There were a lot of happy faces leaving SoFi Stadium on Sunday. No, the Los Angeles Rams didn't break their losing streak to the division-rival San Francisco 49ers. Instead, the Niners earned a dominating 31-14 victory, their eighth consecutive regular-season win against the Rams.
It was an atmosphere of jubilation because SoFi Stadium was overflowing with 49ers fans, as has been the case in the last couple of years. There was a lot more red in the stands than blue.
As for the Rams, things fell apart in the second half after they entered halftime with a 14-10 lead. The 49ers defense, looking vulnerable in the first half, shut out the Rams offense in the second, and the Bay Area team outscored their Southern California rival 21-0 in the final two quarters.
"I was kind of surprised when they gave up a little early, I think when there was six or seven minutes left, and they ran the ball on third down," defensive end Nick Bosa told reporters after the game. "I was hoping for some more pass rushes there, but I guess they didn't have confidence in coming back."
While Bosa was in on two sacks on Sunday, the pass rusher was only officially credited with one. So it's understandable why he would have preferred to have more opportunities.
The 49ers have dominated what has become a must-watch rivalry. Of course, the Rams can point to last season's NFC Chamspionship Game win, which still stings 49ers players. But it was clear to Bosa that the Rams had given up in this latest contest, knowing yet another loss was inevitable.
"Our offense was rolling, got us a 10-point lead," Bosa said. "Usually with them, like last year when they came back, they're going after us. But after, I think, the sack, it was pretty much over."
The Rams, the reigning Super Bowl champions, are struggling this season. They don't have the same explosiveness that they possessed a year ago. A reporter asked Bosa about the Rams' identity in 2022.
"I can't say that I know what identity they're going for, but we're happy to be 2-0 against them going into the bye," Bosa responded.
