Rams Open With 27-7 Loss to 49ers as Injuries Test Super Bowl Hopes
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Sep 21
Rams Open With 27-7 Loss to 49ers as Injuries Test Super Bowl Hopes
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Sep 21
Summary
Los Angeles opened its season with a 27-7 defeat to San Francisco in Melbourne, the Rams' lowest-scoring game with Matthew Stafford and their first multi-score loss since 2024.
7 points reflected an offense out of rhythm after McVay again rested veterans in preseason—Stafford misfired with Davante Adams and Puka Nacua, while tight ends were barely used despite last year's production.
Myles Garrett's absence compounded the damage: with the star pass rusher on injured reserve, the Rams generated just two quarterback hits, no sacks and blitzed only 11.1% against Brock Purdy.
Monday's game against the Giants now looms as a key early test, with Aaron Donald expected to debut but Garrett sidelined at least four weeks before a tougher stretch against Denver, Philadelphia and Buffalo.
The loss sharpened concerns about age, health and depth on a roster built for a Super Bowl run, even as McVay's teams have repeatedly recovered from slow starts.