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Top-5 Takeaways from 49ers Win Versus the Rams

By James LeBreton

Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Vance McDonald (89) celebrates scoring a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half of an NFL game at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Vance McDonald (89) celebrates scoring a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half of an NFL game at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Shaun Draughn (24) celebrates after scoring on a 3-yard touchdown run in the second quarter against the Los Angeles Rams during a NFL game at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Shaun Draughn (24) celebrates after scoring on a 3-yard touchdown run in the second quarter against the Los Angeles Rams during a NFL game at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

The 49ers Own Week 1

For the sixth time in as many seasons, the 49ers are 1-0. For the second year straight, they’ve won impressively on Monday Night Football.

Granted, it’s too early to start celebrating the possibility of home-field advantage for the playoffs. But for a team that many felt were left for dead, it’s a reason to be optimistic.

Critics can say that the win wasn’t impressive, due to the fact Rams quarterback Jared Goff didn’t play. But, in all fairness, nobody gave quarterback Blaine Gabbert a shot to even score, let alone lead his team to victory.

The defense owned the field by hurrying the passer and by stifling the ground game altogether.

Running back Todd Gurley struggled to gain separation from the defense. And the Rams couldn’t handle the fast-paced Chip Kelly offense. In fact, every area for the Rams was unimpressive. And every position for the 49ers looked dominant, including Gabbert.

The team moved the chains with ease, thanks to a fully-revamped offensive line and a man by the nickname of “El Guapo.”

Next: The Offensive Line Continues to Dominate