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49ers shut out Rams in Kelly's debut

[September 13, 2016] (The Sports Xchange) - Carlos Hyde ran for two scores, Blaine Gabbert threw a touchdown pass, and the 49ers rolled to a 28-0 win against the Los Angeles Rams, giving new San Francisco coach Chip Kelly a victory in his debut Monday night at Levi's Stadium.

The Rams were shut out in their first game since returning to Los Angeles after 21 seasons in St. Louis.

Hyde gained 88 yards on 23 carries. Gabbert completed 22 of 35 passes for 170 yards and an 8-yard touchdown to tight end Vance McDonald. Backup running back Shaun Draughn scored on a 3-yard run in the second quarter, and wide receiver Jeremy Kerley caught seven passes for 61 yards.

The 49ers' defense held the Rams to 185 total yards and 10 first downs. Running back Todd Gurley, the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year last season, managed just 47 yards on 17 carries. Quarterback Case Keenum, starting a season opener for the first time in his career, completed 17 of 35 passes for 130 yards with two interceptions.

Rams rookie QB Jared Goff, the first overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, was inactive.

Linebackers NaVorro Bowman and Ray-Ray Armstrong each had an interception for the 49ers.

After building a 14-0 first-half lead, the 49ers went three-and-out on their first three drives of the second half, and the Rams moved to San Francisco's 26 after Tavon Austin's 28-yard punt return. However, on second-and-9, Armstrong cut in front of tight end Lance Kendricks to intercept Keenum's pass over the middle.

The 49ers marched 77 yards on 10 plays for Gabbert's third-and-goal TD pass over the middle to McDonald with 12:07 remaining.

Hyde capped an 80-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown run with 5:14 left.

Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald was ejected for making contact with an official with 7:02 remaining.

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49ers wide receiver Quinton Patton (11) runs the ball against the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers won 28-0. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports

The 49ers took a 7-0 lead on Hyde's 11-yard touchdown run with 3:24 left in the first quarter. Hyde juked one Ram then bolted through a huge hole up the middle. They drove 52 yards on 10 plays for their first score under Kelly, 3:18. Gabbert threw for 17 yards and ran for 16 on the drive.

San Francisco increased its lead to 14-0 with 8:16 left in the first half when Draughn raced around left end for a 3-yard score. This time the 49ers marched 59 yards in nine plays in just 2:44.

Bowman set up San Francisco's second TD with an interception of a pass by Keenum at the 49ers' 41 that was deflected by defensive lineman Quinton Dial.

One play earlier, the Rams had an apparent first down at the 49ers' 30 after Gurley gained four yards on fourth-and-2. But after the whistle, Gurley was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct -- he threw the ball at a 49ers defender -- pushing the Rams back 15 yards.

(Editing by Simon Jennings)

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