Linebacker Bobby Wagner is no stranger to playing the San Francisco 49ers, but 2022 will be his first year competing against them as a member of the Los Angeles Rams. A fixture in the NFC West for a decade, Wagner is acutely aware of what San Francisco does on offense after playing them during his time with the Seattle Seahawks, and he told reporters on Thursday about some key differences in the 49ers’ game plans between his old and current teams.
After watching the film from a new perspective, his insight could prove invaluable to the Rams on Monday night as they look to maintain their lead in their division. Wagner’s comments to the media painted a picture of just how innovative Kyle Shanahan’s offense is against their rivals.
“Yeah… our schemes are a little bit different so I feel like we got a lot
more boots and play actions than the Rams did,” He explained of what he has seen that contrasts with the 49er’s game plans against Seattle. “But they’re going to move their star players around. They got guys that can move around all positions, obviously going to get (San Francisco 49ers WR) Deebo (Samuel) the ball. So I think it’s the same team. Just got to come out and stop the run and get after him in the pass.”
Stopping San Francisco in both phases of their offense will be a crucial factor in Los Angeles’ success in this matchup, especially with Samuel’s versatility to gash their defense on any given play. The All-Pro linebacker will be tasked with getting his team lined up correctly and delegating assignments in such a way that gives the Rams the best chance for success on every down.
With his help, Los Angeles could pull out a primetime win against one of their fiercest divisional rivals with the whole country watching. If they can come out ahead in this Week 4 tilt, expect the Rams to keep coming out swinging through the middle of their schedule as they look to further their lead in the divisional standings.
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