Wanted: Aggressive defense to sack 49ers QB

by Ryan Van Bibber on Oct 2, 2009 10:55 AM CDT in Game Planning

One criticism leveled at the St. Louis Rams defense this season has been their lack of aggressive play up front, in the sack department specifically. If they can change that this week against the Frank Gore-less 49ers, they could have find some success.

Through three games, the San Francisco quarterback has been sacked 9 times, tied for the 4th highest total in the league. Their sack rate (number of sacks as a percentage of passing plays) is 9.4%, the third highest total in the league. For comparison's sake, the Rams have a sack rate of 4.3%.

Why is SF allowing so many sacks? Here's NIners Nation blogger Fooch explaining that to the Daily Norseman ahead of the 49ers' week three game against the Vikings:

The offensive line has struggled in pass protection, particularly at right tackle. The offensive line is the key to this season in my opinion and didn't get a lot of time together as a single unit in training camp due to injuries. So maybe that's just taking some time to develop. However, Hill has also had some sacks that he's basically walked into that could have been avoided on his part. The defenses the 49ers have played haven't exactly been world-beaters (Seattle and Arizona) so it will be very interesting to see how they perform against a unit like the Vikings.

Now, once bitten and all that, I really though last week was the perfect opportunity for the Rams to take advantage of a weak offensive line and put pressure on the QB, and they did very early in the game before opting to stick in coverage for the rest of the day. The 49ers won their two games this season mostly on the basis of a stellar running back and a solid defense, without the running back, the Rams would be best advised to force the Shaun Hill to do the heavy lifting on offense and disrupt that with a attack-first defensive front. The problem with this formula for the Rams is it requires their offense not to cough up games like it has every week this season.

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Comments

The difference may come down to QB athleticism

Aaron Rodgers showed a lot of mobility, moving the pocket and helping himself out. The effectiveness of our pass rush may depend on how well Hill does the same.

RamsHerd.com - Graphic Rams Discussion

by taiko on Oct 2, 2009 1:39 PM CDT reply actions

i hate to say I like a matchup anymore

but i kid of like this matchup.

regardless of how well the Rams do, I think the 49ers are vastly overrated so far this season. though their defense has played very well.

Turf Show Times

by Ryan Van Bibber on Oct 2, 2009 1:42 PM CDT up reply actions

Famous last words...

Until the 9ers beat us by two touches. If I recall, Hill escaped lots of sacks last year, and scrambled for first downs. I expect nothing different for Sunday’s game.

by 81 Witness on Oct 2, 2009 1:58 PM CDT up reply actions

Not to mention we have a bad pass rush

and an injury-depleted secondary
This could be a tough one if they can pass effectively.

SHURMUR NEEDS TO GO, Avery needs to get it going.

by Carneros on Oct 2, 2009 10:47 PM CDT up reply actions

I think it's time for a win

We’ve done too many things right to lose every game. No mistakes and we win by 10. All Boller has to do is be a threat to pass. His mobility will keep the 49ers as honest as anyone has had to play us yet, Thats what it takes to open up the running game. A few delays, play options, draws, will then open up some short passing lanes. We’re not going 0-16 so why not now? I agree that the 49ers are overrated but we won’t pull it off if we make dumb mistakes.

by dbcouver on Oct 2, 2009 2:18 PM CDT reply actions

Does

our lack of aggression on the Rams D-Line also include the number of non-calls on holds that should have been called? I’ve seen at least 2 a game that were sure sacks that should have been called.

I hate refs.

THIS year's the year. I hope....

by thisguy on Oct 2, 2009 2:52 PM CDT reply actions

Our D-line

Is going to get better. I like the names we have and the potential, even w/o Carricker. We will see improvement throughout the season, I’m sure.

by dbcouver on Oct 2, 2009 3:06 PM CDT up reply actions

Just look at the picture up above and tell me that isn't a hold.

Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.

by Tackle Box on Oct 2, 2009 6:27 PM CDT up reply actions

With this team you just have to wait and see.

Thought I will note that I was only 3 points off in my prediction. I said the Rams would score 20, and the scored 17.

(they lost though…oh well).

Spagamania is in full bloom

by Eric Nagel on Oct 2, 2009 6:05 PM CDT reply actions

niners over-rated?!?!?!

they have the 4th best rush defense in the nfl..7th best defense overall and they’re over-rated? question: what team is leading the division?? the niners. noooo way!!! they are in first because of great defense. which is why the rams are going to lose sunday because lets face it, they have zero receivers, a battered defense, a garbage qb, and Coach Steve Spagnuolo as the head coach!!!

let me guess, shaun hill is garbage right? maybe but he’s 9-3 as a starter and 6-0 at home. whats bulger’s and boller’s records???

steven jackson will have a decent game but in the end, even he cant do it all.

by ninerfan101 on Oct 2, 2009 7:22 PM CDT reply actions

prediction:niners 34-13

steven jackson stats:30 carries, 72 yards rushing maybe a td.

glen cofee: 26 carries 118 yards and a td.

player of the game:vernon davis: 6 catches; 90 yards receiving and a td

by ninerfan101 on Oct 2, 2009 7:24 PM CDT reply actions

Anyone else hear something?

Yeah….I didn’t either.

Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.

by Tackle Box on Oct 2, 2009 7:51 PM CDT reply actions

i think a heare a baby crying somewhere

someone check that diaper

by moy on Oct 4, 2009 7:22 AM CDT up reply actions

Wishing on a star

Seeing as how i’m a glutton for punishment, hence being a Ram fan to begin with, but maybe just maybe Boller hears all the talk around the media and the blogs and stuff and he somehow decides he needs to pull off a stellar and career game to win over the Rams fans and coaches and see’s that this could well be his last chance so he comes out blazing guns and lights up the forty whiners for a huge win!!!!!!

by peteyweestro on Oct 2, 2009 8:54 PM CDT reply actions

49ers all f... day

this is the 49ers year and it aint s…. the RAMS,CARDS, or HAWKS can do about it so shut up and deal wit it babe!!!!!!!!! oh yeah did we sweep yall last year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! u guys are a joke

by keithman04 on Oct 3, 2009 1:43 AM CDT reply actions

I'm so glad

You saved your first SBN comment for Turf Show Times. Especially since you’ve been a member of Niners Nation since mid-September, yet still waited to christen you’re SBN voyage here at TST.

Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.

by Tackle Box on Oct 3, 2009 8:09 AM CDT up reply actions