3 ways 49ers 2022 season could go horribly wrong
By Fred Smith
49ers disaster No. 2: The Rams
Please, make no mistake, San Francisco does not fear the Rams.
With Russell Wilson traded to the AFC West’s Denver Broncos, the NFC West took a hit and doesn’t appear to be as strong this upcoming year.
However, It would be best not to forget the Cardinals are there “threatening” to make a run, and Los Angeles just successfully went the distance. Defensive tackle Aaron Donald is still one of the greatest players in league history, and to the entire NFL’s displeasure, he will be back and in uniform for LA. Niner fans are hoping for a Rams championship “hangover” because the worst-case scenario would be them taking another step forward toward dominance and a dynasty.
The combination of winning a championship and star players usually is a recipe for a dynasty, and Los Angeles’ momentum manifesting into that would be disastrous.
What can the 49ers do?
The Niners must be sharp and execute in their division games, given the history, chances, and likelihood of three NFC West teams with winning records vying for a playoff spot. The first order of business is to win the divisional games, and they can start by righting their wrongs against the Cardinals after getting swept in the season series a year ago.
That must not repeat itself.
Additionally, San Francisco must at least get a game and try to build upon recent success against the Rams, excluding what happened in the NFC Championship, of course.
Despite falling in the conference championship, the 49ers do not and should not fear LA. Dating back to 2019, the Niners have won seven of the last nine meetings.
Forget about the previous years. Look at last season, the season in which the Rams won the world title. San Francisco swept the regular-season series, and it already has everything at its disposal to make a run at the title.
If the 49ers don’t execute in division games or the Rams take a step forward, the Niners’ season could quickly become engulfed in flames.