There is no question that the San Francisco 49ers have been in the headlines recently. This is mostly due to their outspoken second string quarterback. Beyond that distraction, the team opens its season Monday Sept. 12th against the Los Angeles Rams. These two division rivals always seem to produce close, hard hitting games. There are a few ways, however, that the 49ers can increase their odds of victory. The following are three key aspects San Francisco must try and control to shift the balance of this game in their favor.
San Francisco 49ers Keys to Victory over Los Angeles Rams
Shut Down Todd Gurley
The first key to shutting down the Rams offense seems obvious and it is. Shut down Todd Gurley; easier said than done. Last season, even though the Rams offensive line ranked an abysmal 31st in the league by Pro Football Focus, Gurley had success. Gurley managed to run for 1,106 yards in his rookie campaign despite the inept line play. The 49ers linebacker play will be an integral part of stopping Gurley. NaVorro Bowman will have to lead the line backing core and make sure all players are positioned correctly pre-snap. This will be a tough test for linebackers Michael Wilhoite and Tank Carradine, but fortunately they will not be the first line of defense.
Rookie defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, and nose tackle Glenn Dorsey are poised to have a big day versus the Rams offensive line. Both players have the opportunity to wreak havoc in the backfield, and slow down the Rams rushing attack. This should take some of the pressure off of the 49ers line backing core. If San Francisco can accomplish shutting down Los Angeles’ running game, this will help the 49ers achieve their next key to victory; pressuring Case Keenum.
Pressure Case Keenum
Case Keenum was signed by the Houston Texans in 2012 as an un-drafted free agent. Since then, Keenum has only started at total of 15 games in the NFL. Keenum has a 5-10 record as a starter, and has never had a completion percentage above 60.8%. The Rams in essence have a back-up quarterback filling in at starter. The 49ers defense needs to put a lot of pressure on this inexperienced quarterback. Any quarterback under a sufficient amount of pressure will make mistakes, even Tom Brady. Once the run game shuts down and Keenum feels the heat he will not have any experience to fall back on.
Defensive tackle Arik Armstead will need to have a big game as well. DeForest Buckner will likely take up much of the attention on the right side of the line. Buckner may even see a double team at times or at least a chip block from a pulling guard. Armstead needs to take advantage of this, and should come away with a couple of sacks. This pressure will eventually make Keenum uneasy in the pocket and force him into erratic throws. The 49ers secondary should be able to take advantage of this and come away with at least two interceptions. This will lead to San Francisco controlling the time of possession. And, the key to controlling time of possession is Carlos Hyde.
Control Clock with Carlos Hyde
Carlos Hyde is still recovering from a concussion suffered in the last preseason game. Fortunately, Hyde woke up Wednesday with no lingering issues and is now fully cleared to play. Hyde will also have an improved offensive line in front of him this year. The addition of Zane Beadles should only strengthen a 49ers line that was ranked 9th last season by Pro Football Focus. The key match-up will be on the left side of the offensive line. Veteran tackle Joe Staley and new acquisition Beadles should be able to open some running lanes against the left side of the Rams line. The objective is to put an aggressive Greg Williams defense on its heels and wear them down by the fourth quarter.
All of this is much easier said then done. Everything seems simple on paper. The fact is Week one is always unpredictable and definitely exciting. These two teams will be showcased on the first Monday Night Football game of 2016. Given the atmosphere and the rivalry between these two teams this game will be close in the fourth, and may come down to one or two big plays.
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