The first quarter started poorly for the 49ers, but the offense was able to respond and the defense forced a Rams three-and-out after allowing an early touchdown. Tevin Coleman has the lone score for the 49ers, and the game is tied at 7 at the end of the first.
Here’s what stood out in the first 15 minutes in Los Angeles:
Justin Skule beat by Aaron Donald
With the 49ers down two offensive linemen, the Rams pass rush could be in the backfield all day. On the first third-down of the game for the 49ers offense, Donald got around Skule easily to sack Jimmy Garoppolo to end the 49ers’ first drive.
Rams run down the 49ers throat
The 49ers defense got beat on the Rams’ first drive of the game. Los Angeles ran six consecutive runs up the middle for 48 yards before finishing the drive with a Robert Woods 8-yard run on a reverse play for a touchdown. The touchdown was the first rushing touchdown the 49ers defense allowed this season.
But the 49ers respond
Following the Rams’ scoring drive, the 49ers offense established themselves with a scoring drive of their own. The offense responded with a 10-play, 75-yard drive that ended with a 2-yard run from Tevin Coleman. The drive was aided by a Rams offsides that turned a third-and-8 into a third-and-3 that the 49ers converted.
