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Rams vs. 49ers: 5 Week 1 Bold Predictions for San Francisco

By Peter Panacy

November 2, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) runs against St. Louis Rams free safety Rodney McLeod (23) during the third quarter at Levi's Stadium. The Rams defeated the 49ers 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 2, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) runs against St. Louis Rams free safety Rodney McLeod (23) during the third quarter at Levi's Stadium. The Rams defeated the 49ers 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) makes a pass as tackle Joe Staley (74) defends in the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) makes a pass as tackle Joe Staley (74) defends in the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 4: 49ers Allow Zero Sacks

Wait, so we’re predicting the 49ers — the same team which allowed the second-most sacks in 2015 (53) — to put up a zero spot in this category against defensive tackle Aaron Donald and the Rams defense?

Yes.

Keep this in mind: San Francisco’s offensive line is vastly improved over what it was a year ago. Last season, Pro Football Focus ranked the Niners O-line 27th in the NFL. While run blocking was the primary issue, it’s safe to say the 49ers’ front-five were permeable at best.

Anthony Davis’ return from retirement, and later-on move to right guard, helps the right side of the line. Second-year tackle Trent Brown is also worth watching.

Fans don’t have to worry about center Marcus Martin starting. Daniel Kilgore will be snapping the ball.

The other factor is head coach Chip Kelly’s offense prefers short, quick-timed passes instead of the elongated drop-back-and-wait-for-someone-to-get-open approach.

Less time for Los Angeles’ pass-rushers.

Oh, and the 49ers allowed only six preseason sacks — tied for fourth lowest in the NFL. Again, not a perfect indication. But a good sign nonetheless.

Next: Tank Carradine Records Two Sacks