The LA Rams know what 49ers will do. Now, can they stop them?

Slug ’em Sony

Even as the 49ers have dictated the pace and outcomes of the past three games, it’s been the LA Rams running game that has proven to be more effective. In three games, the Rams have rushed just 57 times for 281 yards. That is an average of 4.92 yards per rush, far more effective than the 49ers 3.42-yard average, by an eye-popping 1.5 yards per rush.

The problem is that the Rams average just 19 carries per game, and in so doing have only mustered 93.6 yards per game.

The answer is simple. Run the damned ball. By doing so, the LA Rams can fix the lopsided time of possession to a more evenly balanced game and will keep the defense fresh in the process. And by handing off the ball to Sony Michel, as the team has done throughout the past five-game winning streak, the team has a better chance of limiting turnovers.

Even if quarterback Matthew Stafford makes errant throws, supporting him with a commitment to run the ball slows down the pass rush, and gives the 49ers the temptation to creep in to load the box with eight defenders. When that happens, passing routes open up significantly, and the Rams can return to passing ball downfield.

Unleash the LA Rams four horsemen

The LA Rams have the second most effective pass rush in the NFL with 47 quarterback sacks. Over the past five games, the LA Rams have taken down opposing quarterback 17 times for 125 yards lost.  What is the difference?

This is no longer a pass rush depending entirely on All-Pro defensive lineman Aaron Donald.  While he is his normal dominating self, putting up 6.5 sacks in the past five games, he is getting help at the right time of the season. His teammate, defensive lineman Greg Gaines, has chalked up two sacks in the past four games. Outside linebacker Leonard Floyd has put up two quarterback sacks in the past five games. Even newly arrived outside linebacker Von Miller has put up four quarterback sacks in the past three games.

This quartet has accounted for 14.5 quarterback sacks in the past five games.  Hopefully, it’s just a warm-up for the 49ers.

In the end, the Rams must get to Garoppolo, or whoever is taking the snap in Week 18.

The losing streak, when you examine the root cause, is not mysterious at all. The LA Rams continue to do the same things, make the same mistakes, and expect a different outcome. It’s time to stop the insanity, and the San Francisco 49ers, in Week 18.