Niner Noise
FanSided

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 outside linebacker Eli Harold (58) and outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks (55) react in the game against the Los Angeles Rams in the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Eli Harold (58) and outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks (55) react in the game against the Los Angeles Rams in the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /

The Pass Rush is for Real

Last night, the 49ers defense came into Week 1 with something to prove. People said they didn’t address the pass rush. People also said they couldn’t stop the run. But last night in Santa Clara, the 49ers did more than just that.

In the first half alone, the Los Angeles Rams were outplayed by the Niners starting defense on every snap. In 30 minutes of play, on six disappointing possessions, the Rams were forced to punt five times and were intercepted during the other.

They were sent to the locker room at halftime with 87 total yards of offense, and no clear-cut way to stop San Francisco’s momentum. To add insult to injury, their second half wasn’t much better. The Rams finished their Monday night contest with 185 total yards and 10 first downs.

The running game never got started, and the pass attack never happened.

Case Keenum was sacked twice and threw two interceptions in an underwhelming performance that yielded only 130 yards through the air. And running back Todd Gurley finished with 47 yards on the ground, but lost five team yards on one reception.

The defense on display in Week 1 was reminiscent of the play seen just three short years ago from the team that took San Francisco to Super Bowl XLVII.

To support the statement, the 49ers recorded their first ever season-opening shutout in franchise history.

Pretty good for a team that has not addressed the pass rush.

Next: Carlos Hyde Gets His Wish