Grades for 49ers' convincing 2026 NFL season-opening win over Rams in Australia

The 49ers looked well-rested and well-prepared.The Los Angeles Rams wanted to spend as little time in Australia as possible. And they sure could not get back to California fast enough after the 49ers’ 27-7 victory in the key Week 1 NFC West showdown. The 49ers embraced the weeklong experience, capping it with a decisive victory in the first NFL regular-season game played Down Under. Here is the 49ers’ report card from their impressive victory over the consensus Super Bowl favorites:Rushing offenseThe 49ers set the tone with their running attack. They controlled the line of scrimmage, allowing Christian McCaffrey and rookie Kaelon Black to take over. McCaffrey gained 68 yards on 10 carries, while Black rushed for 65 yards on 14 attempts. As a team, the 49ers piled up 174 yards rushing on 30 attempts for a 5.8-yard average. Each of the 49ers’ four players who had rushing attempts had gains of at least 12 yards. Brock Purdy had an 18-yard scramble, while McCaffrey’s best gain was 16 yards, Black had a 14-yard gain, and Deebo Samuel’s one rushing attempt went for 12 yards. Grade: APassing offensePurdy bounced back from an ill-advised first-half throw that Rams cornerback Quentin Lake picked off. Purdy ended up with 25 completions on 34 attempts for 205 yards and three touchdowns. The offensive line kept Purdy well-protected. He wasn’t sacked, and the Rams were credited with just two quarterback hits. Myles Garrett, last year’s NFL Defensive Player of the Years, was held without a tackle, sack or quarterback hurry. Demarcus Robinson caught a 39-yard touchdown pass, while Mike Evans had five third-down conversions, including a 2-yard touchdown pass. Samuel had a 15-yard scoring catch that put the game away early in the third quarter. Grade: B-plusRushing defenseThe play of the game came late in the third quarter, when Osa Odighizuwa, Gracen Halton and Fred Warner were in the middle of an outstanding goal-line stand. Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford was stopped for no gain on a fourth-and-goal play from the 1-yard line. The 49ers took over and drove 99 yards for a touchdown to extend their lead to 24-7. The 49ers had some difficulty stopping the run early in the game, but the front seven seemed to get stronger throughout the game. Los Angeles gained 122 yards on 29 attempts for a 4.2-yard average. Grade: B-plusPassing defenseStafford, who won the NFL MVP last season, got off to a rough start. He completed just 15 of 25 passes for 155 yards with no touchdowns, one interception and a passer rating of 61.2. Cornerback Renardo Green came up with one of the game’s biggest plays when he made a leaping interception of a pass Stafford intended for Puka Nacua. Green’s play came on the drive following Purdy’s one interception. Odighizuwa led the 49ers with four quarterback hits. Cornerback Jack Jones entered in the 49ers’ sub packages and broke up two passes. Grade: A-Special teamsThe 49ers’ kicking game definitely made its contributions to the victory. Eddy Piñeiro made both of his field-goal attempts, including a 56-yarder to cap the scoring. Samuel provided a spark at the beginning of the second half with a 45-yard kickoff return. Corliss Waitman had only two punts. He had a touchback and a net average of only 31.5. Grade: B-plusCoachingCoach Kyle Shanahan was in his bag. The 49ers drew up exceptional game plans, made necessary adjustments, and the players delivered in a big way. The 49ers went with a more run-heavy approach to take advantage of the Rams’ focus on playing a lot of nickel defense. The 49ers went into the game expecting more five-man lines. Once they adjusted, the 49ers ran the ball at will. They also schemed up a way to completely neutralize Garrett. The 49ers’ approach on offense was flawless, and the defensive plan under Raheem Morris might have been just as strong. Although the 49ers did not sack Stafford, they manufactured enough pressure and played enough different kinds of coverages to slow down the Rams’ usually high-powered attack. Grade: AOverallIt was a 10 out of 10 week for the 49ers in Australia. “It was definitely a great experience, one I think I’ll probably remember for the rest of my life,” 49ers left tackle Trent Williams said. “Obviously, it’s even better when you come out with a win, but we really enjoyed Australia.” The 49ers’ victory justified everything over the past week with their travel schedule and preparation Grade: A Download and follow the 49ers Talk Podcast

Grades for 49ers’ convincing 2026 NFL season-opening win over Rams in Australia

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