In a game that felt like every Los Angeles Rams’ fan’s nightmare incarnate, the San Francisco 49ers obliterated and exposed L.A. on opening night in a 28-0 shutout.
Advertisement
Gabbert was 22-35 for 170 yards with a fourth-quarter touchdown to tight end Vance McDonald.
San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong (54) celebrates after intercepting a pass next to cornerback Rashard Robinson (33) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams in Santa Clara, Calif., Monday, Sept. 12, 2016.
Star running back Todd Gurley, who should have feasted on an ineffective and injury-riddled 49ers defensive front, broke only a couple outside runs and finished with 47 yards on 17 carries.
And yes, Colin Kaepernick and Eric Reid continued to kneel for the pre-game national anthem without the world ending or the fabric of the 49ers being torn asunder – as some have declared.
In their first regular-season game representing Los Angeles since December 24, 1994, the Rams trailed 14-0 midway through the second quarter.
The 49ers took a 7-0 lead on Hyde’s 11-yard touchdown run with 3:24 left in the first quarter.
Odds Per Bovada, the Rams are the favorites to start the season with a win.
That was fantastic. It’s even better when you realize the two teams playing in this game were so bad offensively that elementary school kids all across the country were begging their parents to make them go to bed early. This time previous year, Jim Tomsula had his first win of the season, in the same stadium, and on the same night of the week.
SMALL-PLAY AUSTIN: The Rams gave receiver Tavon Austin a contract extension worth a reported $42 million this summer because of his ability to make big plays.
That’s the same Gabbert who finished 2015 with only 185 rushing yards, yet in the first half he outpaced Gurley and almost bested him over the game. His successful gamble on 4th-and-6 led to a TD five plays after Gabbert delivered an 18-yard completion.
Jilted fans aren’t over the resentment, saying they feel betrayed by Rams owner and native Missourian Stan Kroenke.
“The credit goes to our defence and our defensive staff”, said Kelly.
Carlos Hyde rushed for three yards and Gabbert’s third-down pass attempt fell incomplete.
It was Keenum, who was starting largely because No. 1 overall pick Jared Goff is not yet ready.
Hired in January to replace Tomsula, Kelly had the 49ers offense produce 14 points and 203 yards (123 rushing) by halftime.
That’s even with Goff waiting in the wings after the Rams gave up a boatload of draft picks to get the top pick in April and select Goff as their future franchise quarterback. Gabbert threw for 17 yards and ran for 16 on the drive. Sure, the Rams’ offensive totals were grimy, but in many critical areas the 49ers were only marginally better.
Advertisement
There’s nothing surprising about the 49ers offense.
