Fred Warner cheapshots Matthew Stafford from behind after INT

The LA Rams knew that heading into the game against the San Francisco 49ers, the 49ers rhetoric heading into this one included a lot of hints about targeting and injuring players. In light of that willingness to comment about purposefully injuring Rams players, the hope was that the officials would be extra vigilant about the actions of 49ers players trying to maim their opponents.

And so, how can you explain the miss of the NFL officials by missing a clear cheap shot from behind on 49ers inside linebacker Fred Warner to hit quarterback Matthew Stafford from behind? The blow sent Stafford to the ground, prone and motionless after Stafford threw an interception in the end zone.

That was a dirty play and should have drawn an immediate foul and ejection. I get it. 49er fans are rabid and are not content to win a game like this, they want to see Rams players carried out on stretchers.

But if Aaron Donald pulled an adolescent stunt like that on Jimmy Garoppolo, you can bet social media would swell with their outcries. This was a shot on a quarterback from behind, even though Stafford was clearly out of the play. And in all events, what type of a ‘tough’ play is hitting a guy from behind?

Tough? More like cowardice.

The 49ers’ defense is not exactly rare when it comes to taking shots after the whistle, helmet to helmet, and a host of over-aggressive moves that have been called out before.

The Rams’ injuries are piling up already. Tight end Tyler Higbee has gone to the bench with a reported knee injury. And running back Cam Akers has been taken out of the game with a reported shoulder injury. Both Higbee and Akers are questionable to return.

This is early. But if the officials do not start calling the 49ers fouls, this game is not going to go well for the Rams.