Forget the warm-up Super Bowl rematch tonight, the real rumble is hitting Australia on Thursday night, and the San Francisco 49ers are stepping onto that field feeling totally overlooked and disrespected. All the chatter this offseason has been around the Los Angeles Rams, the defending Super Bowl champs, and their “super team” vibe after adding Myles Garrett, two new secondary members, and the return of Aaron Donald. You know Kyle Shanahan has heard every word, and you can bet he is using that talk as pure rocket fuel for himself and his squad. This isn’t just a game, it is a statement.
Purdy’s Precision: Short Throws Are The Attack Plan
So, what’s Shanahan cooking up against a revamped Rams defense? For Brock Purdy, the focus is all about getting the ball out fast and letting the YAC opportunities do the damage. Think back to that “upset” victory against the Rams when Mac Jones was under center; the 49ers took what the defense gave them and attacked with quick throws. Now, instead of Demarcus Robinson, Kendrick Bourne, and Jake Tonges, Purdy’s got Mike Evans, Christian McCaffrey, and George Kittle (in some capacity) ready to feast. In 2025, both the 49ers and the Rams ranked 12th in the NFL for short-throw rates, with 68.4% and 67.8% respectively. With Myles Garrett now in the Rams’ front four, the 49ers are probably going to lean into heavier personnel, get that ball out quick, and make those Rams cornerbacks like Jaylen Watson and Trent McDuffie do the dirty work tackling in the open field. The goal is clear: stay ahead of the sticks, avoid those killer third-and-longs, and run the rock enough to keep the play-action pass as a real threat.
Rams’ Defensive Shift: Shanahan’s Chess Match Begins
The Rams’ defense is a whole new beast. Last season, they were playing base defense only 26.7% of the time (21st in the NFL) and nickel 41.6% (29th). This year, their front four and their backend are straight-up strengths. But here’s the kicker: their linebackers are a soft spot, and Shanahan is infamous for putting linebackers in a blender in coverage. You have to believe the Rams’ defensive coordinator Chris Shula knows this and will likely counter with more “dime” looks, bringing extra defensive backs onto the field to shore up that second-level coverage. This is where the chess match gets intense. If the Rams go lighter, the 49ers can absolutely run the football down their throats; remember, the Rams ranked fourth in the NFL with a 53.6% light box percentage last season. Shanahan versus Shula is going to be must-watch TV.
49ers Run D: A Challenge They Have To Overcome
And hey, on the flip side, the 49ers aren’t without their own challenges. The loss of Alfred Collins? Brutal, man, just a brutal way to lose another defensive piece. That’s a significant hit to their run defense, something they’ll absolutely have to compensate for against a talented Rams offense. This Thursday night game down under isn’t just some regular season opener; it’s an early test of grit, strategy, and pure will. Get ready, because these two teams are about to put on a show.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Niners Nation.
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