49ers vs. Rams: Niners who must bring their A-game on Monday night
By Peter Panacy
No. 2: 49ers cornerback Charvarius Ward
Remember that part about Cooper Kupp? Well, he’s still Matthew Stafford’s No. 1 target by far, and the 2021 All-Pro wideout currently leads the Rams with 28 receptions for 280 yards and three receiving touchdowns, and he’s also tacked on a 20-yard rushing touchdown, too.
With LA not getting the desired production from No. 2 wide receiver Allen Robinson just yet (seven catches for 88 yards), it’s safe to say head coach Sean McVay’s pass offense will still flow through Kupp.
Just like it did in each of the three games both Los Angeles and San Francisco played last season.
Read More: Cooper Kupp is still as potent a threat to Niners as ever
However, the 49ers’ cornerback room is much different now than it was a year ago, highlighted by the offseason free-agent pickup of cornerback Charvarius Ward, who already has 18 tackles, three passes broken up, a forced fumble and an interception, all the while forcing opposing quarterbacks to toss a passer rating of just 35.4 when targeting him.
That’s the kind of net effort the Niners will need from Ward when he’s lined up opposite Kupp on Monday night.