A Look At The Rams

An exerpt from 49ers.com

The 49ers opened the season with a clutch win over a divisional opponent, but there’s little time to celebrate with another NFC West contest coming up on Sunday on the road against the St. Louis Rams. The 49ers have a short week to prepare for a big game, one that could start them out with a 2-0 record within the division after beating Arizona in the final seconds in a Monday Night Football nationally televised home opener. The 49ers split the series with the Rams in 2006, winning at home in a 20-13 contest in the Monster Park opener before falling on the road in the final minutes with St. Louis scoring a touchdown on a 5-yard TD pass from Marc Bulger to Kevin Curtis. The Rams are in year two under the direction of head coach Scott Linehan, who towards the end of last season fired himself as the play caller, duties he turned over to coordinator Greg Olson.

The Rams offense finished sixth in the NFL, but has seen a few changes this off-season. For starters, St. Louis lost Curtis when the veteran receiver opted to sign with the Philadelphia Eagles, as well as receiver Shaun McDonald. The Rams added a receiver in former Titans player Drew Bennett, but the veteran was held out last week with a quadriceps injury. Through the air, Bulger opened the season 22 of 42 for 167 yards and 1 touchdown, with Pro Bowler Torry Holt led the receivers with 8 catches for 73 yards. The 49ers secondary proved to be up to a hearty challenge by limiting Pro Bowlers Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald to less than 50 yards combined, and with Nate Clements and Walt Harris leading the way, they’ll look to do the same again this week to Holt and Pro Bowler Isaac Bruce.

With an offense based on timing and quick precision, a disruptive pass rush could strengthen the 49ers defensive efforts. With the Rams already missing starting right guard Richie Incognito who has been out with a high ankle sprain plus the season loss of starting left tackle Orlando Pace, Bulger could be in for a long day.