Rams' Sean McVay Previews 'Great Challenge' vs. 49ers
In the fast-paced world of the NFL, there's little time for anyone or any team to rest on their laurels.
Case in point, the Los Angeles Rams are coming off a 30-13 upset win over the division-rival Seattle Seahawks in their season opener. As much as they'd love to sit back and celebrate the win, they have little time to rest as their schedule doesn't get any easier. Next up, the home opener against another division rival and potential juggernaut in the San Francisco 49ers.
L.A. and San Francisco are obviously very familiar with each other, and with the 49ers whooping the Pittsburgh Steelers 30-7 on Sunday, they're looking just as dangerous as ever. This 49ers team is different from others the Rams have faced in the past, though, as Brock Purdy is now the man under center. Purdy took over late last season, but that was long after both games against the Rams.
With the Rams going against Purdy for the first time on Sunday, coach Sean McVay recognizes the challenge he and the 49ers will present.
"I think it's well documented how well they've played since Brock has really gotten a chance to step in and that was consistent with [former 49ers quarterback] Jimmy [Garoppolo]... You can see the confidence in the command of him being able to click through progressions, deliver the ball with accuracy and anticipation to be able to give their elite playmakers a chance to run after the catch. You can just feel there's a nice rapport that he and [coach] Kyle [Shanahan] have and when you've got that, you can be really dangerous offensively."
Since Purdy took over in Week 13 of last season, the 49ers have been nearly unstoppable. They have an 8-1 record since then, with their lone loss coming in the NFC Championship Game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Even then, Purdy suffering a major injury early in the game played a large part in San Francisco's demise.
Additionally, the 49ers have had the Rams' number in recent years. San Francisco has won the last eight regular-season matchups against L.A., with last year's two victories each coming by at least 15 points. However, the Rams did win the most important meeting in recent years, defeating the 49ers in the 2021 NFC Championship Game.
Regardless of past records, the 49ers remain one of the league's elite teams and will be a very tough opponent for the Rams.
"They look sharp and it's going to be a great challenge,” McVay said.
