The heavily preseason favorite to win the Super Bowl, the Los Angeles Rams, will start the season with a loss. The Rams were thoroughly outplayed by the 49ers, who recorded a 27-7 win in the first NFL game played in Australia.
The Rams made headlines when they decided to arrive in Australia less than 30 hours prior to kickoff. Their curious decision would lead to either praise or criticism, depending on how the game played out. It’s safe to say that Sean McVay’s decision will be questioned after his team laid an egg.
San Francisco held a precarious 10-7 halftime lead before pulling away from Los Angeles in the second half. 49ers touchdowns was a goal-line stand by a 49ers defense that dominated the Rams’ offense and reigning league MVP Matthew Stafford, who was pulled from the game with 3:05 left. He went to the bench in favor of Stetson Bennett, finishing 15-for-25 with a pick and no touchdown passes. Bennett moved the ball 45 yards before time expired.
While Stafford struggled, the 49ers received a winning effort from Brock Purdy, who overcame a few early hiccups to throw three touchdowns. He enjoyed a quick rapport with Mike Evans, whose 49ers debut included his 109th career touchdown catch.
Puka Nacua led the Rams with 74 yards on five catches. His 41-yard catch-and-carry set up the Rams’ only touchdown, a short touchdown run by Kyren Williams that gave Los Angeles an early lead.
