Rams vs 49ers: Previewing Week 1 for San Francisco

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January 3, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) vs. St. Louis Rams. Mandatory credit Kyle Terada USA Today Sports /

By the Numbers

Each team has spent the bulk of their offseason investing highly in the offensive line. The goal of each franchise is to protect their quarterback. That’s a given. But the future of these two teams in particular relies heavily on the success of their running backs.

Though Todd Gurley and Carlos Hyde saw limited action this preseason, both teams moved the ball very well on the ground.

In four preseason contests, the 49ers totaled 737 yards with an average of 5.7 yards per carry, while the Rams rushed for 543 yards and averaged a solid 5.2 yards-per-carry.

Rams vs. 49ers: How the teams match up: A look at how the Rams and San Francisco 49ers compare heading into t... https://t.co/VPeYQOOnZy
— L.A. Rams News (@RamsNFLNews) September 10, 2016

The West Coast Offense and the “Greatest Show on Turf” were two of the most prolific passing offenses in NFL history. But this year, the California franchises have traded in their aerial assault for a powerful running game.

It doesn’t matter the decade or how good these two teams are in any given season. This contest will always represent the meaning of a true rivalry. They will always be a thorn in each others side, and their games will always leave the mark of a true contest.

On Monday, pride will be on the line, and after the game the Bay Area will crown a new king.

Next: 49ers Carlos Hyde vs. Rams Todd Gurley