49ers dominate Rams with quick-screen offense in season opener

San Francisco opened its regular season with a 27-7 victory over the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, employing a quick-screen passing game that neutralized the Rams' highly regarded defensive line. Quarterback Brock Purdy completed six screen passes and finished 14 of 21 for 95 yards, including a 39-yard touchdown to Demarcus Robinson that capped a 24-0 run late in the game.

Rams defensive end Kobie Turner said the 49ers' game plan forced the Rams to adjust, noting that the rapid ball release limited their ability to generate pressure on Purdy. Myles Garrett, the Rams’ star edge rusher, recorded no statistics in 40 snaps as the 49ers used bunched formations and chip blocks to disrupt interior stunts.

Purdy praised head coach Kyle Shanahan’s play-calling, saying the coach “was doing a great job of dialing up the right play calls” and helped the team recognize when to take deep shots.

Defensively, linebacker Fred Warner contributed 11 tackles, a forced fumble and a pass breakup, earning a game ball for his performance. Warner also helped stop a Rams goal-line drive in the third quarter. Fullback Kyle Juszczyk was put in motion on 17 of his 33 snaps, providing lead-blocking that created additional opportunities for the rushing attack.

The 49ers also dealt with an injury to rookie wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling, who left the game after re-injuring his ankle and was carted to the locker room. The team’s offensive line showed mixed grades, with left guard Connor Colby receiving the lowest rating among starters but allowing only two pressures in 37 pass-blocking snaps.