Rams' 3 biggest causes for concern vs. 49ers
Cameron DaSilva
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theramswire.usatoday.com]
Prior to Monday night’s shootout between the 49ers and Packers, it looked like the Rams would have a fairly easy win over San Francisco in Week 7. However, the 49ers nearly pulled off the upset before blowing a fourth-quarter lead, which caused the spread to shift one point in San Francisco’s direction.
The Niners showed they have dangerous playmakers on offense and Richard Sherman is still an above-average cornerback, which makes this far from a “gimme” for L.A.
Here are the Rams’ three biggest causes for concern heading into Week 7.
Cooper Kupp’s absence
The Rams have played the second half of each of their last two games without Kupp, so this isn’t exactly uncharted territory. However, his absence from the lineup changes things a bit. Robert Woods will probably move inside to the slot while Brandin Cooks will maintain his position as the X receiver.
Kupp has been Jared Goff’s safety valve the past two seasons but he won’t have that on Sunday. Josh Reynolds should see more playing time on the outside, likely against Richard Sherman – a matchup that doesn’t favor the Rams. Nick Williams is also a candidate to play, potentially getting some snaps in the slot.
Regardless of who replaces Kupp, it’ll be difficult to make up for his consistent production.
DeForest Buckner wreaking havoc up front
The 49ers have sunk assets into their defensive line like no other team in recent years, spending three first-round picks on Buckner, Arik Armstead and Solomon Thomas. Only Buckner has been a consistent player for them with Thomas falling out of favor and barely playing more than 50 percent of the snaps.
Buckner switches between left and right defensive tackle, which means both Rodger Saffold and Austin Blythe will be asked to block him. He opens things up for Reuben Foster and Fred Warner at linebacker, eating up blocks and allowing them to run free at times.
Buckner leads the team in sacks (4.5), tackles for loss (6) and quarterback hits (9), so stopping him is priority No. 1 along the defensive front.
Containing 49ers’ explosive playmakers
The 49ers don’t look the same without Jimmy Garoppolo back there, but both Matt Breida and Marquise Goodwin are dangerous players regardless of who’s at quarterback. Goodwin finally got going on Monday night against the Packers, catching four passes for 126 ayrds, scoring two touchdowns.
Breida, on the other hand, has been the 49ers’ most reliable playmaker, averaging a ridiculous 6.8 yards per carry to lead the league. He has the ability to take a carry to the house from anywhere on the field, as evidenced by his long rush of 66 yards.
Although he’s not a workhorse back by title – he doesn’t have a game with more than 14 carries – he’s a dangerous player who the Rams have to be mindful of when San Francisco has the ball.
