In the 2019 NFL season, quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo was traded from the New England Patriots to the Los Angeles Rams. After his departure, quarterback Matthew Stafford joined the team and started playing in the starting lineup. This move led to significant changes in the offensive line configuration. The Rams had previously used a 4-4-2 formation but were considering a different scheme.

On August 15, 2019, the Rams faced their first opponent in the NFC West division. They played against the San Francisco 49ers at the Levi's Stadium. In the first quarter, the Rams scored two touchdowns, one by quarterback Carson Wentz and the other by running back Melvin Gordon. However, the defense struggled with pressure on the quarterback, allowing the Niners to score twice more.

After the game, head coach Sean Payton stated that he felt like there were "a lot of things we could have done better" in the defensive front. He also mentioned that the offense needed to improve its efficiency and communication. This is where the tactical shift to 4-4-2 comes into play.

The Rams had a tough match-up with the San Francisco 49ers as they faced the defending Super Bowl champion. The Rams started off strong, scoring three touchdowns in the first half. However, the defense continued to struggle and the Rams were unable to score again.

On the other hand, the 49ers took control of the game. Their running back, Alex Smith, rushed for over 300 yards and caught five passes for 88 yards. Their defense held the Rams' offense to just 17 points in the second half.

This change in the defensive scheme helped the Rams to regain their form after the trade. The Rams had been struggling defensively and were not able to convert their opportunities. The tactical shift to 4-4-2 has proven to be effective in improving the defense's performance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the tactical shift to 4-4-2 has proved to be effective in improving the defense's performance. It has allowed the Rams to regain their form after the trade and start playing at a higher level. The Rams will continue to rely on this tactic moving forward and look to improve their overall defense.