San Francisco 49ers: 3 key matchups to watch for in week 6 vs. Rams

It has been quite some time since we were able to say that the San Francisco 49ers have a high stakes game against a divisional opponent. Okay that was a little on the exaggerate side, but you get my point. This is a big game for the 49ers and while it's not a must win, it's a "gotta have" game.

The 49ers will be going into Los Angeles to face the Rams without so many key players, but most notably their starting offensive tackles and fullback Kyle Juszczyk. Losing these three is big blow to the offense because their blocking is second to none. Still, there is a game to be played and this team must go on without them.

In order for them to overcome the losses to their key players, they must win some key matchups to better increase their chances for victory. With that said, here are three key matchups to watch for against the Rams on Sunday.

Jimmy Garoppolo vs. Rams pass rushers

Without both of his starting offensive tackles, Jimmy Garoppolo is going to have to play a pivotal role in Sunday’s game against the Rams. And no, that role does not include him having to drop back 40+ times. In order to ease up the pressure on the backup tackles, Garoppolo will have to continue to get the ball out of his hands quickly. Garoppolo leads the league in fastest release time, which is a great way to negate a pass rush.

However, quickly releasing the ball is not the only way Garoppolo can beat the pass rushers of the Rams. Manipulating the pocket is a solid maneuver to keep them at bay. Garoppolo will have to step up into the pocket and break away from it when necessary. Even trying to use the cadence to draw the Rams’ defensive line is a useful tool.

It’s not all something he should do often in this tame, especially since Kyle Shanahan will have other means of protecting him. But Garoppolo is going to need to take the game into his own hands for a good portion of the game. Each and every game this season Garoppolo has not needed to do anything special.

However, this Sunday and even going forward he is going to need to shoulder the burden of the offense. It all starts on Sunday in Los Angeles against the Rams’ pass rushers.

49ers wide receivers vs. Rams cornerbacks

The wide receivers of the 49ers are going to have to show up if Garoppolo has any hope of getting the ball out quick. Luckily for the receivers, their job got easier since cornerback Aqib Talib has been ruled out. That means only Marcus Peters, who has been a shell of himself, and Nickell Robey-Coleman are the main threats.

A lot of off coverage is used in their secondary, so the 49ers’ receivers will have free releases. However, don’t rule out that they will try to play press coverage to give their pass rushers some time to get to Garoppolo. The receivers need to win their matchups and get open, otherwise it won’t be possible for any quick passes.

Just like with Garoppolo, Kyle Shanahan will provide support through scheming to get his receivers open. But at some points in the game, these guys are going to have to step up and take control. So far through four games, the receivers of the 49ers haven’t been impactful. Now they must answer the call on Sunday as their time has come to dominate.

Robert Saleh vs. Sean McVay

Lost in the success of the 49ers’ defense is how great Robert Saleh has been scheming. It is the players that are executing, but it is Saleh who puts them in a position to be successful. Watching him go up against one of the best offensive minds in Sean McVay is going to be a real treat. Saleh has always been undermanned when facing McVay, but now that he has a talented roster he has a chance to dictate this game.

Creating a game plan for this game is going to take everything Saleh has. Los Angeles utilizes a variety of concepts that just confuses defenses. They’re also stacked at wide receiver who excel everyone in the formation. I wouldn’t even be shocked if Kyle Shanahan helped Saleh with devising the scheme.

On the other side of the spectrum, the defense of the Rams ran by Wade Phillips has been underachieving, so the key matchup in this game will come down between Saleh and McVay. How will Saleh fare with a familiar opponent? How will McVay look now that Saleh has a bunch of studs?

Don’t forget that the Rams have had four days extra to prepare and rest for the 49ers, so it’ll be a challenge for this team. This game will come down to whoever has the better game plan. Robert Saleh vs. Sean McVay. Get your popcorn ready folks.

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