LA Rams game day: Pupil McVay struggles vs teacher Shanahan

LA Rams’ game day: 49ers Shanahan again shows mastery over Rams McVay

The LA Rams, hot on a two-game winning streak, were eager to extend their streak to three games for the first time this season. But to do so, the Rams would need to defeat their nemesis, the San Francisco 49ers. That has not been an easy feat, as the Rams have lost their last three games against their division rivals.

This game is one where the Rams need to play sound football. With opponents as familiar with one another as this one, the Rams had to realize that coughing up the ball was the worst thing to do. But the Rams ignored that common sense logic, and instead fumbled the ball and threw a ridiculously ugly pass into cornerback Richard Sherman’s breadbasket. While the Rams created an interception and fumble of their own, the damage was done.

Vanilla offense

The Rams offense went vanilla. And the defense suddenly found himself on the field more than it needed to be. The 49ers found the ability to run with the ball, while the Rams found themselves unable to do so. Even several plays to WR Deebo Samuel acted like running plays.  And with a running attack, the 49ers attacked the Rams edge, and then the Rams middle. Eventually, the 49ers rushed for a touchdown.

That set the tempo for the first half. With a third and 28 deep in the 49ers’ territory, the 49ers rushed for 18 yards, setting up a punt to pin the Rams deep with under two minutes remaining in the first half. A roughing the passer penalty called on Erik Armstead set the Rams at the 41-yard line. A quick pass to tight end Gerald Everett moved the chains,  Then a quick-out route to Robert  Woods.

49ers not doing much either

Once more, the Rams were driving, only for Rams quarterback Jared Goff fumbled the ball, and the 49ers took over heading into the half. The Rams called a time out to cancel out a third-down incompletion, only to give the 49ers a second chance to make the first down. The 49ers missed a 50-yard field goal attempt.

The Rams go into halftime down by just four points. Both Mullins and Goff were 11 of 16 with one interception. The 49ers have rushed 14 times for 85 yards, while the Rams have rushed 17 times for just 37 yards.

For a positive spin, the LA Rams typically play far better in the second half. With the Rams only behind by four points, the Rams have a good chance of making a comeback. But the Rams need to do something on offense, something they are struggling to do in this one.