One of the best aspects of the Rams is the domination by the 49ers the past 2 seasons. More importantly, they've done it holding Aaron Donald, the best DT in the game to zero sacks. It doesn't happen by accident and has so much to do with great game planning and execution. This has led to great success on 3rd down which has kept drives alive and put them in great position to win games.
In 2021, Raheim Morris has taken over and their are some noticeable differences with how Staley ran things in 2020 and how he does things in 2021. That being said, both are excellent coordinators.
The one thing I did notice in the Rams vs 49ers games is that they aren't getting Donald into 1x1 situations and that is something the Rams must look to do to get the win this Sunday in the NFC Championship game
But the bottom line is the 49ers are 6-0 vs the Rams and much has had to do with neutralizing Aaron Donald.
Last 3 years Results
2021 Week 10. 49ers 31-10 2 tackles 0 sacks 3rd down efficiency 8/14 QB Garappolo
Week 18 49ers 27-24 4tackles 0 sacks 3rd down efficiency 9/14 QB Garappolo
2020 Week 6 49ers 24-16 1 tackle O sacks 3rd down efficiency 5/14 QB Garappolo
Week 12 49ers 23-20 4 tackles 1 sack 3rd down efficiency 3/14 QB Mullens
2019 Week 6 49ers 20-7 2 sacks 4 tfl 3rd down efficiency 8/17 QB Garappalo
Week 16 49ers 34-31 3 tackles, 1.5 sacks 3rd down efficiency 4/10 QB Garappalo
The most concerning statistic from the Rams point of view is they only sacked Garappolo 4 times this season in 2 games, with Donald getting none of them. The other stat is the 3rd down efficiency from the 49ers. They are 17/28 vs the Rams. That's 61% which isn't very good if you are the Rams defense.
One of the major problems is the Rams like to run a ton of load front or 4-2 fronts and don't blitz a lot.. That's great if you are running games and bringing 5 man pressures but it actually has been helpful to the 49ers.
The reason is it allows the 49ers to double Darnold often when they slide protect. If you watch the games, when they get a load front, they always have a 4-3 situation, and the 49ers are always sliding to Darnold and often doubling him. They have all pro tackles in Trent Williams and Compton. If they have to help on Vonn Miller, they can keep a tight end in and help which they have done occasionally.
I understand why the Rams run the load front, but if teams are just going to slide and you don't get your safeties and LB's involved with pressure, it actually helps the offensive line with protection. You are inviting the double team and its hard to free Donald up without blitzing the LB or a DB.
The other thing that the 49ers do is take a shallow drop with Jimmy G. That really shortens the edge and takes away the Rams speed rush on the edge. If you watch Garappolo he takes short drops, and often gets a clean pocket because of the inside help on Donald. Very effective strategy.
Here's some examples (MY Youtube video on the bottom has many clips)
Example #2
load front-This time they keep Kittle in but that doesn't change anything inside. Notice the slide protection and again giving them a chance to double Donald. They come out in empty and double him again. The Rams are not getting him into those 1x1 situations.
Here's a traditional 4-1 front. Easy for the 49ers to see it and sort it out. They pick it up easy and send the center to Donald
Example #3
Example #4
Example #5
If it ain't broke why fix it!!!
One of the few times they don't slide and free release the RB, they almost get Garappalo knocked out by Aaron. They decide to change the protection and free release the back. Luckily ,Garrapolo gets it off!
Late in the game the Rams adjust and get smart. Well if you are going to slide to Donald lets, bring the LB opposite and drop Miller into coverage. The Rams get paid too. It is also a great call because the 49ers go empty so that's a problem and they basically ignore the LB until it's too late.
Center is fixated on Donald he forgets he has the mike in empty protection!!!
As you can see, the 49ers have a nice plan in place for Donald, The YouTube video gets into the run game as well. The Rams made a few nice adjustments so I m curious to see how the Rams defend it this game.
My Youtube video explains it all!
Here is the 1st game's meeting in which the 49ers won 31-10. You saw a similar game plan with their 4-2 front. Always slide to Donald and block the other side tackle 1x1.
Here they do it on 1st and goal on the 8. Easy pickup, give Jimmy G time and he executes again.They did a tremendous job in their scheme and it was easy yet effective.
The 1st game had the same tendencies as shown in the touchdown above. Clean pocket easy throw. Speed rush is neutralized with the shallow drop.
