The San Francisco 49ers opened their season with a decisive 27-7 victory over the Los Angeles Rams at the NFL International Series game in Melbourne, Australia. A large audience witnessed this display, as both teams undertook the extensive trip from the U.S. to Australia, often taking up to 16 hours from Los Angeles.
The 49ers arrived in Australia nearly a week ahead of the game, while the Rams opted to arrive just over a day before kickoff. This decision raised questions about the Rams’ readiness, as they seemed far from their usual form. Expectations were high for the Rams, who had been favored to win the Super Bowl this season.
New 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans publicly questioned the Rams’ travel choice during his postgame comments. Evans humorously asked about the Rams’ arrival time, emphasizing that adjusting to the time difference was crucial. He noted, “You have to give your body time to adjust. Whenever the game’s scheduled, you have to be ready to play, but maybe a few days earlier would’ve been ideal.” Nonetheless, Evans stressed that the 49ers were determined to execute their game plan, regardless of when the Rams arrived.
Evans joined the 49ers from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this offseason, strengthening their receiving lineup. He and quarterback Brock Purdy played key roles in their opening win. Purdy recorded 205 yards with three touchdowns, one to Evans, who managed six receptions for 49 yards. Other standout performances included Demarcus Robinson with 50 yards and a touchdown, and Deebo Samuel, who also scored a touchdown and contributed 48 yards.
The Rams struggled, particularly quarterback Matthew Stafford, who completed 15 of 25 passes for 155 yards and threw an interception. The Rams accumulated only 290 yards of offense, with their sole touchdown carried out by running back Kyren Williams.
Observers may attribute the Rams’ performance to jet lag and a lack of acclimatization. However, Rams head coach Sean McVay expressed that their late travel did not factor into their poor performance. He stated there was no regret regarding their travel scheduling and firmly believed that wasn’t the reason they faltered.