Steve Young Warns NFL: Don't Underestimate the 49ers After Their Win

The San Francisco 49ers made a long journey of 7,879 miles to face the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia, on Thursday, enduring a 17-hour flight and several time zone changes. Entering the game as 3.5-point underdogs, the 49ers flipped expectations with a dominant 27-7 victory. This performance drew strong support from 49ers legend Steve Young, who emphasized the team's potential despite ongoing injury concerns.

Young expressed his belief in the 49ers' talent, stating, "I saw a team that we know is really susceptible to injury, and that became a theme, and it’s all we talk about. If healthy, you’ve got five Hall of Famers on that football team, and they could be in the mix with anybody any time. So anyone who sleeps on the Niners is an idiot, like, don’t." His comments highlight the high expectations surrounding the team when at full strength.

In the lead-up to the game, concerns about the 49ers' pass rush were prevalent, especially after they finished last in the NFL in sacks the previous season. ESPN’s Nick Wagoner pointed out that the team had brought in defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa but still faced questions about their edge rushers, particularly with Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams recovering from ACL injuries. The 49ers' defense had ranked 20th in yards allowed in 2025, raising doubts about their ability to contain the Rams' potent offense.

The Rams, confident after a perfect preseason, arrived in Australia just a day before the game, while the 49ers had acclimatized a week earlier. This preparation seemed to pay off, as the 49ers managed to limit Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford to just 155 yards on 15 completions, showcasing a defense that appeared revitalized compared to last season.

When the Noise Dies Down

Brock Purdy, the 49ers' quarterback, had an impressive outing, completing 25 of 34 passes for 205 yards and three touchdowns. This marked the first time a San Francisco quarterback had thrown three touchdown passes in a season opener since Colin Kaepernick in 2013. Purdy's performance, coupled with the defense's ability to force turnovers, including a fumble recovery by Dre Greenlaw, demonstrated the 49ers' potential to compete at a high level.

Despite the victory being just one game, it significantly boosted the 49ers' Super Bowl odds from +1900 to +1400, reflecting the optimism surrounding the team. Young's warning serves as a reminder that the 49ers, when healthy, possess the talent to challenge any opponent in the league. As the season progresses, it will be crucial for the 49ers to maintain their momentum and address any lingering injury issues to fulfill their potential.