4 Takeaways From the Rams’ Win Over the 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers may have reached a tipping point in a season besieged with injuries, while the Los Angeles Rams showed once again why NFL observers believe they’re one of the best teams in football. The Rams handled the 49ers on the road 42-26 at Levi’s Stadium on Sunday, earning a measure of revenge from an earlier loss to San Francisco back in Week 5.With the victory, the Rams improved to 7-2 and are tied with the Seattle Seahawks (7-2) for the top spot in the NFC West. Next week, the two teams will meet at SoFi Stadium. The 49ers’ record dropped to 6-4 after the loss. Here are some of my key takeaways. Matthew Stafford-Davante Adams connection powers Rams’ offenseThe Rams rolled on offense, jumping out to a 21-0 lead before San Francisco made things interesting in the second half. The Stafford-to-Adams connection was the key to the team’s success. Stafford, who finished 24-of-36 with 280 yards and four touchdowns, played like a MVP candidate. Stafford’s favorite target was Adams, who finished with six catches for 77 yards on eight targets.Los Angeles eclipsed the 30-point mark on offense for a third straight game. Also, during L.A.’s three-game winning streak, Adams has 16 catches for 172 receiving yards and six scores. Stafford leads the NFL in touchdown passes with 24. Adams is the NFL’s leading receiver with nine touchdown receptions. Eight of those were in the red zones. Adams was forced to leave the game during the fourth quarter due to back tightness. And, oh yeah – leading-receiver Puka Nacua finished with five receptions for 64 yards and a score.2. San Francisco is unable to stop the Rams’ running attack. The 49ers are decimated in the defensive department, with key players like linebacker Fred Warner as well edge rusher Nick Bosa. Mykel Williams, a rookie first-round defensive lineman, has also been injured and will miss the rest of the season. And the depleted defense struggled to contain L.A.’s running game.Kyren Williams finished with 73 rushing yards on 14 carries and two scores, while Blake Corum added 56 rushing yards on 13 carries. The Rams dominated up front with heavy personnel groups. The Rams had three tight-end sets on 18 of their running plays for 85 yards. Kyren William punches in from two yard out to score a TD and give Rams an early advantage over 49ers.| NFL Highlights 3. Brian Robinson is the 49ers’ offensive star in the second-half. However, entering Sunday’s game, Robinson had just 197 rushing yards and a score.But Robinson helped lead a second-half comeback for San Francisco, totaling 41 yards on eight carries, including a 1-yard run for a score. Robinson’s 1-yard run in the second quarter helped San Francisco come back in the game. The 49ers only had 31 rushing yard in the first. Shanahan will have to decide between Mac Jones and Brock Purdy. Jones started his eighth game this season. He played well, completing 33 of 39 passes for a total of 319 yards with three touchdowns. Purdy’s turf toe injury has kept San Francisco from making the playoffs. However, Purdy was signed to a high dollar deal by the 49ers for a good reason. Understandably, Shanahan wants to make sure Purdy is as healthy as possible before returning, but the 49ers are risking the possibility of falling out of the playoff race while the QB1 watches from the sideline.Purdy was listed as questionable for Sunday’s game before being ruled out.Tom Brady thinks 49ers should KEEP Mac Jones at QB 1 when Brock Purdy returns | FOX NFL SUNDAY 4 ½. What’s next?The Rams face the Seahawks next week in a heavyweight battle for the top spot in the division at SoFi Stadium. Los Angeles then hosts the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-5) and Carolina Panthers (5-5), both from the NFC South. The Rams’ next three games will be crucial in earning home-field advantages throughout the playoffs. The 49ers beat Arizona 16-15 at home in San Francisco, in Week 3. Eric D. Williams, who has been covering the NFL for over a decade, previously covered the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers on behalf of Sports Illustrated as well as the Seattle Seahawks by the Tacoma News Tribune. Follow him on X at @eric_d_williams.Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? To receive daily personalized emails, create or log into your FOX Sport account and follow teams, players and leagues.
2025-11-10 00:50:06