Los Angeles Rams Position Grades: Week 10 vs. Seattle
November 15, 2018 | Sports,
By Josh Waitsman
In a game drenched with penalties the Rams held on for a close 36-31 win against the Seahawks. The Rams moved 9-1 with the win, and remained undefeated against divisional opponents.
Quarterback
Jared Goff passed efficiently, completing over 70 percent of his passes for 318 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. Despite a consistent presence from the Seahawks defensive line, Goff managed to stay calm under pressure and deliver the ball to his receivers. Goff also spread the ball to several receivers with both of his passing touchdowns going to the underutilized tight ends Tyler Higbee and Gerald Everett. Grade: B+
Offensive LIne
One of the reasons running Todd Gurley ran rampantly over the Seahawks defense was the huge openings created by offensive line. Without an outstanding block downfield by left tackle Andrew Whitworth, Gurley would not have been able to score the touchdown that put the Rams up 17-14 just before the first half ended. Grade: A
Receivers
The Rams Suffered an unfortunate loss this game when second-year wide receiver Cooper Kupp tore his ACL. Nevertheless, wide recievers Brandin Cooks and Robert Woods both played well even in the absence of Kupp. Cooks even scored a rushing touchdown that would seal the game for the Rams. This play came just a single play after a costly turnover by Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson late in the fourth quarter. Grade: B
Running Backs
Gurley continues to impress each and every week, and should be considered a legitimate MVP candidate. He racked up 120 yards and a touchdown on just 16 carries as well as gaining another 40 yards through the air. It wasn’t until his touchdown at the end of the first half that the Rams had their first lead of the game. Grade: A
Tight Ends
Everybody clap and cheer because the Rams tight ends managed to have two decent games in a row. Although Tyler Higbee and Gerald Everett had ony five total receptions for 40 yards, they also had Goff’s only two touchdown passes of the day. As the season progresses they could both become dangerous red zone targets. Grade: B
Defensive Line
Other than defensive end Aaron Donald, who had 2.5 sacks- and would’ve had more if he was facing any quarterback other than “Houdini” Wilson, the Rams defensive line needs to step up.
Los Angeles was gashed for 273 rushing yards. The Seahawks averaged eight yards per carry, and the defensive line did nothing to stop it. NFL games are often won in the trenches and without Donald the defensive is fighting a losing battle. Grade: C+ (For Donalds performance alone)
Linebackers:
At the expense of trying to tackle any of the Seahawks running backs, the linebackers put Russell wilson under pressure and forced him to throw early on several of his plays. Dante Fowler jr. showed why the Rams traded for him by strip-sacking Russell Wilson and then recovering the ball himself. This play occurred during the fourth quarter in what was a one score game at the time, and was key in the Rams victory. Grade: C-
Secondary
The Seahawks may have been able to run the ball, but they had very little success through the air. Wilson may have passed for three touchdowns, but he was held to just over 170 yards, and he struggle to find open receivers throughout the game. Marcus Peters is once again beginning to look like his old self on the field. Grade: B-
Special Teams
Kicker Greg Zuerlein was a perfect 3/3 on field goals, and the Rams offense has benefited greatly from his return. Kick returners Blake Countess and Jojo Natson both played well in the return game, and the special teams unit as a whole did well to give the Seahawks bad field position. Punter Johnny Hekker only punted twice, but he showed why he is still the best punter in the league- pinning the Seahawks deep each both attempts. Grade: A-
Overall
If it weren’t for costly personal fouls penalties on defense, then the Rams likely would have won this game by a much larger margin. The Seahawks first drive of each half resulted in a touchdown, but if was not for penalties the first would have been stopped on third down, and the second would have been stopped with an interception. In reality, this game should have been lopsided in the Rams favor. Grade: B
Edited by Garrett Jones | gcjh23@mail.missouri.edu