Why Rams’ new-look defense will suffocate 49ers in Week 1 Australia game

The Los Angeles Rams are over the moon to have Aaron Donald back. And Myles Garrett may be tougher than ever. And here is why the Rams’ new-look defense will suffocate the 49ers in their Week 1 game in Australia.

Of course, the odd setting down under could make for some unexpected occurrences. Maybe a defensive back slips and the 49ers hit a big play. But overall it’s going to be tough sledding for the 49ers’ offense.

Rams should control the line of scrimmage

The 49ers have a strong offensive line. They rank No. 10 in the NFL with left tackle Trent Williams leading the way, according to Pro Football Focus.

“Trent Williams was still dominant at 37 years old, earning a 91.1 PFF grade for the fifth time in six seasons with the 49ers,” Gordon McGuinness wrote. “This line’s ranking is highly dependent on him retaining that level of play.”

And while Williams should hold us just fine against almost every other NFL team, he might perform at less than his usual ability against the Rams’ tremendous front seven. It is clearly the NFL’s best at the start of the season, according to Pro Football Focus.

“The Rams fielded the NFL’s second-highest-graded defensive line last season, then added the best player from the only unit that ranked ahead of them by trading for edge defender Myles Garrett,” McGuinness wrote. “Garrett joins fellow edge defender Byron Young and interior defensive lineman Kobie Turner, giving Los Angeles a trio that combined for 227 pressures last season.”

The 49ers didn’t run the football well last year, averaging 106.9 yards per game. That ranked No. 24 in the NFL. And they won’t be able to get things rolling against the Rams.

That means they will be forced into a lot of third-and-long situations. And that means … trouble. Big-time trouble in the form of Garrett. He will want to establish himself with his new team. It wouldn’t be a shock to see him take down Brock Purdy a pair of times while also recording a high pressure percentage.

And the injury report looks good for Garrett, according to Good Morning Football via heavy.com.

“Garrett … had a little bit of inflammation, I would say, in training camp,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on “Good Morning Football” on September 7. “I don’t expect him to be limited at all. Really don’t believe that there’ll be an issue with him. There’s always going to be a little bit of maintenance, but he is a freakazoid athlete.”

The Rams back end has an edge, too

The 49ers rank No. 15 in the wide receiver room, according to CBS Sports. But that feels a little generous.

“If Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel can stay upright for the entire season, there’s a lot of intrigue with this group, especially given the buzz around rookie De’Zhaun Stribling throughout training camp,” Jared Dubin wrote. “Even guys like Demarcus Robinson and Christian Kirk are solid players further down the depth chart.”

Yes, Stribling could eventually tip things in the 49ers’ favor. But it’s unlike to happen in Week 1. The Rams rank No. 7 in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus. But that seems a little stingy.

“The trade for Trent McDuffie this offseason, along with the acquisition of his former Chiefs running mate Jaylen Watson, gives the Rams upside to be the best secondary in the league in 2026,” PFF wrote. “Safety Kamren Curl is quietly a huge piece of this operation. The ever-reliable 27-year-old played almost 100 more snaps than any other NFL defensive back last season, and led all safeties in tackles.”

Curl definitely makes a difference in this matchup. If the 49ers can break through against McDuffie and Watson, they will have to look elsewhere. And that’s where Curl will have a chance to make some splash plays.

49ers can try to attack the Rams linebackers

This is the weakest area of the Rams’ defense. However, it will be hard to make them hurt because of the strengths in front of and behind them.

Nate Landman is solid in the middle, especially against the run. He struggles somewhat in coverage, which might open the door for George Kittle to make some plays. Landman’s running mate, Omar Speights, also provides good run support. But he also isn’t the best cover guy.

If the 49ers are going to move the football, they will need to attack these two guys in the passing game.

But overall, the Rams should be able to keep the 49ers in check throughout this game. And since the Rams should be able to consistently move the football against the 49ers’ defense, this looks like a Rams victory. But with the rivalry, nothing is guaranteed, especially on foreign turf.

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