3 positives LA Rams defense take into face-off with 49ers

Rams run defense

The LA Rams finally held an offense’s rushing attack below their season average. Coming into the game, the Rams had been allowing opposing offenses to exceed their seasonal average on yards per rush. But the Rams finally clamped down a bit on Washington and held their running game below their season average.

That was excellent timing, as here come the San Francisco 49ers, poised to push the Rams rushing defense to the limit. After all, the 49ers do not need to put a single running back over 100 yards. They simply need to run well as a team, and as a committee. By doing so, they open up the passing offense for their returning-to-health receivers.

49ers rushing offense

Right now, the 49ers have 648 yards rushing offense in five games. They have four running backs who have carried the ball more than 15 times to get there but have 11 players involved in the running attack. Thankfully for the Rams defense, they merely need to clog the running lanes and tackle the ball carrier.  Running back Raheem Mostert will undoubtedly get the lion’s share of the carries, as he is averaging 7.0 yards-per-carry so far.

That’s where the Rams rush defense needs to focus. As long as the Rams can frustrate the 49ers early in the game, they will be forced to attempt to pass. Despite the 49ers committee approach to the quarterback position so far, they are committed to Jimmy Garoppolo, and he is flawed. As long as the Rams can contain the 49ers’ rushing attack, they can let their pass rush take over.