While the Los Angeles Rams beat the San Francisco 49ers during the 2021 NFC Championship Game, the Rams have lost to the 49ers continuously throughout the regular season since 2018. Los Angeles lost yet again to their division rivals last Sunday, falling short to the 49ers 30-23. As a Los Angeles Rams fan, I can’t help but expect the 49ers to beat the Rams whenever a game comes up between the two.
The game last Sunday was slightly hopeful as the score was tied 17-17 at halftime.. Matthew Stafford looked sharp as he completed 5 of 6 attempts for 43 yards in the first half, and Puka Nacua scored 147 yards throughout the game. The Los Angeles Rams had a lot of defensive stops, but the Rams were unprotected on all levels of the field. The long gains from the 49ers truly got the Rams at the end of the game. The Rams’ defense showed good signs despite improvements being made.
Our confidence against the 49ers has gradually decreased for Rams fans such as myself. Since the 2018 season, the Rams have lost nine straight games in the regular season against the 49ers, excluding in the NFC Championship Game in 2022. The 49ers seem to have a handle on the Rams’ defense and can use Deebo Samuel’s speed for slants and jet sweeps. In addition, the 49ers have star Christian McCaffery, who has the speed and agility that shredded the Rams’ defense. Even beforehand, during the regular season, the Rams have continually failed against the 49ers defense.
The 49ers keep having the upper hand, and Kyle Shanahan consistently outsmarts Sean McVay with his playcalling. The 49ers’ defense with Nick Bosa at the front can neutralize Stafford constantly, and the Rams don’t seem to have a handle on how to stop the 49ers’ defense when they usually play. The only exception where the Rams could show they could get past the 49ers’ defense was with the prowess of Cooper Kupp, when the Rams went to the Super Bowl in 2021. However, since then, the Rams have struggled against the 49ers and cannot seem to win against them.
After a poor last season, the Rams look much better than they were projected to score. There is the promise that the Rams will continue to improve, and their next matchup is on January 7, 2024, with the potential return of Cooper Kupp lined up alongside Puka Nacua. He could shred San Francisco’s defense, but playing at Levi Stadium is more of a threat to the Rams and takes away their home advantage. The 49ers improve to 3-0 against the Giants and continue to prove to be Super Bowl contenders. If the Rams continue to improve on all aspects of their game, such as the offense, and reduce exposure, then the Rams could make the battle at Levi’s Stadium enjoyable. Only time will tell if the Rams are worthy contenders against the 49ers and if they have what it takes to end the historic losing streak against them.