The Rams try to prove 1-0-1 record against 49ers last season was no fluke as they move past the debacle in Dallas.
A short week might come at a very convenient time for both the St. Louis Rams and San Francisco 49ers. Both NFC West teams lost in humiliating fashion on Sunday by double-digit deficits.
Fisher: Team will be ready for 49ers
A banged up 49ers squad managed only seven points offensively and much like St. Louis, got manhandled at the line of scrimmage. The Indianapolis Colts controlled the time of possession rushing the ball 39 times. Indianapolis scored 20 unanswered points to send the 49ers to consecutive losses for the first time under Jim Harbaugh. The loss also marks the first time the 49ers are under .500 with Harbaugh.
San Francisco is facing some early adversity in 2013. Former Missouri Tiger standout Aldon Smith is out indefinitely after getting admitted into a rehab facility. The 49ers are without star wideout Michael Crabtree (Achilles), Vernon Davis (hamstring) and lost Patrick Willis to a groin injury against Indianapolis.
Additionally, running back Frank Gore apparently had a shouting match with Harbaugh after Sunday’s loss because Harbaugh oddly abandoned the running game. On their only scoring drive of the day, SF earned 81 of the 91 yards running the football. Gore finished with 11 carries and 82 yards. When your quarterback carries a total QB rating of 11.8 and finishes 1-for-6 on throws traveling more than 10 yards downfield … I think Gore has some merit.
HARBAUGH: FAIR TO QUESTION EVERYTHING NOW
When the 49ers flip on some tape, I’d imagine a steady dose of cut back runs to the left side. After all, 148 of DeMarco Murray’s 175 rushing yards came on runs to the left of the center.
KAEPERNICK STRUGGLING
Colin Kaepernick has no touchdown passes, four interceptions, and 277 total passing yards in the last two games combined. San Fran has been outscored 56-10 in two straight defeats.
Kaepernick is clearly missing his offensive weapons in Davis and Crabtree. After 13 receptions in Week 1, Anquan Boldin has just six catches and no touchdowns in the last two games.
Look for Harbaugh and Co. to bring some heat on the ground. Gore averages 4.26 yards per carry against St. Louis over his career with 13 rushing touchdowns.
Kaepernick had two of his best games rushing against the Rams last season. On 17 combined rushes, he racked up 150 yards and a touchdown. Alec Ogletree’s speed at linebacker should help the Rams contain Kaepernick.
DON’T BE FOOLED
If you think for one second the Cowboys mishap will have any lingering effect on the Rams going forward, rethink.
FISHER: WE HAVE A PHILOSOPHY AND WE ABIDE BY IT
It literally couldn’t get any worse and if you go back to 2012, the Rams played some of their best football after demoralizing losses. One includes a 24-24 tie in San Francisco off the 45-7 loss to New England in London.
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FINDING POSITIVES
Fisher pointed out the strong play of Janoris Jenkins and Alex Ogletree despite all the negatives from Sunday.
Hopefully that strong play parlays into some turnovers going forward. The defense has just one interception and two fumble recoveries of the six it has forced.
All for now. Thanks.
Daily Grind Sports 