Greg Cosell of NFL Films joins Willard and Dibs one week out from the 49ers’ Thursday night showdown, and the biggest storyline on his mind is the Rams’ terrifying defensive line. With Aaron Donald back in the building alongside Kobie Turner and Braden Fiske, Cosell breaks down exactly how Kyle Shanahan needs to attack this front — and why lining up and playing it straight just isn’t an option. Cosell explains the history here: Aaron Donald has actually struggled against the Niners over the years, and Cosell digs into the schematic reasons why, from leverage and angles to the misdirection concepts Shanahan will likely lean on to keep this Rams front off balance. But it’s not just about Donald — this is a stacked defensive line, and Cosell lays out what it’ll take to survive it, especially with question marks still surrounding the Niners’ own offensive line and backfield. Along the way, the conversation covers De’Zhaun Stribling’s role in the offense, Kaelon Black’s standing in the backfield, Trent Williams’ decline, and whether Puni and Jake Brendel can bounce back after uneven 2024 seasons. Cosell also gets into the defensive side — Alfred Collins and CJ West’s rocky preseason — plus Dre Greenlaw’s return, Jaden Dugger’s fit at linebacker, and the Purdy vs. Stafford debate to close things out.
Topics discussed include:
Kyle Shanahan’s game plan for the Rams’ defensive line
Aaron Donald’s surprising history against the Niners
De’Zhaun Stribling’s role in the offense
Kaelon Black vs. Isaac Guerendo in the backfield
Trent Williams’ decline and the offensive line outlook
Puni and Jake Brendel bouncing back at guard/center
Alfred Collins and CJ West’s rocky preseason
Dre Greenlaw’s return and Jaden Dugger’s linebacker fit
Brock Purdy vs. Matt Stafford — Cosell picks a side
Do you think the Niners can handle this Rams D-line? Let us know in the comments.
0:00 – De’Zhaun Stribling & the RB Room Breakdown
4:05 – Trent Williams & Offensive Line Questions
8:32 – Defensive Line: Collins, CJ West & Depth
13:32 – The Game Plan for Aaron Donald & the Rams D-Line
16:24 – Greenlaw, Dugger & the Purdy-Stafford Debate
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Best segment….every week.
Hell nvr lie to you jack
Rams fan here. Much respect to this panel! The guy on the right seems very knowledgeable and unbiased.
49ers are a 7 or 8 win team this year. I've been a 9er fan since 1968 and don't see a lot of juice in this bunch
Rams 56, 49ers 0…
Nope, Rams will kill the SF not so O-line. What changes from last year????? Did Purdy get hurt last year???? Go figure
On any given Sunday or Thursday anyone can beat anyone and the better team doesn’t always win just MOST of the time, go Rams ! 😉
Starting up a Cosell interview I hit "like" before the man can even say word one. He's the best, a football mind legend, and I could listen to him all day.
Its week one 1, low scores and the team to win is usually the better rested team. The Rams are flying 17 hours the day before the game and the 49ers are already there.
49ers win 27-17
we dont care about flights niners got this ass whupping coming to them
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/1FZevVQGEJ8
plus it makes total sense if they leave a week early they have to deal with jet lag twice in a week. we just airmail this ass whupping and come back
Greg Cosell is the only time I'll tune in to this awful station
AD put Brunskill on the ground en route to forcing Jimmy G into a pic in the NFCCG the year the Rams won their most-recent Super Bowl.
I think my niners struggle all season because of injuries and off the field distractions
Cosell is the man.
Why is this idiot on here saying the 49ers fans are terrified of Aaron Donald acquisition? Who's terrified? Not the faithful. We always beat him. Why are you making up s***
Until 49ers prove otherwise they are the 3rd best team in the NFC West. If they can stay healthy and find ways to neutralize the Rams & Seahawks advantages along both defensive and offensive line, then they have a fighting chance. Health is a huge factor as everybody is only a few key injuries away from being in trouble.
Puni was playing thru a PCL strain all of last season…each season he seems to be dealing with a near-serious injury, contract extension coming up
Interestingly BOTH Brunskill and Brendell have had success against Donald.
Survive until the trade deadline
I really enjoy listening to Greg Cosell. He is not too far on one side or the other. He breaks it down so even a toddler can understand what's happening on the field, and he gives great perspective on players and their performances. His explanation on Alfred Collins was spot on.
Seahawks and Rams d-lines are going to the hell out of the Niners
Wait you guys are "experts" and you are asking if Deebo should be the backup running back……you have to be joking right?
We will see how well they play against the Rams defensive line this offensive line is not leaving me with a lot of Hope
Who needs Stribling when you got Daejon Love
9 ers owm the lambs last few years
Jfc no wonder radio is cooked. that’s some hacky stuff and hacky questions