The Rams' surprising Week 1 strength will be severely tested by 49ers
One of the most surprising elements of the Rams' upset victory over the Seahawks in Week 1 was the success of their pass protection. Pass blocking was not anticipated to be a strength for the Rams in 2023, but their new-look offensive line was one of the best in the NFL in that regard in […]
One of the most surprising elements of the Rams' upset victory over the Seahawks in Week 1 was the success of their pass protection.
Pass blocking was not anticipated to be a strength for the Rams in 2023, but their new-look offensive line was one of the best in the NFL in that regard in Week 1.
The Rams gave up just five pressures against Seattle, per Pro Football Focus, with their pass-blocking grade the second-best in the NFL behind the Packers.
Los Angeles made a couple of notable changes to the offensive line for the new season, switching Joe Noteboom to right guard and having Alaric Jackson fill the void at left tackle. Their top draft pick, taken in the second round, was new starting left guard Steve Avila.
But the much-changed group looked remarkably settled at Lumen Field, and that assuredness will need to be maintained if the Rams are to have a chance of keeping Matthew Stafford upright again in their Week 2 clash with the 49ers.
San Francisco's pass rush was relentless in their season-opening blowout of the Steelers, which already has most labeling the Niners as the best team in the NFL.
The 49ers racked up 28 pressures of Kenny Pickett, per PFF, sacked him five times and intercepted him twice, and that was with Nick Bosa playing a little over half of the snaps.
Unsurprisingly, given the contrasting fortunes of the two teams last season and the evident gulf in talent at the non-quarterback positions, the 49ers are heavy favorites to prevail in Los Angeles on Sunday.
The Rams' hopes of causing another upset inside the NFC West will hinge largely on their ability to give Stafford enough time against a ferocious and deep 49er front.
With expectations for this Rams roster being vastly reduced from what they have been in previous years, few will expect Los Angeles to have a chance against San Francisco.
Yet even if the O-Line holds up well versus the 49ers' D-Line in a competitive defeat, that will be another clear sign a unit that has come under significant scrutiny in the offseason and training camp is on the right track.
49ers set to unleash Nick Bosa in Week 2 clash with Rams
Kyle Shanahan expects him to be full-go.
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