The 49ers defy the odds and pundits by winning down under in Australia. The off-season is over. The predictions don’t matter.
They said the Rams are one of the greatest teams on paper this year. The Rams will win this game by three some said. Others predict the Rams winning the Super Bowl. Well, all that matters is what happens on game day, and the 49ers are flying home with 20 points to spare.
This year’s off-season featured old players healing, lost players coming home and new players shining. Deebo has returned to the Niners with a bang. Number 19’s day featured 74 return yards, 48 receiving yards, 12 yards rushing cap-stoned by a touchdown reception. It’s nice to have Deebo back.
Fred Warner and Nick Bosa had an immediate impact on the game that did not let up. Warner collected 11 tackles and forced a fumble while almost collecting an interception on the first play of the game!
Dre Greenlaw is back on the squad. It looked like he never left. Warner and Greenlaw feed off each other as they menaced the middle of the field against the hapless Rams.
Newcomer Mike Evans became the new third down king for Brock Purdy. He is also a redzone menace. His 6’5 frame and long arms are custom built to snatch touchdowns out of the air.
Rookies Gracen Halton and Jaden Dugger made their presence felt on defense providing constant pressure on Matthew Stafford. Rookie running back Kaelon Black looked like a seasoned pro on the field. He is an excellent change of pace back to spell Christian McCaffrey. Notably, Black led the team in carries with 14 for 65 yards. He is a bowling ball of a man with a quick burst and no quit.
Finally, new Defensive Coordinator Raheem Morris did not disappoint. He ran a masterful defensive plan. His rotation on the defensive line kept key players like Bosa and Osa Odighizuwa fresh to provide constant pressure on the Rams pocket. Coach Morris also has a great feel for dialing up the right coverages. While I think safety may still be a liability for the 49ers, the corners played well. Notably Renaldo Green snagged an interception midway thru the second quarter.
Finally, let’s talk about Brock Purdy. Coach Shanahan knew that the Rams would bring immense pressure with their front four and five defenders. Coach dialed up a variety of different screens and short throws to defeat that pressure. Purdy has become known for pushing the ball down the field. Yet, today, he was forced to take what the defense gave him.
Purdy put the ball in jeopardy twice allowing one interception. Trent McDuffie would have had the first interception of the game but for him catching the ball out of bounds. Despite these missteps, Purdy kept slinging the rock confidently. He resiliently led his team following up his lone interception with three touchdown passes, one of which was a 39-yard strike to Demarcus Robinson.
The 49ers trip down under was a great first week. Over the past two years they have suffered a large volume of injuries to key contributors to their team. This off-season featured losing Ricky Pearsall and Alfred Collins for the 2026 campaign. Last night, the Niners suffered two more injuries to Jake Tonges and De’Zhaun Stribling. Still, the Niners find a way to be competitive. I don’t expect anything less the rest of the season.
