The St. Louis Rams Do’s And Don’ts Against The San Francisco 49ers

Oct 29, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aldon Smith (99) during the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The 49ers beat the Cardinals 24-3. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-US PRESSWIRE

If the Rams are to have any chance in making the playoffs, they must start winning the games that they are expected to lose. This upcoming game against the 49ers, is one of them. Everyone knows what the 49ers can bring to the table, but people can’t say the same about the Rams. The Rams are yet to get both of their offense and defense clicking at the same time. The win against Redskins saw both teams’ offense playing well, with both teams’ offense exposing each teams’ defense. The wins against Seahawks and Cardinals saw a hard fought battle by the defense. Since the 49ers are destroyers on defense and are very underrated on offense, the Rams must bring their ‘A’ game on both sides of the ball.

DO’S

• Must rush the quarterback. Alex Smith’s performance this year has flown under the radar. Last game he threw 18/19 for 232 yards and three touchdowns (QB Rating 157.1). Smith can pick apart any defense, but if you get to the man under center, it doesn’t matter how good you are as you’re only as good as the protection given. Chris Long and Robert Quinn must perform well. They can be one of the most destructive duos in the NFL. Long and Quinn were missing in London. Tom Brady gave the Rams 35 opportunities to get their sack, but he was untouched. They simply can’t afford for this to happen again.
• The Rams offense is at its best when Bradford is able to share the ball around to Givens, Gibson, Kendricks and Amendola. The NFL world now knows what Chris Givens can do to opposing teams and that Brandon Gibson is fairly underrated. Sam Bradford must feed the ball around evenly.
• The Rams must get their running game going. Nothing will be worse if the Rams are throwing 50 times against the 49ers defense, as Bradford will be vulnerable. The Rams will be hoping for a balanced offense going into the game and that they can rush the ball around 30-35 times.

DON’TS

• The Rams must not allow the 49ers defensive pass rushers to get on top anytime throughout the game. The Rams need Bradford to be on his feet if there is going to be any chance of winning this ball game. Although the 49ers’ sack numbers are down from previous years (15 sacks), they should never be underestimated as they can and do cause havoc.
• The Rams can’t afford to give up costly penalties. The Rams lost the game against the Dolphins due to giving up a massive 12 penalties for 94 yards. Against New England Patriots, Bradley Fletcher gave up three penalties all on third down. The Rams must play clean and physical football to avoid the ‘what if?’ conversation.
• Sam Bradford can’t afford to be one dimensional and instinctively look for his ‘security blanket’ in Danny Amendola. Amendola is a great addition to the team, but if Bradford becomes one-dimensional, it wont take long before the 49ers will premeditate Bradfords decisions and jump routes on Amendola, resulting in turnovers.