Rams vs. 49ers: 5 key matchups to watch in Week 6

Riverumbbq · Oct 10, 2019

By: Cameron DaSilva | 6 hours ago

(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Rams’ backs are against the proverbial wall this week as they look to avoid their first three-game losing streak under Sean McVay. Snapping their two-game skid won’t be easy, though, with the 4-0 49ers coming to town.

The Rams don’t want to fall 2.5 games behind San Francisco in the NFC West, but that’s exactly where they’ll be with another loss. Injuries on both sides make this a difficult game to predict and present each team with favorable matchups.
Here are the five biggest matchups to watch on Sunday.

Rams OL vs. 49ers DL
If you haven’t seen the graphic comparing the Rams offensive line to the 49ers’ defensive front using Pro Football Focus grades, it illustrates just how different each unit has been this season. The 49ers boast four former first-round picks on their defensive line and another as a backup (Solomon Thomas), while the interior of the Rams’ O-line is filled with players struggling in pass protection and run blocking.

This will be arguably the most important matchup of the game because if Jared Goff doesn’t get time in the pocket, he’s going to have trouble moving the ball down the field. He’s been under constant duress this year and has been blitzed 13 more times than any other quarterback and suffered the second-most hits (22) in the NFL.

Dante Fowler Jr. vs. 49ers tackles

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The 49ers are starting two backup tackles on Sunday with Joe Staley and Mike McGlinchey sidelined due to injuries. In their place, it’ll be Daniel Brunskill and Justin Skule thrust into the starting lineup. Fowler hasn’t put up big numbers in terms of sacks or quarterback hits, but he’s tied for third in hurries this season with 11.

He has his most favorable matchup yet on Sunday and given all the attention Aaron Donald gets, Fowler should be able to grab a sack or two against the 49ers. He needs to convert those pressures into sacks and get Jimmy Garoppolo on the ground.

John Johnson vs. George Kittle

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Johnson will most likely be the primary defender on Kittle, who is the 49ers’ most dangerous offensive weapon. If Taylor Rapp plays, he’ll also be asked to cover Kittle, as will Cory Littleton and Eric Weddle. Johnson is the best pick to cover the athletic tight end, though, and should do a good job with his assignment.

Kittle went off against the Rams last season, catching nine passes for 149 yards and a touchdown in Week 17 and five passes for 98 yards and another score in Week 7. Los Angeles has to find a way to limit his production, otherwise he’s going to make them pay with another big game.

Robert Woods vs. Richard Sherman

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Sherman has never been the fastest cornerback in the league, but he’s always been one of the smartest. His instincts are off the charts, which makes him such a good defender in zone coverage. He rarely gets beat deep and with his size at the line of scrimmage, he’s able to bully receivers.

Woods has to use his speed and quickness to counter Sherman’s physicality, but a lot of it comes down to Sean McVay’s game plan and the route combinations he calls. The 49ers are still without Ahkello Witherspoon, so perhaps Goff will stay away from Sherman, but this is an important matchup for the Rams offense to win.

Rams LBs vs. 49ers RBs

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No team runs the ball more than the 49ers, who average 38.5 rush attempts per game. There also isn’t a team that rushes for more yards per game than San Francisco, which averages 200 per week. The Rams could be without Bryce Hager for another week, who has been one of their better run defenders.

Littleton and Troy Reeder, if he starts, will need to be at their very best against Tevin Coleman and Matt Breida. The 49ers offense is built upon being able to run the football and considering how often they’ve been leading games, Garoppolo hasn’t been asked to carry the team much. The Rams have to change that by getting out in front and taking away the run.