Rams fall to 49ers as offense struggles in season opener
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 11, 2026, 5:49 AM
Last updated Sep 11, 2026

The Los Angeles Rams opened their NFL season with a 27-7 loss to the San Francisco 49ers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia on Thursday night. Matthew Stafford finished the contest with 155 passing yards, no touchdowns, and one interception. The Los Angeles offense struggled to generate momentum, totaling 290 yards and converting only 2 of 9 third-down opportunities. A critical fourth-down attempt at the 1-yard line also failed to produce points for the team. This performance has prompted external scrutiny regarding the offensive system following the departure of former coordinator Mike LaFleur, who accepted the head coaching position with the Arizona Cardinals during the off-season. Nate Scheelhaase replaced LaFleur as the offensive coordinator for Los Angeles, taking over a unit that previously ranked as the top offense in the league during the 2025 season.
- •The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Los Angeles Rams 27-7 on Thursday night.
- •Matthew Stafford recorded 155 passing yards and one interception in the season opener.
- •The Rams converted 2 of 9 third-down attempts during the contest.
- •Mike LaFleur served as the Rams offensive coordinator from 2023 through 2025.
- •Nate Scheelhaase currently serves as the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams.
- 5:49 AMYahoo Sports — ‘Rams Are Simply Lost,’ ‘Night and Day Difference’ — NFL World Hits Panic Button As LA’s Offense Gets Exposed Without OC Mike LaFleur
"The Los Angeles Rams expected their offense to remain one of their biggest strengths entering the season, but their season opener raised questions about what changed behind the scenes. Without Mike LaFleur, the unit struggled to create the same rhythm and efficiency that defined its previous success.
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