The San Francisco 49ers began their season with an impressive victory against the Los Angeles Rams, winning 27-7 in an NFL International Series game held in Melbourne, Australia. The event attracted a large audience, showcasing the league’s global appeal.
Both teams faced the lengthy journey to Melbourne, with flights from Los Angeles taking up to 16 hours. The 49ers arrived nearly a week prior to the game, allowing plenty of time to acclimate. In contrast, the Rams touched down just over a day before kickoff. This decision sparked discussion about its impact on their performance. Many noted the team, considered Super Bowl contenders, did not live up to expectations during their opener.
After the game, 49ers newcomer Mike Evans commented on the Rams’ travel choices. “When did they get out here?” Evans queried, leading to laughter in the media room. In response, it was mentioned that the Rams had only arrived 25 hours earlier. Evans expressed his view: “You’ve got to give your body time to adjust… maybe a few days earlier would’ve been ideal.” Despite the timing, Evans emphasized the 49ers’ focus on executing their plan.
Evans, who joined the 49ers after a long stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, played a significant role in the team’s victory. He caught six passes, gaining 49 yards and a touchdown from quarterback Brock Purdy. Purdy put in a strong performance with 205 passing yards and three touchdowns. Other key contributions came from Demarcus Robinson, who earned 50 yards and a touchdown, and Deebo Samuel with 48 yards and a touchdown.
On the Rams’ side, quarterback Matthew Stafford faced challenges. His stats included 155 yards, completing 15 of 25 passes, one interception, and no touchdowns. The Rams’ offense struggled overall, finishing with 290 total yards and a single touchdown scored by running back Kyren Williams.
Many speculated that the Rams were hindered by jet lag, which contributed to their lackluster performance against a well-prepared 49ers team. Rams coach Sean McVay, however, stood by the team’s travel strategy and did not attribute the defeat to their schedule. “We didn’t play well enough,” he remarked post-game.