The night ended as it started for Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford: lying in the lush Levi's Stadium grass under the crunch of 49ers defensive end Samson Ebukam.
Ebukam got to Stafford relatively unchallenged before knocking the bal out of his grasp with a ferocious swipe. The ball made its way toward the first down marker before eventually being scooped up by a pair of cherry-stained gloves.
It was an apt way to finish proceedings, all things considered. Ebukam's strip sack was one of seven times Stafford was brought to the canvas behind the line of scrimmage, an eye-watering total. That doesn't even account for all the times Stafford was forced into going through one or two progressions before haphazardly getting the ball out of his hands to avoid the heat.
The 49ers defense had a feast tonight 😋 pic.twitter.com/PmNlIZI7Jz
— 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬 (@sportingnews) October 4, 2022
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All in all, Los Angeles' offensive line was outclassed and overwhelmed on Monday night. The bruised and bandaged unit couldn't get bodies in front of San Fran's magnificent front seven. Whether it was Ebukam, Nick Bosa, or any other configuration of the 49ers' Gold Rush, the Rams simply didn't have an answer.
Entering into Monday's affair, Los Angeles' big guys were reeling. Injuries had ravaged the offensive linemen room, with guard David Edwards and center Brian Allen ruled out due to concussion and knee injury, respectively.
The infirmary got that much more crowded during the game after a Niners rusher landed awkwardly on center Coleman Shelton's ankle. Shelton, who left the game with a knee ailment during the first drive of the game but checked himself back in on drive No. 2, did not return. He was replaced by guard Jeremiah Kolone. Kolone, a 27-year old who has only featured in a handful of games for the Rams, became a target for DeMeco Ryans' blitz packages.
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I am assuming centers in McVay's scheme have similar responsibilities to Shanahan's. If yes, Jeremiah Kolone — the guy without a Wikipedia page — is in charge of diagnosing safety rotations pre-snap.
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) October 4, 2022
Not surprising to see that aggressive second-down blitz from Talanoa Hufanga
Kevin Givens just blew by Jeremiah Kolone with a swim move. That was quick
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) October 4, 2022
The Niners sent the calvary with reckless abandon, taking their chances against an offensive line with more holes than a strainer. Dialing up the pressure proved effective, with Stafford having to resort to quick check downs to Cooper Kupp and Tyler Higbee more often than not.
The waves of bodies were unceasing on Stafford, who wasn't able to show off his arm talent despite throwing 48 pass attempts. With Allen Robinson seemingly losing a step, the run game looking non-existent through the Rams' opening four weeks and Stafford looking increasingly prone to interceptions, San Francisco's blitz packages spotlighted all the flaws in this Los Angeles team. Yes, it still has Kupp, one of the league's best route runners. Yes, Higbee has been involved in the offense. Perhaps Odell Beckham Jr. will return to Sean McVay's squad once he heals from his injury.
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But all is not right in Tinseltown. Because for as much talent as the Rams have, it's hard to showcase that skill when you can't protect your quarterback. And with just two Week 1 starters healthy enough to play, things could get a whole lot worse for Los Angeles by this time next week.
Because guess who's next up on the docket for Los Angeles: the Cowboys and their star rusher Micah Parsons.
When it rains, it pours...