On Thursday, the San Francisco 49ers dominated a favored Los Angeles Rams team from start to finish. Quarterback Brock Purdy was impeccable, as he expertly dissected the Los Angeles secondary, thanks in large part to stellar protection.
Purdy only got hit twice all game, and edge rusher Myles Garrett was virtually nullified. Left tackle Trent Williams and company appeared to have stifled the two-time Defensive Player of the Year - that is, until news broke Sunday morning regarding an injury Garrett had previously been dealing with.
It was reported that the edge rusher will miss at least four weeks due to arthroscopic surgery on his knee. He had suffered the ailment well before his date with the 49ers, but it was apparently worse than many had originally thought, thus reminding the 49ers of a sobering reality: they beat a Rams team that wasn't at full strength.
49ers have yet to face the Rams at their best
Now, Brock Purdy's box score, while still impressive, no longer looks as elite as it once did. The Rams' defensive strength was supposed to be their pass rush, and they were missing Aaron Donald and much of Myles Garrett. Given the circumstances, the 49ers O-line's solid protection looked much less impressive.
On the other side of the ball, Puka Nacua had been dealing with groin discomfort leading up to the contest. Stafford's suboptimal numbers don't automatically look like a product of San Francisco's revamped defense when adding the context of his alpha wideout's injury.
The Niners' international win might not be as impressive as it looked in real time. Granted, they were dealing with injuries, too, but the banged-up players on the opposing side were of the league's most elite caliber.
49ers-Rams in Week 14 may look very different, even at Levi's Stadium
Assuming Garrett and Nacua fully recover by the time the two teams play again, the 49ers can't bank on past analysis to sweep the two-game set. It will be a brand-new Rams squad if they are at full strength.
The red and gold most likely had their easiest game against the Rams of the season. Los Angeles' stars will be coming to town with a chip on their shoulders in Week 14, and Kyle Shanahan's squad will need to be ready for anything.
If the Niners aren't ready, Myles Garrett and company could wreak havoc in the trenches and flip the division's momentum on its head. It's well known that the games between these two powerhouses mean a little bit more to everyone involved, and the Rams will surely be seeking revenge, especially if Garrett returns to form.
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