Rams will count on Jaylen Watson to lock down must-see Week 1 matchup

Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jaylen Watson will have an early test in Week 1, when he goes up against 49ers receiver Mike Evans in one of the game's most notable head-to-head matchups. While they won't necessarily be lined up opposite each other on every play, the Rams will lean on Watson, their best cover corner, to take on San Francisco's best wideout, Evans.

Meanwhile, Trent McDuffie should match up primarily with Deebo Samuel or rookie De'Zhaun Stribling and move all over the field. LA can count on Watson to lock down the boundary. 

Even coming off an injury-derailed, career-worst season, Evans is still a threat at age 33. Along with tight end George Kittle and the speedy Stribling, he is one of San Francisco's explosive-play weapons through the air. Fortunately, the Rams have Watson's size and physicality to counter the 6-foot-5 Evans.

Rams will counter Evans with Jaylen Watson in coverage

Despite matching up with elite receivers, Watson was one of the most effective all-around cornerbacks last season. He allowed just a 79.0 passer rating, per Pro Football Reference, and surrendered one touchdown on 64 targets while coming up with two picks. He also recorded a pair of sacks and missed one tackle, one, in 65 chances. 

At 6-foot-2 and 197 pounds, he's also one of the larger players at his position. Evans will still have a size advantage, but he won't be able to haul in contested catches like he can in most matchups. 

Last season was the first time in Evans' 11-year career that he failed to reach the 1,000-yard threshold. Although he's lost a step, Evans remains a downfield threat due to his savvy route-running and catch radius. Watson's job will be shadowing him like Saran wrap.

While Watson v. Evans will be a focal point, the former won't be alone. The Rams have one of the league's deepest safety rooms led by Quentin Lake, Kam Curl, and Kamren Kinchens. Lake will spend some time covering San Francisco's slot receiver, but Curl and Kinchens will patrol the middle of the field waiting to converge on Brock Purdy's receiver of choice. 

Combined with LA's Myles-Garrett-led pass rush, it could be a long day for the 49ers quarterback. 

Frankly, the Niners lack the receivers to match the Rams secondary; Samuel is a shell of himself and Stribling is a rookie. To find any success, they'll have to exploit matchups with linebackers using Kittle and running back Christian McCaffrey.

San Francisco fans will want to see a splash from their shiny new addition in Evans, who signed a three-year, $42.4 million contract in free agency. It'll be on Watson to ensure they have to wait another week.

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