Explaining why the 49ers keep dominating the Rams, plus does momentum matter entering MLB playoffs?
Rams #Rams
Good morning to everyone but especially to…
THE SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
The 49ers could write a book on how to beat the Rams, and it would be an instant bestseller among the 30 other NFL teams. San Francisco followed their script again on Monday in a 24-9 win over Los Angeles to make it seven straight regular-season victories over the Rams.
This was just the fourth time since 2019 the Rams have been held to single-digit points. The 49ers are responsible for two of the four. How do they do it? Since the seven-game winning streak began in 2019…
Simple, right? Get pressure without bringing extra players, get the ball to your playmakers in space, don’t give up big plays and play from ahead. In reality, it takes great players, great discipline and a great game plan — things only the 49ers have brought consistently against the Rams.
Honorable mentions And not such a good morning for… Getty Images
THE LOS ANGELES RAMS
The Rams have some big problems, and it starts with big plays. Or, rather, lack thereof. Los Angeles’ offense was once again sluggish Monday, producing zero plays of 20+ yards. It has just 10 all season. Only the Giants have fewer.
It’s a testament to Cooper Kupp’s greatness that he managed a career-high 14 receptions for 122 yards, because there are very few weapons on this Rams offense to take the defense’s focus off of him.
Finally, here’s the shocker: the Rams ranked fourth in the NFL in yards per play last year. This year, they’re 31st, only ahead of the Commanders. There are a lot of problems and, right now, no easy solutions.
U.S. Soccer Federation investigation into NWSL reveals misconduct, harassment, abuse Getty Images
NOTE: This section contains disturbing details and sensitive subject matter.
The U.S. Soccer Federation revealed the findings and recommendations from Sally Q. Yates’ investigation into the National Women’s Soccer League in Monday. After interviews with more than 200 people, including over 100 current or former players, it found “systemic” abuse and misconduct throughout the league and a massive failure to respond to players’ complaints.
Among the findings were…
The USSF and the U.S. Soccer board of directors announced plans and changes going forward, including…
MLB Power Rankings: Does momentum matter entering postseason? ⚾
Some teams limp into the postseason, while other teams sprint. Most do something in between. But the real question is: Does it matter?
That’s what our MLB expert Matt Snyder attempted to figure out in his latest MLB Power Rankings, and the answer is, well, there’s no absolute answer. Clinch early, rally late, finish strong, finish weak… all have applied to various World Series champions over the last decade.
Speaking of teams finishing strong, the Yankees and the Braves are two teams doing just that and, in turn, moving up the Power Rankings. Here’s the top five.
As for one individual Yankee, the strong finish better begin soon if he wants to hold one of the sport’s most hallowed records by himself. Aaron Judge’s latest home run drought is at five games, and he remains at 61 for the season, tied with Roger Maris for the AL record. He has one homer over his last 13 games, tied for his fewest over any 13-game span this season. The Yankees have three games left in the regular season.
Bryce Young considered day-to-day; get to know Jalen Milroe 🏈 USATSI
Reigning Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young is day-to-day with a shoulder sprain after an awkward landing Saturday against Arkansas. Alabama head coach Nick Saban said the injury is not a long-term issue, but he did not go into much more detail and said there likely won’t be another public update ahead of this Saturday’s showdown against Texas A&M (8 p.m. on CBS).
Should the top-ranked Crimson Tide be without Young, they’ll turn once again to redshirt freshman Jalen Milroe. Here’s a little bit about him:
UEFA Champions League is back, and we have bold predictions ⚽ Getty Images
After three weeks away, the Champions League returns with eight matches today, all streaming on Paramount+. Here’s the full match list:
One of the most intriguing matches is Ajax vs. Napoli. Napoli is atop Group A with arguably the most impressive performances of any Champions League team — a 4-1 win over Liverpool and a 3-0 win over Rangers — and also lead Italy’s Serie A. Expect the success to continue, our soccer reporter James Benge writes in his bold predictions.
What we’re watching Tuesday 📺
⚽ UEFA Champions League, 12:45 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Paramount+ (details here)⚾ Phillies at Astros, 8:10 p.m. on TBS🏀 G League Ignite vs. Metropolitans 92, 10 p.m. on ESPN2