The San Francisco 49ers are making believers out of people. They, alongside the New England Patriots, are a picture of perfection. They are the only two teams who remain unbeaten after week six of the NFL season.
“Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.” – Vince Lombardi
The San Francisco 49ers utilized a stifling defense and opportunistic offense to continue to chase perfection and deal the Los Angeles Rams a 20-7 loss in the LA Coliseum. The Coliseum might be in Los Angeles, but it was a sea of red Sunday as the 49er fans packed the house and made it in essence, a home game. The 49ers were coming off of a Monday night showcase victory over the Cleveland Browns.
The Rams actually scored on their first possession of the game. Wide receiver Robert Woods found the end zone on a sweep from eight yards out. It was the last time the Rams would score Sunday.
The first half was close as can be, as the teams went to the locker room tied seven apiece. The 49ers attempted a field goal as time expired in the half, but Robbie Gould‘s 55-yard attempt sailed wide left, leaving the teams deadlocked.
“Defense wins championships” ~ Paul “Bear” Bryant
The San Francisco 49ers are playing defense at an elite level. On Sunday they held the Rams to 157 total yards of offense. The league average for offensive yards per game is 360 yards a game. So only allowing 157 is pretty extraordinary. The 49ers are currently second in the NFL in total defense. Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh has the “D” rolling and his sideline celebrations are truly entertaining as well.
The 49ers sacked Jared Goff four times led by Dee Ford‘s 1.5 sacks. The highlight of the day for the defense was a goal-line stand that ended with the Rams failing on both third and fourth down to gain the one yard needed to score a touchdown. On both occasions, Malcolm Brown was stuffed at the goal-line. It was one of four times the 49ers forced a turnover on downs stopping the Rams on fourth down. It’s, in essence, the same as forcing four turnovers.
Kwon Alexander was all over the field, leading the team in tackles. He has added a real edge and attitude to the defense this year, coming over from Tampa Bay. He and Fred Warner form one of the most underrated linebacker duos in the NFL. They were 1-2 respectively in tackles Sunday.
“In order to WIN the game, you must first not LOSE it.”- Chuck Noll
The 49ers did not blow anyone away offensively on Sunday, but they did what was necessary to win. Jimmy Garoppolo was best described as efficient, as he completed 73 percent of his passes for 243 yards and one interception. The interception was crushing as it took place in the Rams’ end zone. That said, he threw the ball effectively and moved the team down the field.
The Rams did a good job against the league’s top rushing team, holding the 49ers under 100 yards. The Niners have been averaging 180 yards a game. It’s good for second in the NFL. Running backs Tevin Coleman and Matt Breida split 31 carries and rushed for a combined 81 yards. That’s not great. However, it was enough to keep the ball moving and dominate the time of possession battle.
George Kittle was questionable heading into the game with a groin injury. That said, there was nothing questionable about his play Sunday. He caught all eight passes thrown his direction, gaining 103 yards and doing some outstanding blocking as well. Kittle is the heart and soul of this team and as he goes, the offense goes. Kittle missed practice all week. However, he never doubted that he’d play. He was quoted as saying when asked after the game if he thought he’d miss the game. “No chance. Like I said, this is a game I’ve had on my calendar for a year. I haven’t liked the way we’ve played against them the past two years. This is a ‘dub’ (win) that we needed to get.”
The 49ers will meet the Washington Redskins this coming Sunday on the road. Washington won their first game of the season Sunday, defeating the winless Dolphins by one point. The 49ers will be favorites to move their record to 6-0.
