baalke has had 15 first-, second- or third-round picks since 2013, and 10 of those selections have been used on defensive players. Baalke has used his first pick in the past four drafts on defense (safety Eric Reid, cornerback Jimmie Ward, defensive tackle Arik Armstead and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner), and his emphasis on defense also has netted defensive tackle Tank Carradine (second round, 2013) and linebacker Eli Harold (third round, 2015). Carradine, who has converted to linebacker, and Harold will have chances to provide much-needed pass-rush pressure, particularly with Aaron Lynch serving a season-opening, four-game suspension. Given the resources invested, the 49ers should make a jump this season. If not, Baalke’s job could be lost, along with plenty of games

    September 9, 2016 at 1:03 am #52482
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    from Practice Report 9/8

    Myles Simmons

    http://www.therams.com/news-and-events/article-1/Practice-Report-98-Keenum-Ready-for-1st-Opening-Day-Start/453e9430-31ca-4222-8d48-5034f331be18

    — Aside from Keenum, running back Todd Gurley, defensive tackle Aaron Donald, linebacker Alec Ogletree, and punter Johnny Hekker have been named the Rams’ captains for 2016. Hekker is the only returning captain for the club.

    — The Rams somewhat made waves by releasing presumed starting strongside linebacker, Akeem Ayers, in the final round of cuts. Though Fisher appeared to leave the door open for Ayers’ return, the linebacker has since signed with the Colts.

    As Fisher explained on Thursday, the Rams were slated to be playing with two linebackers and five defensive backs more often than not regardless of who else was on the roster.

    “As you know, we face a lot of three wide-receiver offenses,” Fisher said. “So, it’s two linebackers and it’s five DBs or six DBs. So teams aren’t normally starting with that group, and what teams like to do to us is spread us out and get rid of the football.”

    Still, Fisher said he’s been pleased with what he’s seen from the rookies at linebacker, Josh Forrest and Cory Littleton.

    “It’s just a matter of time before they’ll see live defensive snaps,” Fisher said.

    — For a pair of minor roster moves, the Rams waived linebacker Nic Grigsby and signed cornerback Steve Williams. Williams is a former fifth-round pick of the Chargers who made two interceptions and two forced fumbles for San Diego last year. The cornerback was waived on Sunday.

    L.A. also released running back Terrance Magee from its practice squad and signed offensive lineman David Arkin to the group.

    — For the first injury report of the 2016 season, linebacker Bryce Hager (concussion) and right tackle Rob Havenstein (foot) both participated in practice on a limited basis. Cornerback E.J. Gaines (thigh), wide receiver Pharoh Cooper (shoulder), and wide receiver Nelson Spruce (knee) all did not participate in the session.

    September 9, 2016 at 6:21 pm #52514
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    49ers coach Chip Kelly has studied the Rams and then some

    http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20160908/49ers-coach-chip-kelly-has-studied-the-rams-and-then-some

    To hear him tell it, Chip Kelly and his staff have been buried in film for several weeks.

    The 49ers hired Kelly this offseason, the latest attempt by the franchise to right itself since ousting Jim Harbaugh. New head coach, new offensive scheme. Considering all those changes, one might wonder how useful it is to watch last year’s season finale against the Rams — one in which star running back Todd Gurley didn’t even appear.

    “We’ve watched everything,” Kelly said Thursday. “Everything that’s available to us film-wise, we’ve watched. So, we’ve watched every game Case has played. We’ve watched everything Jeff has done. We played him when I was in Philadelphia two years ago — we’ve watched that game. We’ve watched every game.”

    For the record, Case Keenum has played in 16 games in his career, starting all but one across three seasons. Jeff Fisher is heading into his fifth season with the Rams and his 22nd as a head coach — not to mention more than three decades working on NFL staffs.

    If Kelly has indeed studied film as thoroughly as he claimed, it’s worth considering if he’s had time to sleep and eat.

    WHO’S COACHING THE 49ERS?

    After turning Oregon into a perennial collegiate power, Kelly jumped to the NFL and led Philadelphia to back-to-back 10-win seasons. For a while, some suggested that his up-tempo offense was signaling a revolutionary moment for the league. The honeymoon didn’t last, as the Eagles canned him before the conclusion of a six-win campaign a year ago.

    Back on the West Coast, he’ll be eager to show he has what it takes to contend for championships in the pros as well.

    BY THE NUMBERS

    2 — NFC West titles for 49ers under Jim Harbaugh

    0 — NFC West titles for 49ers under other coaches, since 1997

    26-21 — Chip Kelly’s win-loss record in three NFL seasons

    22.21 — Average seconds between Eagles’ offensive plays in 2015, fastest in NFL

    8 — Games started by 49ers QB Blaine Gabbert in 2015

    63.1 — Completion percentage by Blaine Gabbert in 2015, a career high

    PLAYER TO WATCH

    In an offense that lacks any truly dangerous playmakers, Carlos Hyde may be the 49ers’ best hope for a go-to option.

    A former second-round pick in 2014, Hyde has only one triple-digit outing to his name. As a rookie, he was stuck behind Frank Gore, the franchise’s all-time rushing leader. He opened last season by rushing for 168 yards against the Vikings — but added only another 302 before a foot injury robbed him of his last nine games.

    The 6-foot, 235-pound back returned from a concussion this week, and is likely itching to show what he can do as a No. 1 tailback.

    “He’s not a guy you have to get off the field on third down,” Kelly said. “He’s great in blitz pickup. He’s also a threat to catch the ball coming out of the backfield. When you defend Carlos, you have to defend everything.”

    September 9, 2016 at 7:25 pm #52521
    Avatar photozn
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    PFF: from 32 PFF STATS TO KNOW FOR NFL WEEK 1

    https://www.profootballfocus.com/pro-32-pff-stats-to-know-for-nfl-week-1/

    Los Angeles Rams @ San Francisco 49ers

    31. Rams DT Aaron Donald recorded the second-best pass-rushing productivity mark among defensive tackles last season; new teammate Dominique Easley was No. 1.

    If both players can keep up the same level of play in 2016, they’ll be an unstoppable force throughout the season. On Monday, they will be facing an O-line in transition, with new left guard Zane Beadles (who allowed 41 pressures last year, the fifth-most for guards), center Daniel Kilgore, and Anthony Davis (who just recently moved to right guard). It will be a tough week for the three San Francisco interior linemen to learn to play together.

    32. 49ers RB Carlos Hyde forced 0.28 missed tackles per carry last season, the best rate among NFL RBs.

    While Hyde missed much of the season due to injury, he is back now, and in Week 1 faces one of his most difficult tests of the season. While the Rams’ defensive line is mostly known for its pass-rushing, they have also been very good at not missing tackles. Last year, they averaged just 0.12 missed tackles per run play as a team, seventh-best in the league. Something will have to give this week.

    September 10, 2016 at 11:39 am #52556
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    RICH HAMMOND

    http://www.ocregister.com/articles/gurley-728552-rams-game.html

    LOOKING AROUND

    The Rams haven’t been watching as much opponent game video as normal. That’s because the 49ers have a new head coach (Chip Kelly) and defensive coordinator (Jim O’Neil).

    Kelly coached in Philadelphia from 2013-15 and O’Neil was the defensive coordinator in Cleveland the past two seasons. That video is likely more beneficial from a scheme standpoint. The Rams beat Cleveland 24-6 last season and lost to Philadelphia 34-28 in 2014.

    “We’re watching a lot of stuff right now,” Fisher said. “I’d imagine they are as well. That’s part of the intrigue of the first game. People hold things back through camp and the preseason, and have a lot of things that they like that they put in the first game. Yeah, we’re looking at Cleveland’s defense and Philly’s offense. That’s what the coaches are looking for, and turn over every stone.”

    BIG STAGE

    The Rams will be playing a “Monday Night Football” game for the first time since Oct. 13, 2014, also against San Francisco (in St. Louis). They’ll hope for better results. The Rams, with Austin Davis at quarterback, lost that game 31-17 and dropped their record to 1-4. They finished the season 6-10.

    ALSO

    Rams starting right tackle Rob Havenstein, who missed almost all of training camp because of a foot injury, has returned to full participation in practice and presumably has a chance to play Monday. Reserve linebacker Bryce Hager (concussion) also has returned, but cornerback E.J. Gaines (thigh) and receivers Pharoh Cooper (shoulder) and Nelson Spruce (knee) remain completely out of practice. … The Rams released reserve offensive lineman Garrett Reynolds, who had been on injured reserve. Reynolds received an unspecified injury settlement from the team.

    September 10, 2016 at 9:43 pm #52608
    Avatar photozn
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    Rams’ defense will have a new look, and coordinator Gregg Williams is fine with that

    Gary Klein

    http://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-rams-report-20160910-snap-story.html

    The middle linebacker is playing the position for the first time.

    The weak-side linebacker is a converted safety who led the team in tackles last season.

    The strong-side linebacker?

    After the release of Akeem Ayers, the Rams have all but said they don’t need one.

    At least not very often.

    “If you look at how many teams we’re going to play this year that are going to play two backs in the backfield against us — not very many people like doing that against us,” defensive coordinator Gregg Williams said Saturday. “So take a look at how many times were going to play three linebackers this entire season.”

    On Monday night, when the Rams open the season against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium, Alec Ogletree will be the new middle linebacker, Mark Barron flanks him on one side and the defense could utilize multiple defensive backs “in those areas that a linebacker plays,” Williams said.

    Preview: Rams open season at San Francisco
    Gary Klein and Lindsey Thiry preview the Rams season opener at San Francisco.
    Cornerback E.J. Gaines did not practice this week and was ruled out of the game because of a thigh injury.

    So the Rams could rely heavily on cornerbacks Trumaine Johnson, Coty Sensabaugh and Lamarcus Joyner with safeties T.J. McDonald and Maurice Alexander.

    “It’s a passing league now,” Sensabaugh said, adding, “I’m just ready to compete. I don’t care who’s out there with us.”

    Ayers’ departure — he signed with the Indianapolis Colts — leaves the Rams with three backup linebackers: second-year pro Bryce Hager, sixth-round draft pick Josh Forrest and undrafted free agent Cory Littleton.

    Williams is noted for adapting schemes to fit personnel.

    Last season, after Ogletree suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 4 at Arizona, Williams moved Barron from safety to a hybrid role similar to the one played by the Cardinals’ Deone Bucannon.

    Barron flourished, finishing with a team-best 116 tackles.

    “We’re going to play the best guys we have that they bring in the door,” Williams said. “I don’t draft them, I don’t sign them, but when they get here I’m going to coach them.”

    Addressing reporters on the practice field a few yards from the Rams’ modular facility, Williams said Ogletree has put in the work, on and off the field, to make a successful transition to the middle.

    Rams take wraps off Todd Gurley as regular season starts vs. 49ers
    Rams take wraps off Todd Gurley as regular season starts vs. 49ers
    “When I say this I‘ll probably get in trouble: He’s been in here more than our quarterbacks,” Williams said, “and he’s been in the film room longer than some of our coaching staff around here.

    “So you have to respect the fact that he’s going to get an opinion because he works hard.”

    Ready to go

    Left tackle Greg Robinson said he was looking forward to the opener and the chance to show his improvement from a year ago.

    He will be protecting the blind-side of quarterback Case Keenum, who is making his first season-opening start.

    The 6-foot-5, 332-pound Robinson was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2014 draft. He struggled at times with consistency and penalties during his first two seasons.

    “I had a good preseason and that helped build my confidence,” Robinson said. “I feel like the game has slowed down a lot for me.”

    Quick hits

    Receivers Pharoh Cooper (shoulder) and Nelson Spruce (knee) also were ruled out of the game. Offensive tackle Rob Havenstein (foot) and linebacker Bryce Hager (concussion) practicedm but they are listed as questionable…. The Rams will have a short walkthrough Sunday and then depart for the Bay Area

    September 12, 2016 at 9:26 am #52693
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    49ers a litmus test for Rams

    Bonsignore

    http://www.ocregister.com/articles/rams-728669-offense-game.html

    SAN JOSE – Kickoff for the Rams’ opener against the San Francisco 49ers was still more than 72 hours away, but the proactive nature of Trumaine Johnson had already sprung into action.

    The Rams aren’t exactly sure what to expect from Chip Kelly’s fast-passed spread offense, whether it will be in full throttle or starting from first gear as it eases into Kelly’s first season in the Bay Area while operating with the worst skill position population in the NFL.

    At its core, Kelly’s offense is a frenetic, no-huddle blur that challenges defenses to keep up by adjusting on the fly, sometimes without the benefit of normal sub package substitutions in between plays.

    When Kelly’s offense is humming at optimal efficiency – 12-16 seconds from one snap to the next – in between plays is a relative term.

    It’s a non-stop hustle.

    And that poses as much of a physical test as it does a mental.

    Johnson was taking no changes on the former.

    Three days out from kickoff, the Rams cornerback was overloading on liquids.

    “You can’t wait until the day before the game to start hydrating,” Johnson said. “That’s a process you have to begin way before that. So I’m already getting prepared.”

    As is the rest of the Rams defense.

    No telling exactly what the 49ers offense will look like Monday night.

    While the personnel may scream one thing, the stubborn head coach standing on the opposing sideline represents something entirely different.

    With or without the ideal type players to carry out Kelly’s vision, chances are the former Oregon and Philadelphia Eagles coach is going to damn well do what he’s always done.

    “Every coach has a history, there’s nothing secret anymore,” said Rams defensive coordinator. Gregg Williams. “Every single game film in college, every single game film in the NFL, you guys get to watch and every fan gets to watch. There’s nothing secret anymore about the game.”

    So break out the track shoes and try to keep up.

    Talking to some Rams defensive players this week, you get the idea that’s exactly how Williams prefers it.

    “Greg doesn’t believe in slowing down anyway,” defensive end Robert Quinn said, laughing. “No matter the situation or time or day or any of that, we’re always fast.”

    Williams is legendary for insisting his defense beat the opposing offense to the line of scrimmage each play, but he might get a run for his money Monday .

    Kelly isn’t just trying to create more chances by increasing the amount of offensive snaps per game, he’s trying to force opponents into a state of confusion by denying them the ability to substitute and limiting the amount of time to decide on scheme call.

    That means a number of plays in which the Rams might be without the optimal personnel package in a scheme that isn’t conducive to the 49ers play call.

    Which means making changes in real time.

    “Communication is the key,” Johnson said.

    So is trust.

    “If we get a little rattled, we have our checks and adjustments and we have to believe in them,” Quinn said. “Just stick to our rules. If we don’t like it check it, play it and live to play another down.”

    Most importantly, try to keep up.

    “We can’t be lackadaisical, not even on one play,” Quinn said. “Because 80 yards down the field they go.

    “So there’s an emphasis on trying to be exact, no matter the tempo.”

    This is a litmus test in many ways for the Rams.

    On paper, they are the better team than the 49ers. Defense in particular.

    By all measure, the Rams defense is decidedly more than the 49ers offense, which features a once-failed first-round pick in quarterback Blaine Gabbert and some of the most nondescript skill players in the league.

    Fast-paced or not, Johnson, Quinn and Aaron Donald should absolutely control San Francisco sufficiently enough for Case Keenum and the offense to put up the necessary points to leave the Bay Area with a season-opening win.

    “And that’s a challenge we absolutely accept,” Johnson said.

    Said linebacker Mark Barron: “You want to set a ton for your entire year with your season opener. We take pride in making that statement no matter the game, but there’s even more emphasis this being the first game.”

    Yes, openers can be funny sometimes, and taking the stage on Monday night on the road throws a whole other curveball into the equation. We also have very little to go on with the Rams offense, other than Todd Gurley is poised for a sensational season and the offensive line looked better in preseason.

    Keenum is still very much a question mark, as are the Rams skill players.

    For now, the Rams defense will be leaned on heavily.

    Doesn’t matter it’s a long-time rival that’s changed they way they way they do things.

    “There’s really not anything that’s hidden anymore in our league. I think Jeff (Fisher) has said this, our head coach has said this earlier in the week – it’s going to be about execution,” Williams said. “We have to go out there and do what we’re supposed to do right. It’s past the coaching now.”

    The Rams keep talking about moving up and beyond from their recent 7-9 type seasons.

    Beating the teams you’re supposed to is a good start.

    September 12, 2016 at 1:04 pm #52703
    Avatar photojoemad
    Participant

    URL – http://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-rams-49ers-lineup-20160910-snap-story.html

    September 12, 2016, 7:00 AM

    Rams pass offense vs. 49ers pass defense: The Rams can’t go anywhere but up after finishing last in the NFL in passing offense last season. Quarterback Case Keenum does not have a huge arm, but he was efficient during four exhibition games. In six games last season, Keenum completed 61% of his passes for 828 yards and four touchdowns, with one interception. Tavon Austin and Kenny Britt are the top receivers and Lance Kendricks and Tyler Higbee the tight ends. Left tackle Greg Robinson must protect Keenum’s blind side. The 49ers ranked 29th in the NFL last season with 28 sacks. Free safety Eric Reid leads the secondary. EDGE: 49ers

    Rams run offense vs. 49ers run defense: Rams running back Todd Gurley was the NFL offensive rookie of the year after rushing for 1,106 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. And he did it despite not starting until the fourth game. Benny Cunningham is Gurley’s backup. Both run behind a line that returns intact from last season if right tackle Rob Havenstein is fully recovered from a foot injury. The 49ers’ 3-4 scheme features tackle Arik Armstead, a 2015 first-round draft picks. Inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman leads the unit that will try to slow down Gurley. EDGE: Rams

    49ers pass offense vs. Rams pass defense: Quarterback Blaine Gabbert is at the controls of first-year Coach Chip Kelly’s offense, with Colin Kaepernick on the bench. Last season, Gabbert completed 63.1% of his passes, 10 for touchdowns, with seven interceptions. Torrey Smith had 33 receptions and Quinton Patton and Vance McDonald each had 30 for a team that ranked 29th in passing offense last season. Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson leads a secondary that gets its first test since the departures of free-agent cornerback Janoris Jenkins and safety Rodney McLeod. The Rams are counting on the defensive line to pressure Gabbert. EDGE: Rams

    49ers run offense vs. Rams run defense: Carlos Hyde rushed for 470 yards and three touchdowns in seven games last season. Guard Anthony Davis, the No. 11 pick in the 2010 draft, is back after an injury-plagued season that led to a brief retirement. The Rams gave up 113.8 yards rushing per game in 2015, but this is a reconfigured front seven. The line features ends Robert Quinn and William Hayes and tackles Aaron Donald and Michael Brockers. Alec Ogletree is the new middle linebacker, and Mark Barron begins the season at weak-side linebacker for a unit that will often feature five defensive backs EDGE: Rams

    Special teams: Rams punter Johnny Hekker made the Pro Bowl last season after averaging 47.9 yards per kick. Kicker Greg Zuerlein is coming off an inconsistent performance in 2015, when he made only 20 of 30 field-goal attempts. Benny Cunningham averaged 28.6 yards per kickoff return, Tavon Austin 7.9 yards per punt return. Veteran 49ers kicker Phil Dawson, entering his 18th NFL season, made 24 of 27 field-goal attempts in 2015. Punter Bradley Pinion averaged 43.6 yards. Kickoff and punt returner Bruce Ellington suffered a season-ending hamstring injury during the exhibition season. EDGE: Rams

    Gary Klein’s pick: The Rams return to the scene of their season-ending overtime defeat in 2015. The storybook called for local boy Jared Goff, the No. 1 pick in the draft, to start against the team he grew up rooting for. Instead it’s Keenum, who leads a Rams team that made no significant upgrades on offense and turned over the defense to Ogletree. This is an NFC West game the Rams should win. If they do, it sets them up nicely for a home opener against the Seattle Seahawks with a chance to start 2-0 in the division. If they lose, it puts them in a hole going into Pete Carroll’s return to the Coliseum. Rams 24, 49ers 20.

    September 12, 2016 at 1:17 pm #52705
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    Rams vs. 49ers scouting report

    Rich Hammond

    http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20160911/rams-vs-49ers-scouting-report

    RAMS OFFENSE vs. 49ERS DEFENSE

    This isn’t a difficult puzzle to piece together. The 49ers allowed 387.4 yards per game last season, the fourth-worst average in the NFL. Their new defensive coordinator, Jim O’Neil, spent the previous two seasons in Cleveland, and those Browns teams allowed 4.5 rushing yards per carry in both 2014 and 2015, which ranked them in the bottom five both seasons. The Rams have running back Todd Gurley, who rushed for the third-most yards in the NFL last season even though he missed three games. The Rams also have an efficient but non-dynamic quarterback in Case Keenum and an underwhelming set of receivers. Think the Rams might put the ball in Gurley’s hands a little bit? The 49ers’ defensive front has dealt with injuries throughout training camp while the Rams’ offensive line is nearing full strength with the return of right tackle Rob Havenstein, who missed almost all of training camp with a foot injury. Still, the Rams’ pass game has to show something, so the 49ers don’t simply load up on Gurley. Edge: RAMS

    49ERS OFFENSE vs. RAMS DEFENSE

    It’s easy to think the most interesting thing about the 49ers’ offense will happen pregame, when backup quarterback Colin Kaepernick controversially kneels for the national anthem. But don’t sleep on starting quarterback Blaine Gabbert. In last year’s season finale against the Rams, he threw for 354 yards, and now he’s in coach Chip Kelly’s anything-goes offense. Still, the big guy here is running back Carlos Hyde, who is talented but has had trouble staying healthy. It will be intriguing to see how the 49ers attempt to attack the Rams’ defense, which now — after the release of starting linebacker Akeem Ayers — is expected to play more nickel coverage. The Rams have one of the best defensive lines in the NFL, led by Aaron Donald and Robert Quinn. If they can shut down Hyde, it figures to be a long night for Gabbert. But Rams coach Jeff Fisher expressed some dissatisfaction with the Rams’ run defense during the preseason. If it hasn’t been cleaned up, this is where the 49ers have a solid chance. Edge: RAMS

    SPECIAL TEAMS

    One storyline that never developed in training camp was the Rams’ desire to create competition for veteran kicker Greg Zuerlein, who struggled last season. Zuerlein made all four of his field-goal attempts (and all five extra points) during the preseason. The Rams also have a Pro Bowl-caliber punter in Johnny Hekker and a constant touchdown threat in punt returner Tavon Austin. The Rams looked incredibly shaky in kickoff coverage during the preseason, though, allowing two touchdowns of 100-plus yards. The 49ers feature kickoff returner Chris Davis, he of the famous “Kick 6” for Auburn against Alabama in 2013, but Davis has missed practices recently because of injury. The 49ers have 41-year-old kicker Phil Dawson, who enters his 18th NFL season and is still going strong. Last season, Dawson made 24 of 27 field-goal attempts, including all three attempts from 50 yards or beyond. Edge: RAMS

    COACHING

    It’s Chip Kelly 2.0 in the NFL. Kelly, the onetime successful college coach at Oregon, went 10-6 in each of his first two seasons with Philadelphia (2013-14), where he also had the final say over the roster. But he was fired in 2015 over increasing concerns about his roster management. Kelly now simply is the coach of the 49ers, and there’s some thought that focusing solely on on-field issues will make him a more successful coach. There’s also the thought that Kelly’s schemes just won’t translate to long-term success in the NFL. There’s more stability for the Rams, but some of their fans question whether that’s a good thing. Fisher enters his fifth season with the team and remains in search of a winning record. Rob Boras, who took over as offensive coordinator late last season, now has the job full-time and is a first-time NFL play-caller. Edge: EVEN

    INTANGIBLES

    It’s difficult to know what to expect from the 49ers. They have a new coaching staff, they’re widely expected to finish at the bottom of the NFC West and for the past couple weeks, they’ve dealt with the Kaepernick anthem questions and debate. So this probably goes one of two ways. Either the 49ers are distracted and overmatched, or they’re strengthened and brought closer together by it. This is the first time Keenum will start an opener, but he seemed fine in front of 90,000 at the Coliseum. Last season, the Rams beat the 49ers fairly handily in St. Louis, then lost the season finale in overtime in San Francisco. Overall, though, the 49ers went only 4-4 at home last season. Edge: 49ERS

    MATCHUP TO WATCH

    Rams DE Robert Quinn vs. San Francisco OT Joe Staley: Staley, the 49ers’ starting left tackle, just turned 32 and is entering his 10th NFL season. On a roster that has had a lot of turnover and strife, he’s been a rock and there’s been little dropoff in his play. This will be an intriguing challenge, though. Quinn has a history of great performances against San Francisco, and he has looked good in training camp after missing most of last season with a back injury. The Rams’ defensive front looks scary because of the outside presence of Quinn and the inside presence of Donald. If both of those guys are effective, it’s tough to see how the 49ers can consistently drive the ball. If Staley can help keep Quinn away from Gabbert, it could cause some frustration for the Rams’ front.

    PREDICTION

    It’s impractical to call the first game of the season a must-win, but this is as close as it gets for the Rams. If they have any hope of finishing above third place in the tough NFC West — Arizona and Seattle loom large — a victory over the 49ers is huge. Given what’s on the horizon, with games against the Seahawks and Cardinals and a long trip to Tampa Bay, the Rams could be staring down the possibility of an 0-4 start if they lose this one. The matchup is favorable, though. Unless the Rams’ offensive line falls apart, Gurley should have plenty of running room, and the Rams’ defensive front should make things difficult for Gabbert and a set of mediocre San Francisco receivers. The Los Angeles Rams are set up nicely for their first regular-season victory since 1994. RAMS 24, SAN FRANCISCO 14

    September 12, 2016 at 1:20 pm #52706
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    6 things to know before the Rams play the 49ers Monday

    Rich Hammond

    http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20160911/6-things-to-know-before-the-rams-play-the-49ers-monday

    The pep rallies, practices and preseason games are over. After 21 years, it’s time for NFL football. The Rams open their season tonight in a nationally televised game against the San Francisco 49ers. It’s been a wild year for the Rams, who in January received NFL approval to relocate to Los Angeles.

    WHO ARE THEY?

    The Rams don’t have many big names, but there are some talented young players. Running back Todd Gurley had the third-most yards in the NFL as a rookie last season, and defensive tackle Aaron Donald, going into his third season, is particularly fierce against opposing quarterbacks.

    WHERE ARE THEY?

    The Rams open the season in San Francisco. They’ll play their home opener Sunday afternoon against the Seattle Seahawks at the Coliseum. That will be the Rams’ home for the next three seasons, until they open a new stadium in Inglewood on the former site of the Hollywood Park race track.

    IS THE RIVALRY BACK?

    The Rams and 49ers first played on Oct. 1, 1950, and thanks to the L.A.-Bay Area dynamic it grew into one of the most intense rivalries in the NFL. The franchises have met 133 times, including one playoff game, with the 49ers holding a 66-64-3 edge.

    WHERE’S GOFF?

    The Rams received attention in April when they made a blockbuster trade and selected quarterback Jared Goff with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft. Goff’s development hasn’t progressed very quickly though, so Case Keenum will start at QB and Sean Mannion will be the backup.

    ON THE AIR?

    The game will be on ESPN at 7:20 p.m. Most of the regular-season games will be broadcast on Ch. 11, with others on Ch. 2, Ch. 4 and the NFL Network, and games generally will start at either 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. Get the coffee ready on Oct. 23, though, because that’s when the Rams play the New York Giants in London, with a West Coast kickoff time of 6:30 a.m. Rams radio broadcasts can be heard locally on 710-AM and 100.3 FM, and in Spanish on 1330 AM.

    WILL THEY WIN?

    The Rams haven’t had a winning season since 2003 and haven’t made the playoffs since 2004. Most pundits predict they will finish third in the NFC West, behind Arizona and Seattle but ahead of San Francisco. The Rams’ odds to win the Super Bowl are anywhere from 80-1 to 100-1, depending on the source.

    September 12, 2016 at 1:38 pm #52707
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    49ers vs. Rams at a glance

    49ers with Matt Barrows

    http://www.sacbee.com/sports/nfl/san-francisco-49ers/article101278642.html

    THREE THINGS TO WATCH
    IN BLAINE THEY TRUST
    With all the regional and national headlines garnered by Colin Kaepernick, many people tuning in to watch Monday night’s opener might be surprised to find Blaine Gabbert starting at quarterback for the 49ers. Instead of drafting a quarterback, the 49ers believed Gabbert, in Act II of his career, was the best option. He’ll have a chance to prove them right, beginning against the Rams, who represent Los Angeles for the first time since 1994.

    GUARDING THE BEST
    After reportedly mulling retirement on Saturday, offensive lineman Anthony Davis returned to the team for practice on Sunday. What he will do Monday night remains uncertain. Davis, who took the 2015 season off to let his “brain and body heal,” had been scheduled to make his first start at right guard. Now, he’s listed as questionable in the wake of the missed Saturday practice. Instead, the 49ers likely will start Andrew Tiller at right guard against the Rams. And NinersNation.com reported that Davis now is focusing on a return to right tackle, where he started every game from 2010 through 2013 before being injured in 2014. For now, Trent Brown is expected to start at right tackle, where his only starting experience is the final two games of his rookie season in 2015.

    WILL HISTORY REPEAT?
    Entering the 2015 season opener in a nationally televised Monday night game, the buzz was about Vikings running back Adrian Peterson. But as Carlos Hyde noted this week, he was the one who rushed for 168 yards, while Peterson had 31. Now comes the Rams’ highly touted running back, Todd Gurley, in another Monday night opener.

    INJURY REPORT
    49ERS
    Doubtful: DL Glenn Dorsey (knee), CB Keith Reaser (ankle), CB Chris Davis (hamstring).
    Questionable: DL Arik Armstead (shoulder); LB Nick Bellore (knee), DT Quinton Dial (knee).
    RAMS
    Out: WR Pharoh Cooper (shoulder), CB E.J. Gaines (thigh), WR Nelson Spurce (knee).
    Questionable: LB Bryce Hager (concussion), OT Rob Havenstein (foot).

    Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/sports/nfl/san-francisco-49ers/article101278642.html#storylink=cpy

    September 12, 2016 at 2:25 pm #52709
    Avatar photoZooey
    Moderator

    I think it’s worth noting that the Los Angeles Rams have not lost a game since 1994, and haven’t lost at home in the coliseum since 1979. You would think that fact would get a little more media attention, but obviously the liberal media doesn’t want people to know the truth.

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