The San Francisco 49ers are preparing to face the Los Angeles Rams in a rematch this Sunday at Levi’s Stadium. This follows a dramatic game in Week 5 where the 49ers triumphed over the Rams in overtime. Since that defeat, the Rams have not lost and are eager to avenge their earlier performance.
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan recognizes the formidable challenge posed by Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford. The veteran player has been a consistent threat, throwing for a season-high 389 yards and three touchdowns in the previous encounter. In the current 2025 NFL season, Stafford has amassed an impressive 2,147 yards and 21 touchdowns with only two interceptions.
Shanahan emphasized that limiting Stafford’s explosive plays will be crucial for the 49ers’ defense to secure their seventh win of the season. “It’s definitely a challenge,” he told NBC Sports Bay Area‘s Matt Maiocco. “It’s not like he just got hot that one game and he’s gotten worse since. He seems like he gets better and better each week.” Shanahan acknowledged Stafford’s talent, stating, “I’ve always thought very highly of Matt. He’s one of the best quarterbacks of our generation and a definite Hall of Famer.”
To effectively contain Stafford, Shanahan believes that pressuring him and reducing big plays will be essential. “You’ve got to get to him, you’ve got to affect him,” he said. “If he gets those big ones, you can die pretty fast.” The coach pointed out that while the Rams will move the ball, the key is to force them into third downs and make them earn every yard. “If you get off the field on third down and without any points, then you’re all right.”
With Brock Purdy sidelined due to a turf toe injury, Mac Jones will start his eighth game of the season. Despite his absence from the field, Purdy has played a significant role in the team’s preparations. Working with backup quarterback Adrian Martinez, Purdy has helped the 49ers’ defense simulate Stafford’s style during practice, contributing to the scout team.
Shanahan expressed his appreciation for Purdy’s involvement. “It’s been awesome having Brock in there,” he noted. “He’s splitting the reps of the scout team with Adrian, and just having two quarterbacks in there, especially Brock, who can make some of these plays, look people off, do some of the things Stafford does, it definitely gets them ready for him.”
The coach acknowledged the rarity of having a player with Purdy’s caliber assisting the team in this capacity. “No, it’s a hell of a deal for us, so it’s been a good week,” Shanahan remarked, highlighting the positive impact of Purdy’s participation in practice.
As the 49ers gear up for this crucial match against the Rams, the focus remains on executing the defensive strategy effectively while also managing the quarterback situation. With the stakes high, both teams will be looking to assert their dominance in this important NFC West showdown.
