Rams bench Matthew Stafford during season-opening loss to 49ers

The Los Angeles Rams failed to score early against the San Francisco 49ers during Thursday night's season opener, finishing the game with a 27-7 deficit. Quarterback Matthew Stafford was removed from the field with 3:05 remaining in the fourth quarter. Head coach Sean McVay replaced him with backup Stetson Bennett, a move characterized by the team as a decision to protect the 38-year-old starter in an out-of-reach contest. Stafford finished the game completing 15 of 25 passes for 155 yards with one interception. The Rams offense struggled to find momentum throughout the night, including a failed fourth-and-goal conversion in the third quarter. The team will now look to rebound when they host the New York Giants on September 21.

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