49ers Breeze Past Rams In Melbourne Season Opener

On September 10th, the Rams played the 49ers in the first of nine international games in Melbourne, Australia. Going into the game, the Rams were the favorite to win the game by 65% because of the two main players they added over the off-season: Myles Garrett, traded from the Cleveland Browns, and Aaron Donald, who came out of retirement. 

The game started slow, with the Rams punting after only 3 plays and 1 minute into the game. The 49ers then proceeded to get stopped at the Rams' 2-yard line and were forced to settle for a 20-yard field goal, making the score 3-0, 49ers. Nothing much happened for the rest of the 1st quarter, with punts from both sides. The 2nd quarter started with a Rams touchdown on a 57-yard touchdown drive in 4 plays, making it 7-3 Rams. Brock Purdy was intercepted by Rams safety Quentin Lake and was set down at the Rams' own 31-yard line. Matthew Stafford was then intercepted by 49ers Cornerback Renardo Green at the 49ers' own 14-yard line. Brock Purdy then makes a massive play by throwing a 39-yard touchdown pass to Wide Receiver Demarcus Robinson to make the score 10-7 49ers. After that incredible play, the quarter ended after the Rams and 49ers traded punts.

Brock Purdy, 3:57 into the 3rd quarter, then threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans, making the score 17-7 49ers. The 4th quarter then starts with a 99-yard touchdown drive from the 49ers, ending with a 15-yard touchdown pass from Quarterback Brock Purdy to Wide receiver Deebo Samuel, making the score 24-7 49ers. The Rams then fumble the ball on 2nd & 2, and the 49ers recover on the Rams' 43-yard line. The 49ers then kick a 56-yard field goal to make the score 27-7 for the 49ers. The Rams then try to convert on 4th down but fail, giving the 49ers the ball on their own 49-yard line. The 49ers then missed a 52-yard field goal. The Rams then ended the game by making a 2-yard run at the 49ers' 15-yard line, and with that play, the 49ers completed the upset by beating the Rams 27-7.

Image Courtesy of AlexanderJonesi on Wikimedia Commons.