At halftime, Rams desperately fighting to avoid walk of shame and 0-3 start

The LA Rams need a win. But it only took the San Francisco 49ers 3:48 to score with their opening possession, driving the ball 70 yards easily. And so started Week 3 for the Rams fans, clutching to hope beyond hope. Within four minutes of the game, the Rams popped the optimistic balloon by giving the 49ers an easy touchdown.

Nobody was within five yards of 49ers WR Jauan Jennings as 49ers QB Brock Purdy tossed an easy score to Jennings for a 13 yard completion. Instascore. 49ers 7 Rams 0.

The Rams tried to establish the running game with their first offensive possession. But it was RB Kyren Williams who rushed for five yards and then three yards. On third down, Rams QB Matthew Stafford had to scramble and missed WR Tyler Johnson, forcing the team to punt. The 49ers next drive was aided by suspect officiating, and with 4:00 minutes remaining in the first quarter, the Rams had already been penalized four times for 39 yards.

Before the first quarter was expired, the 49ers offense has scored again. The referees had a lot to do with the second drive extending long enough to allow the Niners to score and put the Rams into a 14 point hole.

The Rams secondary is ineffective. The Rams inside linebackers are bewildered and timid. This is not how the team had hoped they would start the season. But here we are, Week 3 and a defense that has shown no indication that they can force opposing offenses to punt.

And yet, the defense stiffened up and force the 49ers to punt after I had written that statement (It's nice to see that the jinx factor is still in effect).

The Rams did engage 12 personnel, allowing Kyren Williams to rush 6 times for 32 yards in the second offensive possession (for a 5.34 yards per carry average). It's clear that the team caught the 49ers napping by putting two tight ends on the football field.

And then, the LA Rams found RB Kyren Williams streaking to the end zone with less than two minutes remaining in the first half:

Reason for hope

There are some solid reasons for hope. For starters, the Rams ARE committing to 12 personnel packages. Not only has that allowed the Rams to run the football effectively, but it has allowed the offense to consume some time off the game clock and give the defense some rest.

The 49ers have the lead, far fewer penalties, more yards, and they have a solid record of getting and keeping the lead when the Rams abandon the run and try to pass their way back into the game.

While the 49ers dominated the first quarter of the game, the Rams dominated the second quarter. The Rams scored the only points in the second half, forced a turnover, and even forced the mighty 49ers offense to punt. While still not at his usual dominance, Stafford did complete eight of ten passes in the second quarter.

Who says the Rams cannot move the ball on offense if the team runs the football?

The Rams are following some of the ways to pull off the upset win. Well, partially. While the team has not involved RB Blake Corum, there is still one-half of football to be played. The Rams are getting tight ends involved, And the team is throwing to Colby Parkinson, Tutu Atwell, and Tyler Johnson. While the inside linebackers are playing too far off the line of scrimmage, OLB Byron Young and DT Tyler Davis have tackles for losses. And the Rams have been a bit stingy against the run, allowing just 41 yards on 13 carries.

The second half in underway. Let's hope the Rams can come from behind for a win. And as always, thanks for reading.

Halftime Score

San Francisco 49ers 14
Los Angeles Rams 7