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SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The Rams dominated divisional foe San Francisco 49ers 42-26 behind explosive offensive play and an opportunistic defense on Sunday afternoon.
There are many names especially on the offensive side of the ball who will receive a lot of praise in the win for Los Angeles but one unsung hero who has been one of the most underrated free agent signings this season made a big difference in Santa Clara.
He is none other than, linebacker Nate Landman, who finished the win over the 49ers with 11 tackles, two tackles for loss and for the second straight week a forced fumble by way of the peanut punch. He has 3 forced fumbles this season which ranks tied for third in the NFL. His nine forced fumbles since 2023 are the third-most for any player in that span.
Landman has solidified the middle of the Rams defense and once again this week he made plays to help the team be successful. His forced fumble helped halt an early 49ers drive which could have made the game much more interesting early.
After the Rams jumped out on the 49ers taking an early 14-0 lead in the 1st quarter which was very similar to the way San Francisco had an early advantage in the Week 5 matchup. But this time, when the 49ers tried to make an early comeback the fourth-year linebacker stepped up.
On 2nd & 10 at the LAR 39, Mac Jones thew short to Jaquan Jennings who picked up the first down but Landman came in for the tackle; using his right arm to dislodge the ball from Jennings. Kam Kinchens scooped up the fumble and returned it to the LAR 41.
“I’m always looking for the ball,” Landman said. “I saw [Jennings] trying to break a tackle and that’s when you are trying to hunt those opportunities. I threw the shot and it came out.”
It kept all of the momentum on Los Angeles’ side and LA scored on the ensuing drive to push the lead to 21-0.
The Rams (7-2) offense is the talk of the NFL but it’s Landman & the Rams defense that is the true difference maker which has led the team to success.
Los Angeles is 7-2 or better for the fourth time since 2002. They went to the Super Bowl the last two times they started 7-2 or better (2018, 2021).
Up next for the Landman & the Rams is another big time divisional matchup, this time with the Seattle Seahawks. The winner of next week’s game will hold sole possession of first place in the NFC West.