Updated Sept. 11, 2026, 7:12 a.m. PT
The San Francisco 49ers spent the last week in Australia preparing for their Week 1 matchup with the Los Angeles Rams at Melbourne Cricket Ground, and they walked out with a 27-7 victory to move to 1-0 on the year.
San Francisco dominated Los Angeles in this game, as it seemed that they had more energy from the opening kickoff, which could be attributed to the difference in travel plans for both teams. Instead of coming early, the Rams arrived the day before the game, and they appeared jet-lagged.
While San Francisco won this game, there were still some aspects of this game and performances to pick apart.
Team Health
During their week of preparation in Australia, San Francisco lost defensive tackle Alfred Collins for the year to a torn patellar tendon and defensive end Sam Okuayinonu to a foot injury. Then, in the game, the 49ers lost wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling and tight end Jake Tonges in the first half. Neither player returned.
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Kittle made an incredible recovery from a torn Achilles that he suffered in San Francisco’s wild-card win over the Philadelphia Eagles back in January to play in this contest. However, he wasn’t a huge threat in the passing game, as he caught just two of his five targets for 12 yards. This may have been the team easing him, but they’ll probably need to be better.
Sack Production
It’s hard to find many negatives when the 49ers really outperformed the Rams in almost every facet. However, if we’re going to nitpick, San Francisco didn’t sack Matthew Stafford once in the contest. However, they did finish with eight quarterback hits, including four by Osa Odighizuwa.
That one Brock Purdy throw
Purdy was phenomenal against Los Angeles, completing 74% of his passes for 205 yards and three touchdowns. However, he had one pass that he definitely regrets, as he threw an interception directly to Rams safety Quentin Lake. Outside of that one play, he was great, but that decision wasn’t great.
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