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In week six when The 49ers faced The Rams it took quite the rally from the 49ers for them to pull out the win. With Kapernick throwing a touchdown to Davis, and Lloyd, ending the night with 343 yards and three touchdowns, The 49ers were able to pull out the win 31-17. The following are five things to know about Sunday's game.

1. Robert Quinn

Two weeks ago, Quinn was able to sack Russell Wilson, and then last week, he also got to Alex Smith as well. Watch for Quinn to try and get the sack on Kaepernick as well.

2. Greg Robinson

Because of a knee injury to Jake Long, rookie Greg Robinson will fill in at the left tackle position. Having only limited success at the left guard position, look for Robinson to work hard at trying to fill Jake Long's shoes.

3. Stevie Johnson

In the first seven games of the season, Johnson received a reception, and each time it was for a touchdown. Watch for Johnson to get more play time on Sunday as well as more to come as the season progresses.

4. Colin Kaepernick

49ers QB Colin Kaepernick has had his share of set backs this season. With a big loss to the Broncos last week, watch for Kaepernick to try and turn it around against the Rams.

5. Injuries

Among a big list of 49er injuries during the bye week was Vernon Davis, who was part of the reason for the 49ers success against The Rams earlier this season. Watch for the entire 49ers team to come together to work for the win against The Rams.

In week six when The 49ers faced The Rams it took quite the rally from the 49ers for them to pull out the win. With Kapernick throwing a touchdown to Davis, and Lloyd, ending the night with 343 yards and three touchdowns, The 49ers were able to pull out the win 31-17. The following are five things to know about Sunday's game.

1. Robert Quinn

Two weeks ago, Quinn was able to sack Russell Wilson, and then last week, he also got to Alex Smith as well. Watch for Quinn to try and get the sack on Kaepernick as well.

2. Greg Robinson

Because of a knee injury to Jake Long, rookie Greg Robinson will fill in at the left tackle position. Having only limited success at the left guard position, look for Robinson to work hard at trying to fill Jake Long's shoes.

3. Stevie Johnson

In the first seven games of the season, Johnson received a reception, and each time it was for a touchdown. Watch for Johnson to get more play time on Sunday as well as more to come as the season progresses.

4. Colin Kaepernick

49ers QB Colin Kaepernick has had his share of set backs this season. With a big loss to the Broncos last week, watch for Kaepernick to try and turn it around against the Rams.

5. Injuries

Among a big list of 49er injuries during the bye week was Vernon Davis, who was part of the reason for the 49ers success against The Rams earlier this season. Watch for the entire 49ers team to come together to work for the win against The Rams.

In week six when The 49ers faced The Rams it took quite the rally from the 49ers for them to pull out the win. With Kapernick throwing a touchdown to Davis, and Lloyd, ending the night with 343 yards and three touchdowns, The 49ers were able to pull out the win 31-17. The following are five things to know about Sunday's game.

1. Robert Quinn

Two weeks ago, Quinn was able to sack Russell Wilson, and then last week, he also got to Alex Smith as well. Watch for Quinn to try and get the sack on Kaepernick as well.

2. Greg Robinson

Because of a knee injury to Jake Long, rookie Greg Robinson will fill in at the left tackle position. Having only limited success at the left guard position, look for Robinson to work hard at trying to fill Jake Long's shoes.

3. Stevie Johnson

In the first seven games of the season, Johnson received a reception, and each time it was for a touchdown. Watch for Johnson to get more play time on Sunday as well as more to come as the season progresses.

4. Colin Kaepernick

49ers QB Colin Kaepernick has had his share of set backs this season. With a big loss to the Broncos last week, watch for Kaepernick to try and turn it around against the Rams.

5. Injuries

Among a big list of 49er injuries during the bye week was Vernon Davis, who was part of the reason for the 49ers success against The Rams earlier this season. Watch for the entire 49ers team to come together to work for the win against The Rams.

In week six when The 49ers faced The Rams it took quite the rally from the 49ers for them to pull out the win. With Kapernick throwing a touchdown to Davis, and Lloyd, ending the night with 343 yards and three touchdowns, The 49ers were able to pull out the win 31-17. The following are five things to know about Sunday's game.

1. Robert Quinn

Two weeks ago, Quinn was able to sack Russell Wilson, and then last week, he also got to Alex Smith as well. Watch for Quinn to try and get the sack on Kaepernick as well.

2. Greg Robinson

Because of a knee injury to Jake Long, rookie Greg Robinson will fill in at the left tackle position. Having only limited success at the left guard position, look for Robinson to work hard at trying to fill Jake Long's shoes.

3. Stevie Johnson

In the first seven games of the season, Johnson received a reception, and each time it was for a touchdown. Watch for Johnson to get more play time on Sunday as well as more to come as the season progresses.

4. Colin Kaepernick

49ers QB Colin Kaepernick has had his share of set backs this season. With a big loss to the Broncos last week, watch for Kaepernick to try and turn it around against the Rams.

5. Injuries

Among a big list of 49er injuries during the bye week was Vernon Davis, who was part of the reason for the 49ers success against The Rams earlier this season. Watch for the entire 49ers team to come together to work for the win against The Rams.

In week six when The 49ers faced The Rams it took quite the rally from the 49ers for them to pull out the win. With Kapernick throwing a touchdown to Davis, and Lloyd, ending the night with 343 yards and three touchdowns, The 49ers were able to pull out the win 31-17. The following are five things to know about Sunday's game.

1. Robert Quinn

Two weeks ago, Quinn was able to sack Russell Wilson, and then last week, he also got to Alex Smith as well. Watch for Quinn to try and get the sack on Kaepernick as well.

2. Greg Robinson

Because of a knee injury to Jake Long, rookie Greg Robinson will fill in at the left tackle position. Having only limited success at the left guard position, look for Robinson to work hard at trying to fill Jake Long's shoes.

3. Stevie Johnson

In the first seven games of the season, Johnson received a reception, and each time it was for a touchdown. Watch for Johnson to get more play time on Sunday as well as more to come as the season progresses.

4. Colin Kaepernick

49ers QB Colin Kaepernick has had his share of set backs this season. With a big loss to the Broncos last week, watch for Kaepernick to try and turn it around against the Rams.

5. Injuries

Among a big list of 49er injuries during the bye week was Vernon Davis, who was part of the reason for the 49ers success against The Rams earlier this season. Watch for the entire 49ers team to come together to work for the win against The Rams.

In week six when The 49ers faced The Rams it took quite the rally from the 49ers for them to pull out the win. With Kapernick throwing a touchdown to Davis, and Lloyd, ending the night with 343 yards and three touchdowns, The 49ers were able to pull out the win 31-17. The following are five things to know about Sunday's game.

1. Robert Quinn

Two weeks ago, Quinn was able to sack Russell Wilson, and then last week, he also got to Alex Smith as well. Watch for Quinn to try and get the sack on Kaepernick as well.

2. Greg Robinson

Because of a knee injury to Jake Long, rookie Greg Robinson will fill in at the left tackle position. Having only limited success at the left guard position, look for Robinson to work hard at trying to fill Jake Long's shoes.

3. Stevie Johnson

In the first seven games of the season, Johnson received a reception, and each time it was for a touchdown. Watch for Johnson to get more play time on Sunday as well as more to come as the season progresses.

4. Colin Kaepernick

49ers QB Colin Kaepernick has had his share of set backs this season. With a big loss to the Broncos last week, watch for Kaepernick to try and turn it around against the Rams.

5. Injuries

Among a big list of 49er injuries during the bye week was Vernon Davis, who was part of the reason for the 49ers success against The Rams earlier this season. Watch for the entire 49ers team to come together to work for the win against The Rams.

Last week the Chiefs stunned the Chargers by defeating them 23-20 and snapping San Diego's then-five-game winning streak while the Rams surprised the Seahawks with some chicanery, beating them 28-26 even while allowing QB Russell Wilson 313 passing yards, 106 rushing yards, and three touchdowns.

Whereas many would say, "Yeah, the Chiefs are going to win," based upon Kansas City's success last season (11-5), their renowned defense (heck, they held the lightning-hot Philip Rivers to a season-low 205 passing yards last week), and the rushing machines that are Jamaal Charles and Knile Davis, this match-up will likely not go "as planned"--whatever that may be in the NFL.

Then there are those (like a good friend of mine who boldly asserts before each game that, yuppers, the Rams are going to win even though I have told him repeatedly that Kurt Warner, Marshall Faulk, and Isaac Bruce are no longer on the team) who say, "Wait a minute. The Rams BEAT the defending-Super-Bowl-champion (I think this adjective is somehow obligatory) Seahawks!"

Statistically, offensively, the two teams are relatively commensurate with the passing game favoring the Rams while the rushing edge favors the Chiefs. More specifically, Rams' QB Austin Davis is 135-205 for 1,520 yards, and nine touchdowns while Kansas City's Alex Smith is 119-of-186 for 1,270 yards and nine touchdowns. For WRs, St. Louis' Brian Quick has snagged 24 balls for 365 yards (15.2 average) and three touchdowns while Kansas City's Dwayne Bowe has seized 19 passes for 279 yards (14.7 average). Chiefs' TE Travis Kelce has caught 24 passes for 307 yards (12.8 average) with three touchdowns while the Rams' Lance Kendricks has 15 receptions for 127 yards (8.5 average) and three touchdowns.

On the ground, the Chiefs' tandem of Davis (83-352, 4.2 average, 3 TDs) and Charles (64-290, 4.5 average, 2 TDs) have a moderate edge over the Rams' Zac Stacy (61-240, 3.9 average, 1 TD) and Tre Mason (23-125, 5.4 average, 1 TD). Charles has also scored two receiving touchdowns on 11 catches for 55 yards. Oh and then there's the Rams' Benny Cunningham who has 36 carries for 136 yards (3.8 average), and two touchdowns AND 16 receptions for 121 yards (7.6 average) and another touchdown (I didn't know in which category to place him but thought he should be mentioned.) 

Oh yeah, and both franchises have great kickers with nearly identical statistics. St. Louis' Greg "The Leg" Zuerlein has made 8-of-10 field goals and 15-of-15 extra points while Kansas City's Cairo "A Perna" Santos (that's "the leg" in Brazilian Portuguese) is also 8-of-10 in field goals and 16-of-16 in extra points.

Defensively, despite a -2 turnover ratio, the Chiefs have amassed a whopping 17 sacks, forced six fumbles, and managed three interceptions. For comparison's sake, the Rams have a -3 ratio, four sacks, three forced fumbles, and three interceptions.

Notwithstanding the sack stat for a moment, the rest of the data is comparably, well, comparable. But the Rams have their unique stratagem consisting of fake punts, misdirected punt returns, and who-knows-what-else head coach Jeff Fisher has in his bag o'tricks.

So, dear readers, you may ask if there's anything else of interest you may appreciate prior to the game in addition to the bevy of data I have already spewed. Of course. There is always something else to learn. Here are five additional things to know:

1. The Chiefs have met the St. Louis Rams 10 times and lead the series 6-4. Kansas City has won the last five games by an average of 19 points with their last meeting versus the Rams in 2010 resulting in a 27-13 win. Over these five games, the Rams surrendered, on average, 37.8 points to the Chiefs.

2. Kansas City ranks third in rushing yards per game (140.3); behind Dallas (159.7) and Russell Wilson, er Seattle (153.3). St. Louis' defense ranks 28th against the run, relinquishing 145 yards-per-game and 4.8 yards-per-attempt. Also kind of dismal, the Rams defense has surrendered, on average, 29.3 points-per-game (placing them second behind Tampa Bay at 34). The Chiefs' defense currently rank second in opponents' average passing yards-per-game with 209 (behind the Patriots at 208).

3. Chiefs' head coach Andy Reid's career record versus Fisher is 0-4.

4. Last week's victories were most triumphant for these two franchises. The Rams had lost 16 of the past 18 games versus the Seahawks and this was the Chiefs' first win in San Diego in seven years.

5. At the time of this article's writing, the point spread is Chiefs -8 with an over/under of 44.

Last week the Chiefs stunned the Chargers by defeating them 23-20 and snapping San Diego's then-five-game winning streak while the Rams surprised the Seahawks with some chicanery, beating them 28-26 even while allowing QB Russell Wilson 313 passing yards, 106 rushing yards, and three touchdowns.

Whereas many would say, "Yeah, the Chiefs are going to win," based upon Kansas City's success last season (11-5), their renowned defense (heck, they held the lightning-hot Philip Rivers to a season-low 205 passing yards last week), and the rushing machines that are Jamaal Charles and Knile Davis, this match-up will likely not go "as planned"--whatever that may be in the NFL.

Then there are those (like a good friend of mine who boldly asserts before each game that, yuppers, the Rams are going to win even though I have told him repeatedly that Kurt Warner, Marshall Faulk, and Isaac Bruce are no longer on the team) who say, "Wait a minute. The Rams BEAT the defending-Super-Bowl-champion (I think this adjective is somehow obligatory) Seahawks!"

Statistically, offensively, the two teams are relatively commensurate with the passing game favoring the Rams while the rushing edge favors the Chiefs. More specifically, Rams' QB Austin Davis is 135-205 for 1,520 yards, and nine touchdowns while Kansas City's Alex Smith is 119-of-186 for 1,270 yards and nine touchdowns. For WRs, St. Louis' Brian Quick has snagged 24 balls for 365 yards (15.2 average) and three touchdowns while Kansas City's Dwayne Bowe has seized 19 passes for 279 yards (14.7 average). Chiefs' TE Travis Kelce has caught 24 passes for 307 yards (12.8 average) with three touchdowns while the Rams' Lance Kendricks has 15 receptions for 127 yards (8.5 average) and three touchdowns.

On the ground, the Chiefs' tandem of Davis (83-352, 4.2 average, 3 TDs) and Charles (64-290, 4.5 average, 2 TDs) have a moderate edge over the Rams' Zac Stacy (61-240, 3.9 average, 1 TD) and Tre Mason (23-125, 5.4 average, 1 TD). Charles has also scored two receiving touchdowns on 11 catches for 55 yards. Oh and then there's the Rams' Benny Cunningham who has 36 carries for 136 yards (3.8 average), and two touchdowns AND 16 receptions for 121 yards (7.6 average) and another touchdown (I didn't know in which category to place him but thought he should be mentioned.) 

Oh yeah, and both franchises have great kickers with nearly identical statistics. St. Louis' Greg "The Leg" Zuerlein has made 8-of-10 field goals and 15-of-15 extra points while Kansas City's Cairo "A Perna" Santos (that's "the leg" in Brazilian Portuguese) is also 8-of-10 in field goals and 16-of-16 in extra points.

Defensively, despite a -2 turnover ratio, the Chiefs have amassed a whopping 17 sacks, forced six fumbles, and managed three interceptions. For comparison's sake, the Rams have a -3 ratio, four sacks, three forced fumbles, and three interceptions.

Notwithstanding the sack stat for a moment, the rest of the data is comparably, well, comparable. But the Rams have their unique stratagem consisting of fake punts, misdirected punt returns, and who-knows-what-else head coach Jeff Fisher has in his bag o'tricks.

So, dear readers, you may ask if there's anything else of interest you may appreciate prior to the game in addition to the bevy of data I have already spewed. Of course. There is always something else to learn. Here are five additional things to know:

1. The Chiefs have met the St. Louis Rams 10 times and lead the series 6-4. Kansas City has won the last five games by an average of 19 points with their last meeting versus the Rams in 2010 resulting in a 27-13 win. Over these five games, the Rams surrendered, on average, 37.8 points to the Chiefs.

2. Kansas City ranks third in rushing yards per game (140.3); behind Dallas (159.7) and Russell Wilson, er Seattle (153.3). St. Louis' defense ranks 28th against the run, relinquishing 145 yards-per-game and 4.8 yards-per-attempt. Also kind of dismal, the Rams defense has surrendered, on average, 29.3 points-per-game (placing them second behind Tampa Bay at 34). The Chiefs' defense currently rank second in opponents' average passing yards-per-game with 209 (behind the Patriots at 208).

3. Chiefs' head coach Andy Reid's career record versus Fisher is 0-4.

4. Last week's victories were most triumphant for these two franchises. The Rams had lost 16 of the past 18 games versus the Seahawks and this was the Chiefs' first win in San Diego in seven years.

5. At the time of this article's writing, the point spread is Chiefs -8 with an over/under of 44.

The San Francisco 49ers and St. Louis Rams concluded a wild week six with their Monday Night Football matchup. The Rams were commemorating the 15 year anniversary of the Greatest Show on Turf. Having Kurt Warner must’ve provided Rams quarterback Austin Davis with some sort of added motivation as he was gunning the ball in the first half.

The Rams started the game on fire, with offensive coordinator, Brian Schottenheimer, using multiple formations, including Tavon Austin, getting carries out of the backfield.  We also finally saw the 2013 Heisman Trophy Finalist Tre Mason, who showed some explosiveness out of the backfield. The Rams running game allowed them to take an early 7-0 lead.

Subsequently, on their next drive, the Rams opened up the offense, with Davis pushing the ball downfield. He was able to find Jared Cook down the seams. This allowed the Rams to exploit some deficiencies in the 49ers weak secondary where Chris Culliver was exploited on an easy touchdown to Lance Kendricks and secure a 14-0 lead.

The 49ers stormed back thanks to Colin Kaepernick narrowly escaping being sacked by the Rams defensive line. Towards the end of the 1st half, Janoris Jenkins bit on a double move by Brandon Lloyd, for an 80-yard touchdown and cut Rams lead to 14-10 at the end of the first half. Kaepernick had his best game of the season, completing 22 of 36 passes for and three touchdowns and 343 yards.

In the second half, the 49ers offensive line dominated the Rams defensive front and allowed Kaepernick, who’s been one of the most pressured quarterbacks this season, to carve up the Rams defense. He hit Michael Crabtree on an absolutely beautiful route for a 32 yard touchdown to make it a 24-10 lead. Kaepernick was still passing off his first read, but when you are not pressured (Kaepernick was hit only twice all game), you can get away with being average at reading defenses. Kaepernick continued to make good reads and the Rams inexperienced secondary paired with a lack of pass rush, allowed the 49ers offense to sustain drives easily.

Austin Davis cooled off after a fast start, as Brian Schottenheimer’s offense, as has been the case throughout his entire career as a coordinator, became predictable and complacent with the Rams abandoning the run once they fell down 24-14.

The 49ers played one of their most complete games of the season. Here are the three things we learned

1. Either the 49ers pass protection has finally arrived, or the Rams (and Robert Quinn) are just terrible at rushing the passer this season.

The Rams entered this game with only one sack. Yes, one sack. The team that many thought would have a tremendous defense, with Robert Quinn amassing 19 sacks in 2013, has managed to get to the quarterback only once this year. Meanwhile, the 49ers have been awful protecting Colin Kaepernick for most of the season. Surely, the Rams and especially Quinn, would finally be able to get something going. It didn’t happen. Kaepernick had a clean pocket to throw, the Joe Staley absolutely erased Quinn for the entire game (from my charting, Quinn didn’t even lay a finger on Kaepernick). The Rams have blitzed on nearly half of their passing plays against, coming into the game, but that was a non-factor against San Francisco.

As such, the 49ers had one of their best passing games of the season and Kapernick, looked once more like a quarterback who can play in the pocket.

So to answer the question, is it the Rams who are just that bad at rushing the passer, or has the 49ers offensive line finally emerged as the dominant unit they have been for years. I’m willing to say it is a little bit of both, but regardless, it bodes well for San Francisco going forward.

2. Janoris Jenkins will never be a top-flight corner

Not much more needs to be said here. The 80-yard touchdown he gave up to Brandon Lloyd near the end of the first half is inexcusable. Jenkins has been known to be overly aggressive and bite on pump fakes and double moves, but he has to be more judicious against Lloyd who beat him clean on a stop-and-go route. Especially when defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, inexplicably opted to play ‘zero coverage’ with no safety help in case his corners got beat.

Then, in the third quarter, he got caught looking in the backfield and he completely lost track of Anquan Boldin in the endzone. Yes, amazing throw by Colin Kaepernick, but Jenkins’ coverage was putrid.

The former North Alabama  Lions cornerback showed great potential during his rookie season and already has five career sixes. Those plays look great when the player gambles and is able to make the play, but against the 49ers, Jenkins’ aggressive nature bit him and the Rams square in the ass.

3. 49ers defense is finally hitting stride.

Teams cannot call their defenses world-beaters after shutting down one-dimensional offenses in the Chiefs and Rams on back-to-back weeks, but the 49ers have to be pleased with their last two contests on the defensive side of the ball. The 49ers came into their Monday Night tilt against the Rams 16th in team DVOA and 7th in pass-defense DVOA (thanks to the great folks at Football Outsiders),  solid for a unit that is dealing with injuries, in all three levels of their defense. San Francisco gave up 265 total yards last week against the Chiefs and after a rough first quarter, allowed only 216 yards  against the Rams. San Francisco sacked Davis five times and in the second half, completely shut down the Rams attack.

The worry prior to the season was finding replacements for NaVorro Bowman (out at least the first eight weeks with an ACL injury) and Aldon Smith (suspended for the first nine weeks). Then, during the season, Tramaine Brock got hurt and Glenn Dorsey was lost for the season.

Michael Wilhoite, has filled in nicely for Bowman and Dan Skuta recorded two sacks against St. Louis.

In the secondary, Perrish Cox has played brilliantly in his last two games and for most of the season filling in the place of Brock. Against Kansas City, he shined with three tackles, two pass deflections and an interception to seal the game late in the fourth quarter on Alex Smith. Last night against the Rams, he completely shut down Brian Quick, who’s been a force for Austin Davis. Quick entered the game with 21 catches, 322 yards and three touchdowns with a 15.2 average yards per reception. Quick was relegated to one catch for 10 yards.

The 49ers are manufacturing pressure with the loss of Smith and Bowman and are  forced to blitz more than their 30th ranking in that department from last season.

The legal process has also allowed Ray McDonald to continue playing, despite a looming domestic violence dispute and he’s been very good as well.

It will be scary to think of how good this defense can be with Aldon and Bowman, as they are still 3rd and 5th against the pass and the run respectively. Vic Fangio deserves a tremendous amount of credit.

The San Francisco 49ers and St. Louis Rams concluded a wild week six with their Monday Night Football matchup. The Rams were commemorating the 15 year anniversary of the Greatest Show on Turf. Having Kurt Warner must’ve provided Rams quarterback Austin Davis with some sort of added motivation as he was gunning the ball in the first half.

The Rams started the game on fire, with offensive coordinator, Brian Schottenheimer, using multiple formations, including Tavon Austin, getting carries out of the backfield.  We also finally saw the 2013 Heisman Trophy Finalist Tre Mason, who showed some explosiveness out of the backfield. The Rams running game allowed them to take an early 7-0 lead.

Subsequently, on their next drive, the Rams opened up the offense, with Davis pushing the ball downfield. He was able to find Jared Cook down the seams. This allowed the Rams to exploit some deficiencies in the 49ers weak secondary where Chris Culliver was exploited on an easy touchdown to Lance Kendricks and secure a 14-0 lead.

The 49ers stormed back thanks to Colin Kaepernick narrowly escaping being sacked by the Rams defensive line. Towards the end of the 1st half, Janoris Jenkins bit on a double move by Brandon Lloyd, for an 80-yard touchdown and cut Rams lead to 14-10 at the end of the first half. Kaepernick had his best game of the season, completing 22 of 36 passes for and three touchdowns and 343 yards.

In the second half, the 49ers offensive line dominated the Rams defensive front and allowed Kaepernick, who’s been one of the most pressured quarterbacks this season, to carve up the Rams defense. He hit Michael Crabtree on an absolutely beautiful route for a 32 yard touchdown to make it a 24-10 lead. Kaepernick was still passing off his first read, but when you are not pressured (Kaepernick was hit only twice all game), you can get away with being average at reading defenses. Kaepernick continued to make good reads and the Rams inexperienced secondary paired with a lack of pass rush, allowed the 49ers offense to sustain drives easily.

Austin Davis cooled off after a fast start, as Brian Schottenheimer’s offense, as has been the case throughout his entire career as a coordinator, became predictable and complacent with the Rams abandoning the run once they fell down 24-14.

The 49ers played one of their most complete games of the season. Here are the three things we learned

1. Either the 49ers pass protection has finally arrived, or the Rams (and Robert Quinn) are just terrible at rushing the passer this season.

The Rams entered this game with only one sack. Yes, one sack. The team that many thought would have a tremendous defense, with Robert Quinn amassing 19 sacks in 2013, has managed to get to the quarterback only once this year. Meanwhile, the 49ers have been awful protecting Colin Kaepernick for most of the season. Surely, the Rams and especially Quinn, would finally be able to get something going. It didn’t happen. Kaepernick had a clean pocket to throw, the Joe Staley absolutely erased Quinn for the entire game (from my charting, Quinn didn’t even lay a finger on Kaepernick). The Rams have blitzed on nearly half of their passing plays against, coming into the game, but that was a non-factor against San Francisco.

As such, the 49ers had one of their best passing games of the season and Kapernick, looked once more like a quarterback who can play in the pocket.

So to answer the question, is it the Rams who are just that bad at rushing the passer, or has the 49ers offensive line finally emerged as the dominant unit they have been for years. I’m willing to say it is a little bit of both, but regardless, it bodes well for San Francisco going forward.

2. Janoris Jenkins will never be a top-flight corner

Not much more needs to be said here. The 80-yard touchdown he gave up to Brandon Lloyd near the end of the first half is inexcusable. Jenkins has been known to be overly aggressive and bite on pump fakes and double moves, but he has to be more judicious against Lloyd who beat him clean on a stop-and-go route. Especially when defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, inexplicably opted to play ‘zero coverage’ with no safety help in case his corners got beat.

Then, in the third quarter, he got caught looking in the backfield and he completely lost track of Anquan Boldin in the endzone. Yes, amazing throw by Colin Kaepernick, but Jenkins’ coverage was putrid.

The former North Alabama  Lions cornerback showed great potential during his rookie season and already has five career sixes. Those plays look great when the player gambles and is able to make the play, but against the 49ers, Jenkins’ aggressive nature bit him and the Rams square in the ass.

3. 49ers defense is finally hitting stride.

Teams cannot call their defenses world-beaters after shutting down one-dimensional offenses in the Chiefs and Rams on back-to-back weeks, but the 49ers have to be pleased with their last two contests on the defensive side of the ball. The 49ers came into their Monday Night tilt against the Rams 16th in team DVOA and 7th in pass-defense DVOA (thanks to the great folks at Football Outsiders),  solid for a unit that is dealing with injuries, in all three levels of their defense. San Francisco gave up 265 total yards last week against the Chiefs and after a rough first quarter, allowed only 216 yards  against the Rams. San Francisco sacked Davis five times and in the second half, completely shut down the Rams attack.

The worry prior to the season was finding replacements for NaVorro Bowman (out at least the first eight weeks with an ACL injury) and Aldon Smith (suspended for the first nine weeks). Then, during the season, Tramaine Brock got hurt and Glenn Dorsey was lost for the season.

Michael Wilhoite, has filled in nicely for Bowman and Dan Skuta recorded two sacks against St. Louis.

In the secondary, Perrish Cox has played brilliantly in his last two games and for most of the season filling in the place of Brock. Against Kansas City, he shined with three tackles, two pass deflections and an interception to seal the game late in the fourth quarter on Alex Smith. Last night against the Rams, he completely shut down Brian Quick, who’s been a force for Austin Davis. Quick entered the game with 21 catches, 322 yards and three touchdowns with a 15.2 average yards per reception. Quick was relegated to one catch for 10 yards.

The 49ers are manufacturing pressure with the loss of Smith and Bowman and are  forced to blitz more than their 30th ranking in that department from last season.

The legal process has also allowed Ray McDonald to continue playing, despite a looming domestic violence dispute and he’s been very good as well.

It will be scary to think of how good this defense can be with Aldon and Bowman, as they are still 3rd and 5th against the pass and the run respectively. Vic Fangio deserves a tremendous amount of credit.

The San Francisco 49ers and St. Louis Rams concluded a wild week six with their Monday Night Football matchup. The Rams were commemorating the 15 year anniversary of the Greatest Show on Turf. Having Kurt Warner must’ve provided Rams quarterback Austin Davis with some sort of added motivation as he was gunning the ball in the first half.

The Rams started the game on fire, with offensive coordinator, Brian Schottenheimer, using multiple formations, including Tavon Austin, getting carries out of the backfield.  We also finally saw the 2013 Heisman Trophy Finalist Tre Mason, who showed some explosiveness out of the backfield. The Rams running game allowed them to take an early 7-0 lead.

Subsequently, on their next drive, the Rams opened up the offense, with Davis pushing the ball downfield. He was able to find Jared Cook down the seams. This allowed the Rams to exploit some deficiencies in the 49ers weak secondary where Chris Culliver was exploited on an easy touchdown to Lance Kendricks and secure a 14-0 lead.

The 49ers stormed back thanks to Colin Kaepernick narrowly escaping being sacked by the Rams defensive line. Towards the end of the 1st half, Janoris Jenkins bit on a double move by Brandon Lloyd, for an 80-yard touchdown and cut Rams lead to 14-10 at the end of the first half. Kaepernick had his best game of the season, completing 22 of 36 passes for and three touchdowns and 343 yards.

In the second half, the 49ers offensive line dominated the Rams defensive front and allowed Kaepernick, who’s been one of the most pressured quarterbacks this season, to carve up the Rams defense. He hit Michael Crabtree on an absolutely beautiful route for a 32 yard touchdown to make it a 24-10 lead. Kaepernick was still passing off his first read, but when you are not pressured (Kaepernick was hit only twice all game), you can get away with being average at reading defenses. Kaepernick continued to make good reads and the Rams inexperienced secondary paired with a lack of pass rush, allowed the 49ers offense to sustain drives easily.

Austin Davis cooled off after a fast start, as Brian Schottenheimer’s offense, as has been the case throughout his entire career as a coordinator, became predictable and complacent with the Rams abandoning the run once they fell down 24-14.

The 49ers played one of their most complete games of the season. Here are the three things we learned

1. Either the 49ers pass protection has finally arrived, or the Rams (and Robert Quinn) are just terrible at rushing the passer this season.

The Rams entered this game with only one sack. Yes, one sack. The team that many thought would have a tremendous defense, with Robert Quinn amassing 19 sacks in 2013, has managed to get to the quarterback only once this year. Meanwhile, the 49ers have been awful protecting Colin Kaepernick for most of the season. Surely, the Rams and especially Quinn, would finally be able to get something going. It didn’t happen. Kaepernick had a clean pocket to throw, the Joe Staley absolutely erased Quinn for the entire game (from my charting, Quinn didn’t even lay a finger on Kaepernick). The Rams have blitzed on nearly half of their passing plays against, coming into the game, but that was a non-factor against San Francisco.

As such, the 49ers had one of their best passing games of the season and Kapernick, looked once more like a quarterback who can play in the pocket.

So to answer the question, is it the Rams who are just that bad at rushing the passer, or has the 49ers offensive line finally emerged as the dominant unit they have been for years. I’m willing to say it is a little bit of both, but regardless, it bodes well for San Francisco going forward.

2. Janoris Jenkins will never be a top-flight corner

Not much more needs to be said here. The 80-yard touchdown he gave up to Brandon Lloyd near the end of the first half is inexcusable. Jenkins has been known to be overly aggressive and bite on pump fakes and double moves, but he has to be more judicious against Lloyd who beat him clean on a stop-and-go route. Especially when defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, inexplicably opted to play ‘zero coverage’ with no safety help in case his corners got beat.

Then, in the third quarter, he got caught looking in the backfield and he completely lost track of Anquan Boldin in the endzone. Yes, amazing throw by Colin Kaepernick, but Jenkins’ coverage was putrid.

The former North Alabama  Lions cornerback showed great potential during his rookie season and already has five career sixes. Those plays look great when the player gambles and is able to make the play, but against the 49ers, Jenkins’ aggressive nature bit him and the Rams square in the ass.

3. 49ers defense is finally hitting stride.

Teams cannot call their defenses world-beaters after shutting down one-dimensional offenses in the Chiefs and Rams on back-to-back weeks, but the 49ers have to be pleased with their last two contests on the defensive side of the ball. The 49ers came into their Monday Night tilt against the Rams 16th in team DVOA and 7th in pass-defense DVOA (thanks to the great folks at Football Outsiders),  solid for a unit that is dealing with injuries, in all three levels of their defense. San Francisco gave up 265 total yards last week against the Chiefs and after a rough first quarter, allowed only 216 yards  against the Rams. San Francisco sacked Davis five times and in the second half, completely shut down the Rams attack.

The worry prior to the season was finding replacements for NaVorro Bowman (out at least the first eight weeks with an ACL injury) and Aldon Smith (suspended for the first nine weeks). Then, during the season, Tramaine Brock got hurt and Glenn Dorsey was lost for the season.

Michael Wilhoite, has filled in nicely for Bowman and Dan Skuta recorded two sacks against St. Louis.

In the secondary, Perrish Cox has played brilliantly in his last two games and for most of the season filling in the place of Brock. Against Kansas City, he shined with three tackles, two pass deflections and an interception to seal the game late in the fourth quarter on Alex Smith. Last night against the Rams, he completely shut down Brian Quick, who’s been a force for Austin Davis. Quick entered the game with 21 catches, 322 yards and three touchdowns with a 15.2 average yards per reception. Quick was relegated to one catch for 10 yards.

The 49ers are manufacturing pressure with the loss of Smith and Bowman and are  forced to blitz more than their 30th ranking in that department from last season.

The legal process has also allowed Ray McDonald to continue playing, despite a looming domestic violence dispute and he’s been very good as well.

It will be scary to think of how good this defense can be with Aldon and Bowman, as they are still 3rd and 5th against the pass and the run respectively. Vic Fangio deserves a tremendous amount of credit.

The San Francisco 49ers and St. Louis Rams concluded a wild week six with their Monday Night Football matchup. The Rams were commemorating the 15 year anniversary of the Greatest Show on Turf. Having Kurt Warner must’ve provided Rams quarterback Austin Davis with some sort of added motivation as he was gunning the ball in the first half.

The Rams started the game on fire, with offensive coordinator, Brian Schottenheimer, using multiple formations, including Tavon Austin, getting carries out of the backfield.  We also finally saw the 2013 Heisman Trophy Finalist Tre Mason, who showed some explosiveness out of the backfield. The Rams running game allowed them to take an early 7-0 lead.

Subsequently, on their next drive, the Rams opened up the offense, with Davis pushing the ball downfield. He was able to find Jared Cook down the seams. This allowed the Rams to exploit some deficiencies in the 49ers weak secondary where Chris Culliver was exploited on an easy touchdown to Lance Kendricks and secure a 14-0 lead.

The 49ers stormed back thanks to Colin Kaepernick narrowly escaping being sacked by the Rams defensive line. Towards the end of the 1st half, Janoris Jenkins bit on a double move by Brandon Lloyd, for an 80-yard touchdown and cut Rams lead to 14-10 at the end of the first half. Kaepernick had his best game of the season, completing 22 of 36 passes for and three touchdowns and 343 yards.

In the second half, the 49ers offensive line dominated the Rams defensive front and allowed Kaepernick, who’s been one of the most pressured quarterbacks this season, to carve up the Rams defense. He hit Michael Crabtree on an absolutely beautiful route for a 32 yard touchdown to make it a 24-10 lead. Kaepernick was still passing off his first read, but when you are not pressured (Kaepernick was hit only twice all game), you can get away with being average at reading defenses. Kaepernick continued to make good reads and the Rams inexperienced secondary paired with a lack of pass rush, allowed the 49ers offense to sustain drives easily.

Austin Davis cooled off after a fast start, as Brian Schottenheimer’s offense, as has been the case throughout his entire career as a coordinator, became predictable and complacent with the Rams abandoning the run once they fell down 24-14.

The 49ers played one of their most complete games of the season. Here are the three things we learned

1. Either the 49ers pass protection has finally arrived, or the Rams (and Robert Quinn) are just terrible at rushing the passer this season.

The Rams entered this game with only one sack. Yes, one sack. The team that many thought would have a tremendous defense, with Robert Quinn amassing 19 sacks in 2013, has managed to get to the quarterback only once this year. Meanwhile, the 49ers have been awful protecting Colin Kaepernick for most of the season. Surely, the Rams and especially Quinn, would finally be able to get something going. It didn’t happen. Kaepernick had a clean pocket to throw, the Joe Staley absolutely erased Quinn for the entire game (from my charting, Quinn didn’t even lay a finger on Kaepernick). The Rams have blitzed on nearly half of their passing plays against, coming into the game, but that was a non-factor against San Francisco.

As such, the 49ers had one of their best passing games of the season and Kapernick, looked once more like a quarterback who can play in the pocket.

So to answer the question, is it the Rams who are just that bad at rushing the passer, or has the 49ers offensive line finally emerged as the dominant unit they have been for years. I’m willing to say it is a little bit of both, but regardless, it bodes well for San Francisco going forward.

2. Janoris Jenkins will never be a top-flight corner

Not much more needs to be said here. The 80-yard touchdown he gave up to Brandon Lloyd near the end of the first half is inexcusable. Jenkins has been known to be overly aggressive and bite on pump fakes and double moves, but he has to be more judicious against Lloyd who beat him clean on a stop-and-go route. Especially when defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, inexplicably opted to play ‘zero coverage’ with no safety help in case his corners got beat.

Then, in the third quarter, he got caught looking in the backfield and he completely lost track of Anquan Boldin in the endzone. Yes, amazing throw by Colin Kaepernick, but Jenkins’ coverage was putrid.

The former North Alabama  Lions cornerback showed great potential during his rookie season and already has five career sixes. Those plays look great when the player gambles and is able to make the play, but against the 49ers, Jenkins’ aggressive nature bit him and the Rams square in the ass.

3. 49ers defense is finally hitting stride.

Teams cannot call their defenses world-beaters after shutting down one-dimensional offenses in the Chiefs and Rams on back-to-back weeks, but the 49ers have to be pleased with their last two contests on the defensive side of the ball. The 49ers came into their Monday Night tilt against the Rams 16th in team DVOA and 7th in pass-defense DVOA (thanks to the great folks at Football Outsiders),  solid for a unit that is dealing with injuries, in all three levels of their defense. San Francisco gave up 265 total yards last week against the Chiefs and after a rough first quarter, allowed only 216 yards  against the Rams. San Francisco sacked Davis five times and in the second half, completely shut down the Rams attack.

The worry prior to the season was finding replacements for NaVorro Bowman (out at least the first eight weeks with an ACL injury) and Aldon Smith (suspended for the first nine weeks). Then, during the season, Tramaine Brock got hurt and Glenn Dorsey was lost for the season.

Michael Wilhoite, has filled in nicely for Bowman and Dan Skuta recorded two sacks against St. Louis.

In the secondary, Perrish Cox has played brilliantly in his last two games and for most of the season filling in the place of Brock. Against Kansas City, he shined with three tackles, two pass deflections and an interception to seal the game late in the fourth quarter on Alex Smith. Last night against the Rams, he completely shut down Brian Quick, who’s been a force for Austin Davis. Quick entered the game with 21 catches, 322 yards and three touchdowns with a 15.2 average yards per reception. Quick was relegated to one catch for 10 yards.

The 49ers are manufacturing pressure with the loss of Smith and Bowman and are  forced to blitz more than their 30th ranking in that department from last season.

The legal process has also allowed Ray McDonald to continue playing, despite a looming domestic violence dispute and he’s been very good as well.

It will be scary to think of how good this defense can be with Aldon and Bowman, as they are still 3rd and 5th against the pass and the run respectively. Vic Fangio deserves a tremendous amount of credit.

The San Francisco 49ers and St. Louis Rams concluded a wild week six with their Monday Night Football matchup. The Rams were commemorating the 15 year anniversary of the Greatest Show on Turf. Having Kurt Warner must’ve provided Rams quarterback Austin Davis with some sort of added motivation as he was gunning the ball in the first half.

The Rams started the game on fire, with offensive coordinator, Brian Schottenheimer, using multiple formations, including Tavon Austin, getting carries out of the backfield.  We also finally saw the 2013 Heisman Trophy Finalist Tre Mason, who showed some explosiveness out of the backfield. The Rams running game allowed them to take an early 7-0 lead.

Subsequently, on their next drive, the Rams opened up the offense, with Davis pushing the ball downfield. He was able to find Jared Cook down the seams. This allowed the Rams to exploit some deficiencies in the 49ers weak secondary where Chris Culliver was exploited on an easy touchdown to Lance Kendricks and secure a 14-0 lead.

The 49ers stormed back thanks to Colin Kaepernick narrowly escaping being sacked by the Rams defensive line. Towards the end of the 1st half, Janoris Jenkins bit on a double move by Brandon Lloyd, for an 80-yard touchdown and cut Rams lead to 14-10 at the end of the first half. Kaepernick had his best game of the season, completing 22 of 36 passes for and three touchdowns and 343 yards.

In the second half, the 49ers offensive line dominated the Rams defensive front and allowed Kaepernick, who’s been one of the most pressured quarterbacks this season, to carve up the Rams defense. He hit Michael Crabtree on an absolutely beautiful route for a 32 yard touchdown to make it a 24-10 lead. Kaepernick was still passing off his first read, but when you are not pressured (Kaepernick was hit only twice all game), you can get away with being average at reading defenses. Kaepernick continued to make good reads and the Rams inexperienced secondary paired with a lack of pass rush, allowed the 49ers offense to sustain drives easily.

Austin Davis cooled off after a fast start, as Brian Schottenheimer’s offense, as has been the case throughout his entire career as a coordinator, became predictable and complacent with the Rams abandoning the run once they fell down 24-14.

The 49ers played one of their most complete games of the season. Here are the three things we learned

1. Either the 49ers pass protection has finally arrived, or the Rams (and Robert Quinn) are just terrible at rushing the passer this season.

The Rams entered this game with only one sack. Yes, one sack. The team that many thought would have a tremendous defense, with Robert Quinn amassing 19 sacks in 2013, has managed to get to the quarterback only once this year. Meanwhile, the 49ers have been awful protecting Colin Kaepernick for most of the season. Surely, the Rams and especially Quinn, would finally be able to get something going. It didn’t happen. Kaepernick had a clean pocket to throw, the Joe Staley absolutely erased Quinn for the entire game (from my charting, Quinn didn’t even lay a finger on Kaepernick). The Rams have blitzed on nearly half of their passing plays against, coming into the game, but that was a non-factor against San Francisco.

As such, the 49ers had one of their best passing games of the season and Kapernick, looked once more like a quarterback who can play in the pocket.

So to answer the question, is it the Rams who are just that bad at rushing the passer, or has the 49ers offensive line finally emerged as the dominant unit they have been for years. I’m willing to say it is a little bit of both, but regardless, it bodes well for San Francisco going forward.

2. Janoris Jenkins will never be a top-flight corner

Not much more needs to be said here. The 80-yard touchdown he gave up to Brandon Lloyd near the end of the first half is inexcusable. Jenkins has been known to be overly aggressive and bite on pump fakes and double moves, but he has to be more judicious against Lloyd who beat him clean on a stop-and-go route. Especially when defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, inexplicably opted to play ‘zero coverage’ with no safety help in case his corners got beat.

Then, in the third quarter, he got caught looking in the backfield and he completely lost track of Anquan Boldin in the endzone. Yes, amazing throw by Colin Kaepernick, but Jenkins’ coverage was putrid.

The former North Alabama  Lions cornerback showed great potential during his rookie season and already has five career sixes. Those plays look great when the player gambles and is able to make the play, but against the 49ers, Jenkins’ aggressive nature bit him and the Rams square in the ass.

3. 49ers defense is finally hitting stride.

Teams cannot call their defenses world-beaters after shutting down one-dimensional offenses in the Chiefs and Rams on back-to-back weeks, but the 49ers have to be pleased with their last two contests on the defensive side of the ball. The 49ers came into their Monday Night tilt against the Rams 16th in team DVOA and 7th in pass-defense DVOA (thanks to the great folks at Football Outsiders),  solid for a unit that is dealing with injuries, in all three levels of their defense. San Francisco gave up 265 total yards last week against the Chiefs and after a rough first quarter, allowed only 216 yards  against the Rams. San Francisco sacked Davis five times and in the second half, completely shut down the Rams attack.

The worry prior to the season was finding replacements for NaVorro Bowman (out at least the first eight weeks with an ACL injury) and Aldon Smith (suspended for the first nine weeks). Then, during the season, Tramaine Brock got hurt and Glenn Dorsey was lost for the season.

Michael Wilhoite, has filled in nicely for Bowman and Dan Skuta recorded two sacks against St. Louis.

In the secondary, Perrish Cox has played brilliantly in his last two games and for most of the season filling in the place of Brock. Against Kansas City, he shined with three tackles, two pass deflections and an interception to seal the game late in the fourth quarter on Alex Smith. Last night against the Rams, he completely shut down Brian Quick, who’s been a force for Austin Davis. Quick entered the game with 21 catches, 322 yards and three touchdowns with a 15.2 average yards per reception. Quick was relegated to one catch for 10 yards.

The 49ers are manufacturing pressure with the loss of Smith and Bowman and are  forced to blitz more than their 30th ranking in that department from last season.

The legal process has also allowed Ray McDonald to continue playing, despite a looming domestic violence dispute and he’s been very good as well.

It will be scary to think of how good this defense can be with Aldon and Bowman, as they are still 3rd and 5th against the pass and the run respectively. Vic Fangio deserves a tremendous amount of credit.