49ers-Rams: A Q&A with Turf Show Times

   When VanRam says that the Rams have improved their run defense, he probably is saying that with the addition of a couple of middle linebackers, running backs dont just run up the middle for a touchdown anymore. They only get 4 or 5 yards. Occasionally a first down.

   When you are in VanRam position rooting for a winless team (hey we’ve rooted for some real stinkers recently, right?) you have to look for the positives and the signs of progress. Laurnitus was a great college LB and I bet he is going to be a very good pro too. One of those “moter always running” players that doesn’t take downs off.

  I did notice that VanRam didn’t speak much about the offense. They are 29th in passing offense, but a respectable 13th in the run offense.This might be problematic for the Rams because the Niners are ranked 4th against the run and 24th in passing yards allowed.They are starting their backup QB. They know they have to throw the ball to have any chance, because the Niners run defense is the strongest facet of our defense.

  Not sure how the Niners ranked so low in pass defense total yards allowed. I thought we were playing fairly decent pass defense up intil the last drive of the last game. I contribute that to the fact that the defense was gassed, because they had just gotten off the field a few moments before they had to go back out again. I believe that was a major contributing factor in the loss.

  Anyway, it all boils down to how well our passing defense, pass rush, and DB’s play against the backup QB. Often when a backup QB gets an opportunity like this, they tend to give extra effort to show what they got. I sure hope they blitz this kid like crazy, because even though I don’t know how good the Lambs OL is, but I am willing to guess they are not better than the Vikings OL, and we got a lot of hurries and pressure on Grandpa Farve. If we can get to the Scarecrow early and often, and break up his already tenuous rhythem with the first string, the Niners should have success on Defense.

  On Offense, the Niners have an adtvantage on paper. The Rams are 29th in total yards allowed defensively. They are equally bad at both run and pass defense. The Niners should be able to move the ball on this team at home. A heavy dosage of Vernon Davis might cause them to go nickle and that is when Coffee can succeed with less men in the box. With the return of the 2 receiversfrom IR, our passing attack should improve. So seeing as the Lambs defense is equally bad against the pass and run, Raye should develop a gameplay to take advantage of the Lambs overal inability to stop other teams both passing and running the ball.

  Bottom line is there is no way we should lose this game. It would be a terrible embarassment to lose to the Lambs. They are really on the down and outs right now, and we should work hard to keep[ them from having a breakout game against us. Let some other team be the one to stop their 13 game losing streak. Beside the difference between 13 and 14 are small. It isnt a milestone number like 15 or 20. I am sure those losses will be hard do bear.

  As a bonus, if the Niners DO get it going and put up significant numbers on the board, there is always the possibility of an A.S. sighting. Get the kid some real time experience and work under pressure. offensvely and defensively we have young players who could use the time on the field to hone their skills and get them ready just in case. I would be pretty upset if the Niner’s dont cover the spread. it’s San Fran-9.5. A 2 score spread is pretty large for any team even at home. Vegas is showing the Niners a little love. Anyway, my prediction is 38-10 GO NINERS !!