The Los Angeles Rams saw their losing streak reach three games for the first time in three years, falling to the San Francisco 49ers, 20-7, at home.
The Rams got out to a fast start as they scored the game’s first touchdown on a Robert Woods run. However, that would be their only score of the afternoon with the 49ers tightening up on defense and never allowing the Rams to get any positive scoring momentum going again.
Los Angeles was forced to turn to Malcolm Brown and Darrell Henderson Jr. in the backfield after Todd Gurley was ruled out with a thigh injury. In his postgame presser, Rams head coach Sean McVay thought his running backs did a solid job in Gurley’s place but admitted there is always room for improvement, via the Rams official Twitter:
“I thought, really, in some spurts-again, until you go back and look at the film it’s always hard to say, but there was some good, hard, physical runs. Clearly, the first two runs that Darrell [Henderson Jr.] had were really exciting where you could see the speed and the athleticism. And then there’s always some things that we can look at to be better at. I think we’ve all go to do that. I am certainly a part of that and that’s what we’ll do. But I thought those guys had some positive moments and until you really go back and evaluate the entirety of the film, it’s hard to say a kind of overall approach.”
Brown and Henderson combined for 79 rushing yards on 17 rushing attempts but disappeared late in the second half when the Rams were forced to throw to erase their deficit. Henderson, in particular, looked spectacular in his limited role as he was able to rip off two impressive runs that got Los Angeles in good scoring position.
However, even with both backs having some moments, Gurley’s presence to churn for extra yardage and keep defenses honest with his running and receiving ability was clearly missed. His pass blocking was also sorely noticeable as the 49ers were routinely able to get in Jared Goff’s face and force more errant throws.
San Francisco was a tough test for Los Angeles and they looked overmatched in every phase of the game. The Rams are clearly in need of answers and they need to find them soon as they now find themselves well out of the playoff picture.
With a favorable road matchup against the Atlanta Falcons coming up, hopefully, they can get some momentum going and snap their three-game skid.
