The 49ers defense put together a fine game against the Falcons despite missing a slew of starters. They couldn’t close the door though and allowed a game-winning touchdown with two seconds left following a 70-yard drive to end the game.
San Francisco will get two of its defensive starters back against the Rams. That’ll help with some of the breakdowns they had in the back end, but with a playoff spot locked up, the 49ers would love to see their defense rekindle some of the dominance they had early in the year.
Here are six players who can help San Francisco limit the Rams the same way they did back in Week 6:
SS Marcell Harris
Harris had a better showing in Week 15 than he did in Week 14 as a starter for the injured Jaquiski Tartt. However, the Rams are a completely different test offensively than the Falcons. Harris is extremely aggressive and subject to biting on fakes and losing eye discipline. If he can leave the Rams’ pre-snap window dressing alone, he can have a significant impact against a dynamic Rams group of pass catchers.
CB Richard Sherman
Generally Sherman is so reliable that he’s not a player we’ll highlight leading into the game. However, a Grade 2 hamstring strain was supposed to keep the veteran out multiple weeks. He only missed one game and will now line up against the likes of Cooper Kupp, Robert Woods and Josh Reynolds. He’ll also get some looks against dynamic tight end Gerald Everett. How that hamstring holds up will have short and long-term impacts for the 49ers.
FS Jimmie Ward
Ward’s having a really nice year, but his two best moments may have come against the Rams back in Week 6. He had a pair of pass breakups late in the game – one against Everett, and against Kupp. Both were one-on-one coverage situations. Ward can be an x-factor for the 49ers pass defense if he come come down in the box and play effective coverage against players lined up in the slot.
CB K’Waun Williams
The 49ers missed Williams in the slot against the Falcons. He’s quietly one of the top nickel corners in the league, and his presence is especially vital against LA and head coach Sean McVay. There were a few miscommunications that led to some issues in the back end, but Williams’ sheer coverage ability and experience will give the 49ers’ secondary an element it doesn’t have when he’s out.
DL Arik Armstead
Armstead is among the biggest Pro Bowl snubs in the NFC. He leads the 49ers with 10 sacks, but only landed on the list of alternates for the NFL’s all-star game. The Rams offer a chance for him to take out some of his anger and put up big numbers. They have an abysmal offensive front, and Armstead’s versatility will allow him to match up with any of those linemen. While Armstead had a fine game against the run vs. the Falcons, he wasn’t super effective as a pass rusher. Getting on the board with a couple sacks would be a nice way for Armstead to put a stamp on his Pro Bowl credentials.
LB Fred Warner
The Rams started undergoing an offensive renaissance thanks to the increased use of tight end Tyler Higbee while Everett was out. Now Everett is due to play Saturday, which means the Rams may give more two tight end looks. That means Warner’s coverage prowess will be on display against both tight ends, and against some of the receivers he winds up lining up over. Warner is another Pro Bowl snub who could highlight that fact with a huge game vs. LA.
