SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Call it the Aaron DonaldGame plan.
The 49ers on Monday changed plays, tweaked blocking assignments, switched the direction of runs and otherwise geared their offensive attack based on where the Rams’ All-Pro defensive tackle was lined up on a given snap.
How’d they do?
“Zero sacks,” tight end George KittleAfter the game, it was noted. “I think we had zero turnovers, zero sacks, converted third downs. That’s good football.”
It was a far cry from the 49ers’ last meeting with the RamsIn the NFC Championship Game, Donald burst through the line of play and was thrown down. Jimmy GaroppoloAs the quarterback attempted to save his life, he made a desperate grab that led to a crucial interception. On Monday, Donald’s lone quarterback hit came in the first quarter when the 49ers accidentally left him unblocked.
The 24-9 victory also was entirely different from last week’s messy offensive performance against the BroncosThe, which was marked three turnovers, a safe and a 1-for-10 rate on the third down.
Kittle also could have added penalties to the list of 49ers’ improvements. The offense didn’t commit an infraction until center
