49ers vs. Rams: What Are Experts Saying About San Francisco?

The San Francisco 49ers earned a satisfying 22-17 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs last Sunday. This win gave the 49ers two back-to-back victories, as they climbed up from their 1-2 start to the season. 

With all the new weapons and pieces, many expected the 49ers to have their best season to date in the Jim Harbaugh era. Even with the injuries piling up, this team is still loaded with talent.

The 1-2 start wasn't ideal, but the 49ers are showing grit and toughness, much like their first season with Harbaugh at the helm. Despite the talent on the roster, this squad is fighting and scraping for its victories.

Call me crazy, but it has a sort of charm. 

Regardless, the 49ers' matchup against a divisional opponent in the St. Louis Rams will serve as a good test. The Rams aren't exactly lighting up the league, but games between these two rivals tend to be close for the most part.

We should have an exciting prime-time game this Monday, folks. In the meantime, let's examine some 49ers storylines from around the nation.

Bathroom Brawl at Levi's Stadium

Tony Avelar/Associated Press

Unfortunately, we have to start with this terrible storyline before delving into football-related material. As many already know, a bathroom brawl at Levi's Stadium erupted after the 49ers' victory against the Kansas City Chiefs last Sunday. 

Now, fights have erupted in the 49ers' former stadium at Candlestick Park, so this isn't new. However, the result of this brawl has shaken a few people in Santa Clara.

Here's a breakdown from ABC News of a brawl that left one victim in the hospital and another partially paralyzed: 

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Cellphone video shows one of the attackers punching the first victim, who tried to defend himself as he was about to go down. He was hit again, but this time he fell hard on his back as his assailant fell forward from the swing of his punch. The second attacker punched and dragged the other victim away from the stalls and hit him again. He stepped back as the other assailant reappeared on the video. He hit him at close range repeatedly. As the assailants began to leave, the video panned over to victim one, who was lying on his back, convulsing, and looking disoriented.

"

I'm sure this story will be updated as the weeks progress, but it's an ugly situation all around. The 49ers' next home game at Levi's Stadium is after their bye in Week 9, ironically against the Rams. 

Matt Maiocco: Aaron Lynch Surrounded by Role Models

Marcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press

Coming out of the University of South Florida, Aaron Lynch was a prospect many teams shied away from. He doesn't have a lengthy history of any off-the-field incidents, but his maturity has always been questioned. 

With a veteran locker room like the 49ers, I still questioned if Lynch's maturity would get in the way of his obvious talent. Take away the maturity questions, and Lynch would have been a surefire second-round pick in this past draft. 

The 49ers took no risk in selecting Lynch in the fifth round, and as of now, general manager Trent Baalke is reaping the rewards. Here's Lynch on his growth since arriving in Santa Clara, according to Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com: 

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I’ve definitely matured. I wouldn’t say my character was bad, like it was put out there to be. People who know me, know that. I’ve definitely matured as a man and a football player. But that comes with experience and being around older guys. I’m not around a bunch of college guys any more, so everybody is more professional.

"

Aldon Smith will eventually make his return, but in the meantime the 49ers have two young and ascending pass-rushers in Corey Lemonier and Lynch who are ready to make their mark. 

Kevin Lynch: Ascending Kaepernick

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While the 49ers have rebounded quite nicely after their 1-2 start on the season, there are those who still blame Kaepernick for the team's struggles.

Don't get me wrong: Kaepernick and this 49ers offense definitely deserve some blame, but Kevin Lynch of the San Francisco Chronicle believes No. 7 has made strides in his fourth season in the league. In particular, Lynch believes Kaepernick's vision has stood out this year: 

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Kaepernick appears to be looking at the game with new eyes. Last season, he left open receivers all over the field after checking his primary target and then deciding to run his way into a sack or a gain. This year, Kaepernick is getting to second and even third reads, despite spotty pass protection.

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Lynch is right on the money. The pass protection has been subpar to start the season. I understand the offensive line has suffered some injuries, but protection has to improve for Kaepernick to flourish in the pocket.

The offensive line may get some relief this Monday when the 49ers face a struggling Rams front seven that can't get after the quarterback. More on this later!

Eric Branch: 49ers Won't Have Bowman Back Soon

Marcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press

With injuries to NaVorro Bowman and Aldon Smith, the 49ers defense surprisingly hasn't skipped a beat. This defense ranks fourth against the pass and fifth against the run. 

Can the 49ers defense keep up this level of play without the two All-Pro linebackers?

Smith should be fine upon his return, but the 49ers will have to wait a little longer for Bowman. Eric Branch of SFGate.com relays an update of Bowman's status, per a KNBR radio appearance by defensive coordinator Vic Fangio: "I think at some point, he’ll eventually play (this season). Right now, it’s still later than sooner."

That's a simple but powerful quote by the mastermind coordinator. 

Due to the play of Patrick Willis, the 49ers can hold down the fort until Bowman returns. The same can't be said for this pass rush, which sorely misses the play of Smith. 

Matt Barrows: Both Rams, 49ers Struggling with Pressure

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Bringing down the quarterback is usually a strength for both the Rams and 49ers, but the year hasn't been kind for these staunch defenses.

The Rams and 49ers have combined for six sacks in 2014. Even more surprising is that the Rams' notorious front seven has only one sack on the season. 

Despite the struggles with taking down the quarterback, the 49ers defense is still playing at a high level. The same can't be said for the Rams, as opposing offenses are carving up this defense both on the ground and in the air. 

Here's head coach Jeff Fisher on his teams struggles sacking the quarterback, according to Matt Barrows of The Sacramento Bee: "I would think that with one sack over four games, we're probably going to have more than four when the season's over. We're getting close; we've missed some opportunities, the ball's coming out...Obviously we have to do a better job."

As I stated before, the struggling 49ers offensive line could have a big bounce-back game against this Rams front seven.