Rob Havenstein: Rams secondary is the X factor against 49ers
Former Rams tackle Rob Havenstein breaks down why the defensive backfield will be the key to beating the 49ers -- explaining how Quentin Lake and Trent McDuffie can exploit San Francisco 's quick passing game and win the crucial turnover battle.
Video Transcript
I thought, honestly, I think it comes down to that secondary.
You know, depending on who plays, you know, whether, you know, George is, George Kittle is, you know, up and ready to go, that's obviously a favorite target of his.
You know, I, I think it's gonna come down to the secondary.
I think it's gonna come, come down to Q late.
Can he confuse?
Can, can they get into these little windows that the, the Niners love to throw this little quick game?
You know, they've been doing quick game for so long, and I know we've talked about it on podc- or, previous episodes of when you are facing a Miles Garrett, that ball comes out usually a little quicker.
And so it's like, do you have talented, defensive backs who can read route concepts and jump routes and get turnovers?
Can I think that's gonna be, you know, the huge X factor of, of the game.
I mean, if, if you can go ahead and create and win, the turnover battle or the turnover margin, like John's always said, that's the, you know, the number one statistic bes- besides points, obviously, that determines a win or, or, or a win and a loss.
Another one would be special teams, a special teams touchdown.
But, you know, hopefully special teams just go off and it's just business as usual for special teams.
You know, we'll work on getting that thing right after the first game.
But, yeah, no, I think, you know, the defensive backs in there playing those multiple different fronts, you know, is Q at nickel?
Is Q going back to safety?
You know, does Trent bump inside?
You know, does he have a little more freedom to kind of sit and squat on routes and, you know, maybe get a couple turnovers?
That's, that's one of the biggest things that I'm, I'm looking forward to watching
