Full Breakdown
49ers Dominate Rams in NFL’s First Regular-Season Game in Australia
By Drooid · · How we work
Game Overview
The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Los Angeles Rams 27–7 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, marking the league’s inaugural regular-season contest on Australian soil. The 49ers amassed 174 rushing yards and 205 passing yards, while limiting the Rams to 155 passing yards and forcing quarterback Matthew Stafford into a 15-of-25 performance. Kyren Williams recorded the NFL’s first Australian touchdown with a five-yard run, and the 49ers’ defense held the Rams to a single score.
Travel and Preparation Differences
San Francisco arrived in Melbourne a week before kickoff, allowing players to adjust their body clocks and engage with local fans. In contrast, the Rams remained on California time until less than two days before the game.
Key Performances and Injuries
- Offense: Brock Purdy threw for 205 yards and three touchdowns to Mike Evans, Demarcus Robinson and Deebo Samuel.
- Defense: The 49ers’ unit, led by longtime Rams coordinator Raheem Morris, limited the Rams’ offense to 290 yards total.
- Injuries: Myles Garrett, the reigning AP Defensive Player of the Year, recorded no tackles while playing 61.5 % of defensive snaps. The Rams announced that Garrett will undergo knee surgery and be placed on injured reserve, with a minimum four-game absence.
- 49ers rookie: Wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling suffered a deltoid-ligament injury and was ruled out for at least a month.
Viewership and Global Impact
Netflix reported an average of 18.5 million U.S. viewers and 21.7 million viewers worldwide, making the matchup one of the top-three most-streamed Thursday primetime NFL games. Peak U.S. viewership reached 21.3 million. The live attendance of 100,021 ranked as the seventh-largest regular-season crowd in NFL history and the most-watched football game ever in Australia.
Official Statements & Responses
Coach Kyle Shanahan described the Melbourne Cricket Ground as feeling “gladiator-ish” and likened the atmosphere to a home venue once the team settled.
Coach Sean McVay explained that the Rams had been aware of Garrett’s knee issue and initially expected him to manage it, but the game revealed the need for surgery. He added that the injury would not affect Aaron Donald’s return, as Donald was not in Australia.
Former defensive end J.J. Watt questioned whether the league would address the 49ers’ “banana-shaped” motion tactics, suggesting potential future rule scrutiny.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It was definitely worth it to come a little bit early,” — Mike Evans, wide receiver
- “Probably only had two good drives, to be honest,” — Matthew Stafford, quarterback
- “This was the worst version of myself that I’ve put out there, and I’ve got to be better,” — Myles Garrett, defensive end
- “We had been aware of this, thought it was something he would be able to work through,” — Sean McVay, coach
What’s Next
The 49ers will host Miami in their next home game, while the Rams travel to face the New York Giants. Both teams will look to adjust after the Australian debut as the NFL continues its global expansion efforts.