Purdy powers 49ers past Rams in Melbourne opener

Brock Purdy threw three touchdown passes as the San Francisco 49ers crushed the Los Angeles Rams 27-7 in the NFL’s first Melbourne opener, a humbling start for a star-studded Rams squad. Rams coach Sean McVay took the blame for a travel plan that had them arriving a day before the game, while quarterback Matthew Stafford struggled (15 of 25, 155 yards, INT) and star edge rusher Myles Garrett battled a knee issue with no sacks. WRs Puka Nacua (74 receiving yards) and Davante Adams (three catches) provided some production, but the offense stalled and Stafford was pulled late for Stetson Bennett as San Francisco pulled away on a 99-yard third-quarter drive. The Rams regroup and prepare for the Giants next, with questions surrounding Donald’s status and the team’s ability to rebound from the setback.