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- May 9, 2018
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The Rams and 49ers have an old and very heated rivalry. That is to be expected and, indeed, desired, given that they are long-time divisional foes who, for most of their history, were also cross-state rivals. And, from a head-to-head standpoint, the teams have been competitive (the 49ers have a 75-68-3 records all-time against the Rams).
It has not, however, been what I would call a respectful rivalry - at least not from the 49ers end of the equation. From Ken Norton, Jr. (who, ironically, was just fired by Seattle) punching the goal post, to Dana Stubblefield coining the phrase "same old sorry ass Rams" (SOSAR), there has always been an element of taunting and face-rubbing by the 49ers and their faithful.
Then came yesterday's game, and a chance for the Rams to finally slay the demon from San Francisco.
The 49ers thought they were the tougher, more physical team that could bully the "Hollywood" Rams. But, from the early stages, that identity devolved into dirty, rather than tough and physical, tactics.
It seemed that their number one target was Odell Beckham, Jr. On the Rams first drive, they delivered a head shot that sent OBJ to the sideline pointing to the refs and demanding a flag. They added a late hit/taunting penalty later, as well as a targeting head shot by Jimmy Ward.
Perhaps they thought they could intimidate OBJ and get him off his game. Perhaps they thought he'd lose his cool and (much like Tom Brady and Ndamukong Suh last week) draw a flag by retaliating. But it didn't work. OBJ kept in the game and was a key player with 9 receptions for 113 yards.
But, even more than the on-field heroics, perhaps OBJ's most noteworthy moment came after the final gun. He, amidst the celebration of a Super Bowl birth, ran to the 49ers sideline and showed respect, sympathy and compassion for Deebo Samuel - a player who has done his share of taunting as he plagued the Rams in recent matchups.
Rivals, but respectful rivals. OBJ showed the taunting, gloating, pretenders from the North how to win with class.
SOSAR is dead.
It has not, however, been what I would call a respectful rivalry - at least not from the 49ers end of the equation. From Ken Norton, Jr. (who, ironically, was just fired by Seattle) punching the goal post, to Dana Stubblefield coining the phrase "same old sorry ass Rams" (SOSAR), there has always been an element of taunting and face-rubbing by the 49ers and their faithful.
Then came yesterday's game, and a chance for the Rams to finally slay the demon from San Francisco.
The 49ers thought they were the tougher, more physical team that could bully the "Hollywood" Rams. But, from the early stages, that identity devolved into dirty, rather than tough and physical, tactics.
It seemed that their number one target was Odell Beckham, Jr. On the Rams first drive, they delivered a head shot that sent OBJ to the sideline pointing to the refs and demanding a flag. They added a late hit/taunting penalty later, as well as a targeting head shot by Jimmy Ward.
Perhaps they thought they could intimidate OBJ and get him off his game. Perhaps they thought he'd lose his cool and (much like Tom Brady and Ndamukong Suh last week) draw a flag by retaliating. But it didn't work. OBJ kept in the game and was a key player with 9 receptions for 113 yards.
But, even more than the on-field heroics, perhaps OBJ's most noteworthy moment came after the final gun. He, amidst the celebration of a Super Bowl birth, ran to the 49ers sideline and showed respect, sympathy and compassion for Deebo Samuel - a player who has done his share of taunting as he plagued the Rams in recent matchups.
Rivals, but respectful rivals. OBJ showed the taunting, gloating, pretenders from the North how to win with class.
SOSAR is dead.
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