{"id":926,"date":"2016-09-07T21:06:28","date_gmt":"2016-09-08T01:06:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonprofootball.com\/?p=926"},"modified":"2016-09-07T21:06:28","modified_gmt":"2016-09-08T01:06:28","slug":"926","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2016\/09\/07\/926\/","title":{"rendered":"San Francisco 49ers Keys to Victory over Los Angeles Rams"},"content":{"rendered":"

There is no question that the San Francisco 49ers<\/strong> have been in the headlines recently.\u00a0 This is mostly due to their outspoken second string<\/em> quarterback.\u00a0 Beyond that distraction, the team opens its season Monday Sept. 12th<\/sup> against the Los Angeles Rams<\/strong>.\u00a0 These two division rivals always seem to produce close, hard hitting games.\u00a0 There are a few ways, however, that the 49ers can increase their odds of victory.\u00a0 The following are three key aspects San Francisco must try and control to shift the balance of this game in their favor.<\/p>\n

San Francisco 49ers Keys to Victory over Los Angeles Rams<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Shut Down Todd Gurley<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The first key to shutting down the Rams<\/strong> offense seems obvious and it is.\u00a0 Shut down Todd Gurley<\/strong><\/a>; easier said than done.\u00a0 Last season, even though the Rams offensive line ranked an abysmal 31st<\/sup> in the league by Pro Football Focus<\/strong><\/a>, Gurley had success.\u00a0 Gurley managed to run for 1,106 yards in his rookie campaign despite the inept line play.\u00a0 The 49ers linebacker play will be an integral part of stopping Gurley.\u00a0 NaVorro Bowman<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0will have to lead the line backing core and make sure all players are positioned correctly pre-snap.\u00a0 This will be a tough test for linebackers Michael Wilhoite<\/a><\/strong> and Tank Carradine<\/a><\/strong>, but fortunately they will not be the first line of defense.<\/p>\n

Rookie defensive tackle DeForest Buckner<\/strong>, and nose tackle Glenn Dorsey<\/a><\/strong> are poised to have a big day versus the Rams offensive line.\u00a0 Both players have the opportunity to wreak havoc in the backfield, and slow down the Rams rushing attack.\u00a0 This should take some of the pressure off of the 49ers line backing core.\u00a0 If San Francisco can accomplish shutting down Los Angeles\u2019 running game, this will help the 49ers achieve their next key to victory; pressuring Case Keenum<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Pressure Case Keenum<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Case Keenum was signed by the Houston Texans<\/strong> in 2012 as an un-drafted free agent.\u00a0 Since then, Keenum has only started at total of 15 games in the NFL<\/strong>.\u00a0 Keenum has a 5-10 record as a starter, and has never had a completion percentage above 60.8%.\u00a0 The Rams in essence have a back-up quarterback filling in at starter.\u00a0 The 49ers defense needs to put a lot of pressure on this inexperienced quarterback.\u00a0 Any quarterback under a sufficient amount of pressure will make mistakes, even Tom Brady<\/a><\/strong>.\u00a0 Once the run game shuts down and Keenum feels the heat he will not have any experience to fall back on.<\/p>\n

Defensive tackle Arik Armstead<\/a><\/strong> will need to have a big game as well.\u00a0 DeForest Buckner will likely take up much of the attention on the right side of the line.\u00a0 Buckner may even see a double team at times or at least a chip block from a pulling guard.\u00a0 Armstead needs to take advantage of this, and should come away with a couple of sacks.\u00a0 This pressure will eventually make Keenum uneasy in the pocket and force him into erratic throws.\u00a0 The 49ers secondary should be able to take advantage of this and come away with at least two interceptions.\u00a0 This will lead to San Francisco controlling the time of possession.\u00a0 And, the key to controlling time of possession is Carlos Hyde<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Control Clock with Carlos Hyde<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Carlos Hyde is still recovering from a concussion suffered in the last preseason game.\u00a0 Fortunately, Hyde woke up Wednesday<\/strong> with no lingering issues and is now fully cleared to play<\/a>.\u00a0 Hyde will also have an improved offensive line in front of him this year.\u00a0 The addition of Zane Beadles<\/a><\/strong> should only strengthen a 49ers line that was ranked 9th<\/sup><\/a> last season by Pro Football Focus.\u00a0 The key match-up will be on the left side of the offensive line.\u00a0 Veteran tackle Joe Staley<\/a><\/strong> and new acquisition Beadles should be able to open some running lanes against the left side of the Rams line.\u00a0 The objective is to put an aggressive Greg Williams<\/a><\/strong> defense on its heels and wear them down by the fourth quarter.<\/p>\n

All of this is much easier said then done.\u00a0 Everything seems simple on paper.\u00a0 The fact is Week one is always unpredictable and definitely exciting.\u00a0 These two teams will be showcased on the first Monday Night Football<\/strong> game of 2016.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

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Main Photo<\/p>\n

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Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n