The 49ers didn’t generate much pressure on quarterback Matthew Stafford in Sunday’s first half at SoFi Stadium, as each of the Los Angeles Rams’ three possessions ended in points.
And while they never get many hits on the 15-year veteran, the 49ers managed to apply a little more pressure to help create two game-changing interceptions in their 30-23 win over the Rams.
“I expected a little bit more of a pass rush like what we saw toward the end of the game,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said. “I thought we got there well.”
Stafford completed 34 of 55 passing attempts for 307 yards with one touchdown, two interceptions and a passer rating of just 67.8. Linebacker Fred Warner recorded the 49ers’ only sack of the game.
The highest paid non-quarterback in the NFL, Nick Bosa, was held without a sack for the second game to open the season. He was credited with three quarterback hurries.
“I saw him make a number of plays there at the end.” Shanahan said of Bosa. “I thought he pressured him a few times, but I’ll have to see when I study the tape.”
The Rams made a concerted effort — just like the 49ers did on the other side against the Rams’ Aaron Donald — to slow down Bosa with their tactics.
Bosa often faced double-team blocks, and Stafford relied on a short passing game that didn’t give the 49ers’ pass rushers much of an opportunity to get to the quarterback.
“Stafford is a Hall of Fame quarterback, and when they have him, they have a chance,” Bosa said after the 49ers’ win.
Bosa, who missed all of training camp in a contract holdout, played 63 of the 49ers’ 80 defensive snaps (79 percent).
He said he felt better than in his season debut against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Bosa played the season opener just three days after reporting to the team’s facility to sign a five-year, $170 million extension.
“I think I’ve improved from last week, for sure,” Bosa said. “I was a little more comfortable. I had some answers to some of the things they were throwing at me.
“(There’s) definitely some things I want to work on, which is tough, especially with a Thursday night. I’m glad we won.”
The 49ers have a quick turnaround to face the New York Giants in their home opener Thursday night at Levi’s Stadium.
Bosa believes he will be ready for a full workload again.
“Not too worried about it,” Bosa said. “I feel good. I think I needed a few games to get my body in football shape. You can’t simulate that.
“Now that I’m through two and I’ve had some pretty good results for this one, I think I’m only going from here.”
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