Rams vs. 49ers: Complete Week 9 Preview for San Francisco
The San Francisco 49ers start the second half of their season hosting the St. Louis Rams at Levi's Stadium on Sunday, November 2 at 4:05 p.m. ET.
San Francisco is coming off its Week 8 bye—a period that gave the team a chance to rest, recover and regroup after an embarrassing Sunday Night Football loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 7. St. Louis, mired by injuries and setbacks, is also coming off a lackluster performance, having lost to the Kansas City Chiefs 34-7.
At 4-3, one could easily state the 49ers have weathered a difficult stretch of the season and came out favorably enough. The team sits in second place within the division, two games behind the 6-1 Arizona Cardinals.
The Rams are at the bottom of the NFC West pack with a 2-5 record. But as we saw with their Week 7 performance against the Seattle Seahawks, anything is possible, especially when the Rams' season is going nowhere fast.
"#NFCWest Cardinals 6-1 49ers 4-3 Seahawks 4-3 Rams 2-5
— Mike Jurecki (@mikejurecki) October 27, 2014"
On paper, it should be no surprise that San Francisco is listed as a heavy favorite. According to Odds Shark, the 49ers have an 11-point advantage in this contest. Two weeks of recovery and preparation plus home-field advantage also plays into San Francisco's favor.
But games aren't won on paper, and we can be assured that Rams head coach Jeff Fisher will stop at nothing to try and upset Jim Harbaugh's squad in this divisional matchup.
Let's get into the nuts and bolts of the game and tell you everything you need to know, including storylines, matchups to watch, X-factors and more.
49ers' Week 8 Recap
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The bye week could not have come at a better time for San Francisco.
Following the 42-17 drubbing by Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos, the 49ers desperately needed the added break to refresh and reinforce a beleaguered team beset by injuries and setbacks.
Indeed, the 49ers had no business winning in Week 7—a game that saw Manning crown himself as the all-time leader in passing touchdowns.
A short-handed San Francisco squad was without the services of linebacker Patrick Willis, offensive lineman Mike Iupati and cornerback Chris Culliver. The game also produced injuries to center Daniel Kilgore and cornerback Chris Cook—both now lost for the season.
"#49ers announce C Daniel Kilgore, CB Chris Cook to season-ending IR...
— Paul Gutierrez (@PGutierrezESPN) October 25, 2014"
The bye presented an opportunity to put this ugly game behind them, shifting focus instead to what the 49ers needed to do in the second half of the season.
Some players spent time with family. Others, like wide receiver Anquan Boldin, basked in the enjoyment of watching the newly minted champion San Francisco Giants square off in Major League Baseball's World Series.
"Looking for some suggestions of where to watch the @SFGiants start their World Series battle this evening. #SFUnite
— Anquan Boldin (@AnquanBoldin) October 21, 2014"
But the primary focus was getting the team back into shape for what hopes to be an exciting and decisive second half.
Yet the idle 49ers did not get any help within the division. Both the Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks pulled off victories in Week 8 against the Philadelphia Eagles and Carolina Panthers, respectively.
With the division's outcome still up in the air, starting off the second half with a W will be paramount to San Francisco's postseason prospects.
News and Notes
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Weathering the storm might have been the theme for the 49ers in the first half. The slew of injuries and setbacks were just a part of the equation that sums up the 4-3 start. Two of San Francisco's first-half opponents—Arizona and Denver—have just one loss on the season.
With the exception of St. Louis and the Chicago Bears, all of the 49ers' previous matchups featured teams that currently sit above the .500 mark.
Fortunately, San Francisco kicks off the second half against a banged-up Rams squad with virtually zero playoff aspirations in 2014. This presents a worthy opportunity to get things started on the right foot.
Aldon Smith's Suspension Reduced?
On October 19, NBC Sports' Mike Florio reported on ProFootballTalk that suspended linebacker Aldon Smith could return to action a week or two earlier than initially expected. This came as a bit of a shock to the 49ers organization, as general manager Trent Baalke stated he had heard nothing of the sort, via Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area.
There has been little development on this front, with the exception of NFL.com's Ian Rapoport announcing that a reduced suspension was unlikely this week.
"Don't expect an announcement on a reduced suspension for #49ers LB Aldon Smith today, diminishing chances of playing Sun. Maybe next week
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 29, 2014"
What is good news is this—Smith looks to be in great shape, according to Baalke (h/t Taylor Price of 49ers.com).
"#49ers GM Trent Baalke says LB @AldonSmith is in "great shape." READ: http://t.co/AwcnmJGP6w pic.twitter.com/Vr4Vbgn1vw
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) October 21, 2014"
San Francisco's pass rush misses Smith's presence. Anything less would be an understatement. Getting him back on the field and contributing at 100 percent will have huge implications into the remainder of the 2014 season.
NaVorro Bowman's Progress
Like Smith, the 49ers have suffered from the absence of linebacker NaVorro Bowman. Michael Wilhoite has performed admirably well in Bowman's stead, but it is safe to say that Wilhoite is no Bowman.
The All-Pro linebacker has started lateral-cutting drills, per Larry Hartstein of CBSSports.com, which is a good indication that his ACL and MCL injuries are healing well.
Baalke reinforced this by stating via 49ers.com that Bowman was doing well and is on schedule.
"#49ers GM Trent Baalke on @NBowman53: "He's progressing well. (He's) on schedule." LISTEN: http://t.co/1HpGe2m8g7 pic.twitter.com/iDnUBeUPD7
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) October 21, 2014"
So when can we expect his return?
Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio previously stated via KNBR 680's Murph and Mac Show (h/t Matt Barrows of The Sacramento Bee) that Bowman is likely to return later rather than sooner. Initial speculation led us to believe a midseason return for Bowman.
The midway point has arrived, but we likely won't see the 49ers rush Bowman back until both parties are 100 percent comfortable with his return.
Marcus Martin to Get First NFL Start
With Daniel Kilgore (leg) lost for the season, rookie center Marcus Martin will get the nod along San Francisco's O-line.
Martin, the highly touted USC prospect, missed the first half of the year with a knee injury suffered in the preseason. He could not have returned any sooner after Kilgore's injury.
"Colin Kaepernick says he's very happy with rookie Marcus Martin at center. #49ers
— 49ers Hub (@49ersHub) October 29, 2014"
Martin's first test will come against a Rams team that has amassed just six sacks on the season. This unit has also given up 1,013 yards rushing—sixth highest in the NFL.
Hopefully the rookie will be able to step right in and perform up to par.
Marcus Lattimore Returns to Practice
Running back Marcus Lattimore spent his first season as a pro on the non-football injury list—a placement that carried over into the first half of his second year.
After suffering a horrendous collegiate knee injury, the road has obviously been long and tough for the talented back out of South Carolina.
“I’m excited, happy, nervous, anxious, I mean all kinds of emotions, because I feel ready,” Lattimore said via Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News. “I’m blessed to be in this position, thanks to the 49ers.”
"Stronger, quicker, confident, birthday-boy @MarcusLattimore makes season debut on #49ers practice field http://t.co/lBcKQJQ7Ir
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) October 29, 2014"
San Francisco has a 21-day window in which to evaluate Lattimore and determine whether to open up a roster spot for him.
The 49ers are carrying only two running backs—Frank Gore and Carlos Hyde—on their roster, so we should probably speculate Lattimore's addition if he performs adequately enough in practice.
Season-Ending Injuries for Daniel Kilgore and Chris Cook
San Francisco lost an integral piece of its O-line in Week 7 when Kilgore suffered a broken leg. As previously noted, the 49ers will tab Martin in his stead and hope to get the same sort of production out of their third-round draft pick.
But the 49ers' injury woes continued when they also lost cornerback Chris Cook to a season-ending hamstring injury.
Per David Fucillo of Niners Nation, this likely opens up the door for rookie Dontae Johnson, at least in terms of San Francisco's depth at corner.
Injury Report
3 of 5Injuries
Jimmie Ward, DB: Questionable (quadricep)
Tramaine Brock, CB: Questionable (toe)
Patrick Willis, LB: Questionable (toe)
Chris Culliver, CB: Probable (hamstring)
Glenn Dorsey, DT: Probable (biceps)
All injury statuses courtesy of CBS Sports and Pro-Football-Reference.com.
The fortunate news is this—San Francisco's injury report is considerably shorter than it has been in weeks prior.
But the bad news is that the team will be without Daniel Kilgore and Chris Cook for the remainder of the season as both have landed on injured reserve. We've covered this implication already, but it's safe to point out that the 49ers' depth will be tested in coming weeks.
Yet the injury-front news is certainly more good than bad.
After missing Week 7 with a toe injury, linebacker Patrick Willis is eyeing a return to the field against St. Louis. His practice sessions are looking good, according to Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News, evidence of which can be viewed in the above video.
Further bolstering defensive depth is the reactivation of nose tackle Glenn Dorsey. Dorsey, who previously suffered a biceps injury, is back on the field after missing the first half of the season.
"#49ers NT Glenn Dorsey suits up with massive brace on left arm pic.twitter.com/Mlwotidi4Y
— Paul Gutierrez (@PGutierrezESPN) October 29, 2014"
The question will be whether Dorsey surpasses Ian Williams for the No. 1 nose tackle spot. Williams has performed well this season and hasn't done anything to warrant being replaced just yet.
Still, having Dorsey on the roster at least provides some added options for the 49ers defense up front.
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X-Factors and Matchups to Watch
4 of 5Sunday's contest between the Rams and 49ers will feature a banged-up David versus an increasingly healthy Goliath.
As stated, we would expect San Francisco to steamroll St. Louis, at least on paper.
The Rams enter this game with a defense that has allowed 210 points on the season—sixth highest in the league. Against the run, this unit has been gashed for a total of 1,013 yards on the ground—also sixth highest.
In comparison, San Francisco ranks No. 1 overall in fewest total yards allowed (2,142).
Compromising St. Louis' chances in Week 9 are a flurry of injuries suffered to a number of key players. Quarterback Austin Davis' favorite target, wide receiver Brian Quick, is lost for the year due to a shoulder injury. Left tackle Chris Long (knee) is also on injured reserve.
Wideout Kenny Britt (hip) is listed as questionable, as are cornerbacks Janoris Jenkins (knee) and Trumaine Johnson (knee).
San Francisco will have the opportunity to "kick an opponent" while it is down. Let's see what key matchups will play into this equation.
Aaron Lynch/Justin Smith vs. Greg Robinson
With Long on IR, the duties of protecting Davis' backside will fall upon rookie tackle Greg Robinson. The 6'5", 332-pound first-round draft pick will match up against a combination of 49ers pass-rushers that includes Justin Smith, Ahmad Brooks and rookie Aaron Lynch.
"Jeff Fisher confirmed No. 2 overall pick Greg Robinson will take over at left tackle with Jake Long out for the season.
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) October 27, 2014"
Depending on what Vic Fangio elects to do here, we might see some formations that include a pass-rushing tandem of Smith and Lynch.
Robinson had some decent moments in his first start back in Week 6 against San Francisco, but St. Louis' O-line still gave up five sacks during that particular contest.
Look for this to be another factor on Sunday.
Joe Staley vs. Robert Quinn
Flipping the ball over to the offense, San Francisco's own pass protection will be vitally important if the team wishes to replicate the aerial success generated a few weeks ago when these two teams last met.
After a slow start, defensive end Robert Quinn was finally able to turn things up a notch in Weeks 7 and 8, getting his first three sacks of the year during this span.
Left tackle Joe Staley got the best of Quinn in Week 6 in what then promised to be an enticing matchup.
"#49ers LT @jstaley74 vs. Robert Quinn is the matchup to watch on #MNF. READ: http://t.co/zYi6cJxrjG pic.twitter.com/vad27d9xXt
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) October 10, 2014"
Now, the situation repeats itself as Quinn looks to get things going against a division rival.
Staley had some ugly moments two weeks ago in Denver, so hopefully those won't repeat when these two take the field.
Anquan Boldin vs. Janoris Jenkins
Anquan Boldin made Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins look bad in Week 6. In fact, Boldin made St. Louis' entire secondary look bad during that Monday Night Football contest.
"Colin Kaepernick and Anquan Boldin are quite good and they made Janoris Jenkins so sad: http://t.co/AYMyji1Luh pic.twitter.com/hxsTA3fNe8
— SB Nation (@SBNation) October 14, 2014"
Boldin led all 49ers receivers with seven receptions for 94 yards plus one touchdown—a score that exposed the Rams' third-year defensive back.
Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, Jenkins was a Rams healthy scratch last week and is currently listed as questionable on St. Louis' injury report.
We can't speculate just yet whether Jenkins will suit up on Sunday. But if he does, look for Boldin to again continue his prowess over Jenkins once more.
Front Seven vs. Tre Mason
With Brian Quick out for the season and Kenny Britt banged up, St. Louis will likely have a difficult time moving the ball through the air. Moving the ball on the ground might be its only legitimate option—made tougher by San Francisco's fourth-best run defense in total yards allowed.
But rookie running back Tre Mason has started to turn some heads for the Rams offense as of late. While Zac Stacy and Benny Cunningham have larger stat lines in comparison, Mason is the guy who leads all Rams backs with an average of 5.2 yards per carry.
"ICYMI - Why Tre Mason Has Become the Main Man in St. Louis Rams Backfield http://t.co/65yIzPmNMS pic.twitter.com/tyJQOJJAXI
— Alessandro Miglio (@AlexMiglio) October 23, 2014"
Mason posted 40 yards on five carries against San Francisco in Week 6. He'll look to play an integral role in a struggling Rams offense but not if the 49ers' front seven has anything to say about it.
Michael Wilhoite/Antoine Bethea vs. Jared Cook
Tight end Jared Cook is now Davis' best aerial target with Quick having landed on IR.
Cook leads the Rams with 27 receptions and now has 331 yards on the year. Given San Francisco's abilities to limit opponents' running games, it will only be a matter of time before Davis has to take to the passing game.
Look for Cook to be a primary target frequently and often.
We should expect San Francisco to line up a coverage scheme that combines linebacker Michael Wilhoite and safety Antoine Bethea against the seventh-year pro, much like it did against Kansas City's Travis Kelce back in Week 5.
Jim Harbaugh vs. Jeff Fisher
Are you expecting some trickery?
After watching what Jeff Fisher did to the Seahawks two weeks ago, one might suspect that the Rams head coach has a few more tricks up his sleeve for Sunday.
But Jim Harbaugh is already preparing for this likelihood, per 49ers.com.
"#49ers will be on "high alert" this Sunday for Rams special teams trickery, says Harbaugh. http://t.co/z5hzxusY8Z
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) October 29, 2014"
Fisher attempted a fake punt against the 49ers in Week 6. Remember the play that was sniffed out by Chris Cook? After the reveal, St. Louis was forced to take a timeout.
Yet this doesn't mean we should not expect it once more.
With the Rams' season in shambles, there is little reason to hold back any punches. Fisher will do his best to let it fly if the situation dictates such.
49ers' X-Factor of the Week: QB Colin Kaepernick
Why would it be anyone else?
Given their inability to stop the run, the Rams were forced to stack the box against Frank Gore and Co.—a defensive approach that worked to a certain extent. Gore and Carlos Hyde were limited to just 52 yards on 27 combined carries.
But what St. Louis took away in one area, it left exposed in another.
Quarterback Colin Kaepernick took full advantage of the opportunity and torched the Rams defense with 343 yards and three touchdowns. He would have had another had it not been for the misplayed drop of Vernon Davis and Vance McDonald.
Still, the 49ers signal-caller made plenty of excellent reads from within the pocket. He also showcased the ability to extend plays and improvise when necessary.
"[Kaepernick is] going to make the right decision,” Fisher said via Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area. “He’s done that since stepping on the field a couple years ago. He’s looking downfield always to make a play, and if he’s not there he can go and hurt you defensively."
"#Rams' Fisher impressed with Kaepernick's progression (via @MaioccoCSN) http://t.co/4s8zBk67yH #49ers #NFL pic.twitter.com/egs8aagLhi
— Comcast SportsNet (@CSNAuthentic) October 30, 2014"
Now, Kaepernick will have the opportunity to replicate his prior performance at home against a banged-up St. Louis defense and with the benefit of two weeks' worth of preparation.
Look for him to be the difference-maker on Sunday.
Prediction
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The added week of rest, combined with home-field advantage, plays perfectly into the hands of the 49ers in Week 9. It also helps going up against a Rams team that is beset by a multitude of injuries.
But divisional matchups always raise the bar a bit higher than the rest. We can't forget that Jeff Fisher's Rams, no matter what the circumstances may be, have a good track record of giving Jim Harbaugh's squad a tough outing.
In 2012, San Francisco went 0-1-1 against St. Louis. In this year's Week 6 contest, St. Louis got out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter. The Rams were trailing the 49ers by seven points in the fourth quarter before a Dontae Johnson pick-six sealed the deal.
History aside, what should we make out of this game, and what will the eventual outcome be late Sunday afternoon?
As noted previously, St. Louis can't stop the run. But its recent efforts to limit Frank Gore and Carlos Hyde opened up opportunities in the passing game—elements in which Colin Kaepernick and Co. easily exploited.
The Rams may or may not take a similar approach on Sunday. Perhaps they dial up additional blitzes to force Kaepernick to get rid of the ball earlier. The 49ers O-line has struggled with pass protection at various points. And it will be starting a rookie at center, so this bears watching.
Yet Kaepernick's abilities to escape pressure and extend plays could work themselves into the picture. A vulnerable Rams secondary will have a difficult time containing the plethora of receiving weapons at Kaepernick's disposal.
Consider the plays made by guys like Anquan Boldin, Michael Crabtree, Stevie Johnson and Brandon Lloyd during the contest—all posting longs of 20 yards or higher.
The real test will be how the 49ers can execute in the red zone. This has been a season-long struggle up to this point, but San Francisco was generally more effective against St. Louis than it has been against other opponents. Hopefully this trend continues.
On defense, the short-handed Rams have a tough challenge to face given the severity of injuries suffered by their offense. Davis' receiving options are thin, and the ground game, in spite of its talents, will try to best a 49ers defense that has allowed just one 100-plus-yard rusher on the season.
But, of course, it could all come down to those costly turnovers, the time-of-possession battle and field position—crucial aspects that always seem to find their way into the outcome.
Fisher may likely attempt some of the fakes and tricks utilized so well against Seattle. Whether such plays work will be contingent upon San Francisco's abilities to recognize and react appropriately.
Of course, the biggest factor will be the game's situation. The 49ers have yet to have a statement game eight weeks into the season. It would be nice to see San Francisco absolutely dominate each aspect of the contest and do so in a fashion that solidifies its role and position moving forward.
Let's go with that desire. The 49ers take full advantage of the Rams' 2014 woes, utilizing the right combination of offensive adjustments, stout defense and a healthy squad that has received some much-needed reinforcements.
Prediction: 49ers 34, Rams 10
All statistics and records courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com unless otherwise indicated.
Peter Panacy is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report, covering the San Francisco 49ers. Be sure to check out his entire archive on 49ers news, insight and analysis.
Follow him @PeterPanacy on Twitter.
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