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Rams-49ers: Matchup breakdown
By Nick Wagoner
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/12513/rams-49ers-matchup-breakdown-2
EARTH CITY, Mo. -- A look at three individual matchups to keep an eye on when the St. Louis Rams and San Francisco 49ers meet at 8:30 p.m. ET Monday night on ESPN.
Rams linebacker James Laurinaitis vs. Niners running back Frank Gore
Like clockwork, San Francisco running back Frank Gore has been the centerpiece of the offense almost since he arrived in the league back in 2005 and certainly since his second season in 2006. Gore's physical, powerful running style has made life difficult for the Rams in the time since, and has allowed Gore to have as much or more success against St. Louis than any other team. Gore has 14 rushing touchdowns against the Rams, the most of any player in NFL history. In 14 meetings, he has rushed for 1,149 yards and those touchdowns on 254 carries with five 100-yard outings. In the teams' last meeting in St. Louis, Gore had 20 carries for 153 yards and a touchdown.
The Rams' defense, meanwhile, has struggled to stop the run, sitting 29th in the league in that category by allowing 152.5 yards per game and 28th in the league at 4.82 yards per rush allowed. Laurinaitis isn't the only one tasked with slowing Gore, but much of the responsibility falls on the middle linebacker in terms of having everyone lined up correctly and not allowing for mental mistakes like a blown gap responsibility. Laurinaitis said this week that he feels like he could not watch much tape and know exactly what the Niners are going to do. That might be the case, but knowing and doing are two very different things.
Rams right tackle Joe Barksdale vs. 49ers linebacker Ahmad Brooks
Barksdale has been a pleasant surprise in the Rams' lineup since he became a full-time starter a year ago, but Brooks is one player who has proved a nightmare -- not just for the Barksdale but the Rams as a whole. Without the services of Aldon Smith and NaVorro Bowman, the 49ers have leaned on others to pick up the slack, but Brooks hasn't necessarily been able to do that as one would expect. In the Thursday night meeting in St. Louis a year ago, Brooks had a sack and a half and led the team with nine tackles on his way to his best season. Brooks has been relatively quiet so far this season with nine tackles and a sack, but he's getting pressure with three hits and nine pressures. There are other 49ers capable of generating pressure, especially defensive lineman Justin Smith, but neutralizing Brooks is a good place to start.
Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins vs. 49ers wide receiver Anquan Boldin
Despite numerous offseason additions and the return of a healthy Michael Crabtree, it's Boldin who is still the 49ers' most productive receiver with his 25 catches and 303 yards. Much like Gore, Boldin has made a career of tormenting the Rams. In 15 games against the Rams, Boldin has 97 receptions for 1,326 yards and seven touchdowns, including six 100-yard games.
Given the other options in the passing game, it's unlikely Jenkins will shadow Boldin as he did Dallas' Dez Bryant earlier this season, but the two will likely see plenty of each other as they did a year ago. In the 2013 game in San Francisco, Jenkins repeatedly tussled with Boldin, who had nine catches for 98 yards and got Jenkins off his game with his physical style and willingness to engage in trash talk. There is no love lost between these two, but the Rams need more from Jenkins in order to keep Boldin and the 49ers in check.
By Nick Wagoner
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/12513/rams-49ers-matchup-breakdown-2
EARTH CITY, Mo. -- A look at three individual matchups to keep an eye on when the St. Louis Rams and San Francisco 49ers meet at 8:30 p.m. ET Monday night on ESPN.
Rams linebacker James Laurinaitis vs. Niners running back Frank Gore
Like clockwork, San Francisco running back Frank Gore has been the centerpiece of the offense almost since he arrived in the league back in 2005 and certainly since his second season in 2006. Gore's physical, powerful running style has made life difficult for the Rams in the time since, and has allowed Gore to have as much or more success against St. Louis than any other team. Gore has 14 rushing touchdowns against the Rams, the most of any player in NFL history. In 14 meetings, he has rushed for 1,149 yards and those touchdowns on 254 carries with five 100-yard outings. In the teams' last meeting in St. Louis, Gore had 20 carries for 153 yards and a touchdown.
The Rams' defense, meanwhile, has struggled to stop the run, sitting 29th in the league in that category by allowing 152.5 yards per game and 28th in the league at 4.82 yards per rush allowed. Laurinaitis isn't the only one tasked with slowing Gore, but much of the responsibility falls on the middle linebacker in terms of having everyone lined up correctly and not allowing for mental mistakes like a blown gap responsibility. Laurinaitis said this week that he feels like he could not watch much tape and know exactly what the Niners are going to do. That might be the case, but knowing and doing are two very different things.
Rams right tackle Joe Barksdale vs. 49ers linebacker Ahmad Brooks
Barksdale has been a pleasant surprise in the Rams' lineup since he became a full-time starter a year ago, but Brooks is one player who has proved a nightmare -- not just for the Barksdale but the Rams as a whole. Without the services of Aldon Smith and NaVorro Bowman, the 49ers have leaned on others to pick up the slack, but Brooks hasn't necessarily been able to do that as one would expect. In the Thursday night meeting in St. Louis a year ago, Brooks had a sack and a half and led the team with nine tackles on his way to his best season. Brooks has been relatively quiet so far this season with nine tackles and a sack, but he's getting pressure with three hits and nine pressures. There are other 49ers capable of generating pressure, especially defensive lineman Justin Smith, but neutralizing Brooks is a good place to start.
Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins vs. 49ers wide receiver Anquan Boldin
Despite numerous offseason additions and the return of a healthy Michael Crabtree, it's Boldin who is still the 49ers' most productive receiver with his 25 catches and 303 yards. Much like Gore, Boldin has made a career of tormenting the Rams. In 15 games against the Rams, Boldin has 97 receptions for 1,326 yards and seven touchdowns, including six 100-yard games.
Given the other options in the passing game, it's unlikely Jenkins will shadow Boldin as he did Dallas' Dez Bryant earlier this season, but the two will likely see plenty of each other as they did a year ago. In the 2013 game in San Francisco, Jenkins repeatedly tussled with Boldin, who had nine catches for 98 yards and got Jenkins off his game with his physical style and willingness to engage in trash talk. There is no love lost between these two, but the Rams need more from Jenkins in order to keep Boldin and the 49ers in check.
