The 49ers are holding onto a 10-7 lead over the Rams at halftime from Australia, but the real story is Matthew Stafford’s brutal start. The guy who was an MVP just last year looks completely lost, completing only 4 of 11 passes for a measly 65 yards and throwing an interception. His passer rating? A truly abysmal 19.1. You just don’t see numbers like that from a starting quarterback, let alone one who’s supposed to be a star.
Rams Offense Can’t Get Going Down Under
Seriously, what’s happening with the Rams? Stafford’s only real highlight was a 41-yard bomb to Puka Nacua that set up Kyren Williams’ 5-yard touchdown run. That’s it! That’s almost two-thirds of his total passing yards on one play, and even then, they had to grind it in. Kyren Williams has tried to carry the load with seven carries for 31 yards, and Blake Corum has added six for 42, but it’s not enough when your quarterback is struggling this hard. Even reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett had a quiet first half. You gotta wonder what’s going on on that sideline. Quentin Lake did snag an interception, but they need their offense to wake up if they want to get back in this game.
49ers Grinding Out a Lead
On the other side, the 49ers are outgaining the Rams 208 to 137 and look like the more cohesive unit, even if it’s not a blowout. Brock Purdy has been a lot more efficient, going 17-of-25 for 141 yards. He did throw an interception, but he also tossed a 39-yard strike to Demarcus Robinson for the 49ers’ first touchdown of the season. They opened the game settling for a chip-shot, 20-yard Eddy Piñeiro field goal after choosing not to go for it on fourth-and-goal from the Rams’ 2, which is an interesting call for the first drive of the season. Mike Evans has been a reliable target with five catches for 47 yards, and rookie Kaelon Black is making an impact with 36 yards on seven carries. Christian McCaffrey is doing Christian McCaffrey things, adding 17 yards on three carries and another 20 yards on four catches. Cornerback Renardo Green also grabbed an interception, keeping the pressure on Stafford.
Heading into the second half, the Rams desperately need Stafford to snap out of this funk. The 49ers have a chance to really assert themselves and make a statement in this early season international game. Will Stafford find his rhythm, or will the 49ers keep them locked down? It’s all on the line in the next two quarters.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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