Niner Noise
FanSided

Rams vs. 49ers: 5 Week 16 matchups to watch for San Francisco

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 21: Josh Reynolds #83 of the Los Angeles Rams makes a catch to the one-yard line against the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 21: Josh Reynolds #83 of the Los Angeles Rams makes a catch to the one-yard line against the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
Todd Gurley, Rams
Todd Gurley #30 of the Los Angeles Rams (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

No. 1: 49ers Run Defense vs. Todd Gurley

Remember that part about Los Angeles’ offensive line being much better in pass protection than run support?

Well, running back Todd Gurley is averaging only 3.9 yards per carry this season. In total, the Rams are averaging 3.8 yards per rush, which is 25th best in the league entering this weekend’s slate of games.

More from Niner Noise

This is oh-so fortunate for San Francisco’s defense, which clamped down well enough against the run in both Weeks 14 and 15 against the New Orleans Saints and Falcons, respectively, but still is allowing an average of 4.6 yards per carry — 26th best in the league.

Weakness versus weakness, perhaps? Maybe, but there’s more here.

Sean McVay’s offense is predicated off play action, which isn’t a new development. But the impact of its success on Jared Goff is telling. Last year, when the Rams offense was rolling, Goff’s passer rating was 115.0 on play-action attempts, per Pro Football Focus, compared to 93.2 without.

This year, however, teams aren’t being baited by the play fake. Interestingly enough, Goff’s splits between play action and without it are almost identical: 84.7 and 84.8, respectively.

It’s a hint what the 49ers need to do on Saturday, ensure Gurley isn’t taking over the game like he was able to do last season, which forces Goff to, well.. be Goff.

Judging on those passer ratings, it’s a good formula.

Ranking 49ers' 15 most infamous moments of the decade. dark. Next

The 49ers and Rams kick off on Saturday, Dec. 21 at 8:15 p.m. ET from Levi’s Stadium.