49ers open Kelly era with W

Associated Press

SANTA CLARA, CalIF.

The San Francisco 49ers opened the Chip Kelly era with a dominating win while the Rams are still seeking their first points since moving back to Los Angeles.

Carlos Hyde ran for 88 yards and two touchdowns and the San Francisco 49ers posted their first season-opening shutout in franchise history to spoil the return of the Los Angeles Rams with a 28-0 victory Monday night.

“It’s huge any time you can get a conference win, opening night win,” quarterback Blaine Gabbert said. “It’s a big momentum driver for the team.”

Shaun Draughn also ran for a score and Gabbert threw a touchdown pass to Vance McDonald to help the 49ers win their first game under coach Chip Kelly in convincing fashion.

After Los Angeles football fans waited more than 21 years to once again be able to call a team their own, they need to wait at least another week to see that team score.

“That wasn’t what we expected, certainly not what I expected for the first game back in L.A.,” coach Jeff Fisher said. “We have some work to do obviously.”

Case Keenum threw for just 130 yards with two interceptions, star running back Todd Gurley was held to 47 yards on 17 carries and the Rams barely even threatened the Niners as they were held to 185 yards and 10 first downs all game.

“This team deserved better play from its quarterback and I intend on doing that,” Keenum said.

San Francisco wasn’t much better offensively but managed to run the ball fairly effectively early, leading to the two first-half touchdowns by Hyde and Draughn.

“People counted us out before the season even started,” Hyde said. “We just stayed together as a group and worked together. It’s us against the world. We just keep that mindset.”

STAR EJECTION

Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald was ejected in the fourth quarter when he made contact with an official. The infraction came after Rams linebacker Alec Ogletree gave an extra push to Gabbert following a scramble. As players on both teams started jawing, Donald pushed a 49ers player and then made contact with an official. Donald was called for two personal fouls on the play and ejected.

“I let my emotions get the best of me,” Donald said. “No excuses.”

REPEAT PERFORMANCE

The 49ers opened the Kelly era in a similar fashion to the way they opened last year under first-year coach Jim Tomsula. San Francisco dominated Minnesota 20-3 in the late Monday night opener but won only four other games all season, leading to Tomsula’s firing. This win was San Francisco’s first shutout since beating the Jets 34-0 in 2012.

ANTHEM PROTEST

San Francisco’s Colin Kaepernick and Eric Reid once again kneeled during the national anthem, while a few other players protested by raising their fists. Rams defensive lineman Robert Quinn and receiver Kenny Britt and Niners linebacker Eli Harold and safety Antoine Bethea all held up their fists in protest. Kaepernick came on late with the game out of hand.