Two of the best young coaches in the NFL faced off on Thursday night as the Los Angeles Rams traveled to San Francisco for an NFC West showdown against the 49ers. The game had major playoff implications for both teams as the season enters its final weeks.
Despite the rainy, wet conditions that contributed to a sluggish performance from both sides, it was Sean McVay and the Rams who pulled out a gritty 12-6 victory—a game that saw no touchdowns scored, despite the offensive firepower on both teams.
With the win, Los Angeles improved to 8-6 on the season, while the 49ers now find themselves in a precarious position at 6-8, with just three games remaining and their playoff hopes hanging by a thread.
Still, there was mutual respect between McVay and Shanahan, who have a long history together dating back to their days in Washington. The two coaches share a strong bond, and their friendship was evident after a game that certainly didn’t unfold as either had envisioned.
Check out McVay and Shanahan’s interaction:
Both are products of the highly talented 2013 coaching staff in Washington, which also included Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel and Packers head coach Matt LaFleur.
However, McVay’s team seems to be catching their stride at the right time. After scoring 44 points last week in a decisive win, they proved they can win in different ways—this time, relying on their defense to lift them, as they scored just 12 points in a gritty victory.
On the other hand, the 49ers continue to struggle to find their rhythm this season. While injuries have played a significant role, scoring just six points against a defense that allowed 42 to the Buffalo Bills the week before is about more than just weather conditions.
Sep 17, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan meets with Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay following the victory at SoFi Stadium.
© Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
This marked the 17th meeting between McVay and Shanahan, with Shanahan leading the series 10-7. However, McVay and the Rams finished 2-0 against the 49ers this season, as both teams trend in opposite directions.
