It wasn't the blowout many San Francisco 49ers fans believed it would be, but in the end, the 49ers outlasted the Los Angeles Rams in a week two divisional matchup. With the win, the 49ers start the season 2-0 and currently sit one game up in the NFC West.
Although it may not have been a blowout on the field, it was in the stands. The fanbase ratio wasn't even close. There were many more 49ers fans in the stands than there were Rams fans. But that didn't surprise anyone, except the Rams content creator I interviewed last week. He thought it would be 50/50. He was wrong. It was more like 70/30—if even that close.
Every week during the season, I share my observations from the game. These are my notes as I see them live. I don't go back and watch the game, so there are times when what I see is influenced by emotion. But I try to be as reasonable as I can be. With that in mind, here are my observations from the 49ers' week two win over the Rams:
- The 49ers offense seems to always start quickly under Brock Purdy. The opening drive was efficient. So was Purdy. He was 6-for-6 on that drive.
- Christian McCaffrey is so special. 80 yards rushing in the first quarter is pretty good. He finished with 116 yards rushing, and one touchdown.
CMC is lightning-quick ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/uoTm1Zus24
— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) September 17, 2023
- Jake Moody. Money. The rookie kicker is perfect through his first two NFL games.
Jake Moody nails a 57 yard FG 🔥
Niners up 20-17!
— OurSF49ers (@OurSf49ers) September 17, 2023
- Brandon Aiyuk's injured shoulder is a little concerning, especially with a Thursday night game looming. He kept playing, but you could tell he wasn't quite right.
- Did the 49ers leave their defense in Pittsburgh? It looked like it in the first half.
- Note to self: bad things happen when you let the other QB get into rhythm and stay in rhythm. Matthew Stafford was excellent in the first half. And Puca Nacua was brilliant the entire game.
The #LARams had three possessions in the first half against the #49ers:
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) September 17, 2023
1) 4 first downs, FG
2) 5 first downs, TD
3) 7 first downs, TD
- Remember when the 49ers defense carried the team? Now the 49ers offense is carrying them. That's a huge advantage for this team.
- The offensive line was great on Sunday. Aaron Donald had zero impact.
- The preseason tells us nothing about the regular season. Case in point: Ambry Thomas. He wasn't good—again. It seems like when he's in the game, the other team goes after him. He may have looked better in the preseason, but it was just a mirage.
- Along the same line, I take back what I said about Isaiah Oliver. He looked terrible in the preseason, but so far has played well in the regular season. Oliver made a huge impact against the Rams.
Isaiah Oliver with a huge play. Big stop by the defense on that opening drive by the Rams to open up the half
— OurSF49ers (@OurSf49ers) September 17, 2023
Isaiah Oliver with a one-handed pick 😱
— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) September 17, 2023
- Purdy was off on some of his passes, especially the deep ones. This wasn't his best game, but he still led the offense to 30 points.
- Nick Bosa was held a lot in this game. I'm sure that comes as no surprise to anyone.
- Steve Wilks made a halftime adjustment and brought more blitzes. It worked. This was Wilks' first real test as the 49ers defensive coordinator. He did well.
Fred Warner gets the #49ers first sack of the day, as Steve Wilks dials up a blitz at the perfect time to force a Rams three-and-out.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) September 17, 2023
- Jauan Jennings always comes up big against the Rams.
Jauan Jennings with an incredible catch😳
— OurSF49ers (@OurSf49ers) September 17, 2023
- So does Deebo Samuel.
Take it to the house @19problemz 🏡
📺 #SFvsLAR on FOX
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) September 17, 2023
📱NFL+ // https://t.co/KTh0i4nCVJ pic.twitter.com/GQfNobeJwA
- Deommodore Lenoir has become a good corner. He sealed the win for the 49ers in week two.
DeMo CLUTCH PICK 🔥
— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) September 17, 2023
- Whose house?
It wasn't pretty, but it's still a great win against a division foe. We'll take it every time. Next up for the 49ers is the home opener this Thursday night against the New York Giants.