"The Rams shut down Saquon Barkley. They neutralized Jonathan Taylor. Now here comes Christian McCaffrey. On Thursday night, the Rams' defense gets another opportunity to prove it should be regarded among the NFL's best when the San Francisco 49ers and their multidimensional star running back visit SoFi Stadium. The injury-riddled 49ers (3-1), with victories over the Seattle Seahawks (3-1) and Arizona Cardinals (2-2), are in first place in the NFC West."
"He's a fast dude who can bounce it outside," Rams edge rusher Jared Verse said. "He can run downhill, he can make you pay if you leave even the smallest crease just like we faced the past two weeks. "I think the biggest threat that he adds is his ability to receive, like he's leading them in receptions for a reason. He's leading them in yards for a reason. He's a dangerous back when you get to it."
"Since the 49ers outbid the Rams to acquire McCaffrey at the trade deadline in 2022, McCaffrey has played against the Rams twice. In 2022, he rushed for 94 yards and a touchdown, caught eight passes - including one for a touchdown - and passed for a touchdown in the 49ers' 31-14 victory. In 2023, he rushed for 116 yards and a touchdown in a 30-23 victory for the 49ers."
The Rams' defense recently limited elite backs Saquon Barkley and Jonathan Taylor to modest rushing totals, showing effective run defense. The Rams will try to apply similar containment to Christian McCaffrey, who contributes significantly as both a runner and receiver. The 49ers sit 3-1 despite injuries and lead the NFC West after wins over Seattle and Arizona. McCaffrey averages 56.3 rushing and 76.3 receiving yards per game and functions as San Francisco's primary offensive focal point. Previous matchups with the Rams saw McCaffrey produce substantial yards and multiple touchdowns.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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