-Joshua Waitsman

 

The Rams hosted the Chargers in what would be dubbed the “Battle of Los Angeles” since the two teams have returned to calling LA their home. The Rams won this battle 35-23 and have advanced to 3-0 on the season.

 

Quarterback

Goff played very well in this game completing just over 80 percent of his passes to the tune of 354 yards, three touchdowns, and just one interception. For a player trying to erase the notion that he is a system quarterback Goff did a very good job erasing those doubts.He consistently  threaded the needle in coverage and made one clutch throw after another.

Grade: A

 

Offensive Line

Goff was only sacked once, and beyond that was only hit three times. The Line played very well in pass protection and gave Goff enough time to make his reads. The run protection however was a tale of two different offensive lines. In the run game there were struggles to consistently make blocks at the line of scrimmage, but when the blocks were good they could frequently get blocks in the second level. Overall it was a good day for the O-line.

 

Grade: B

 

Receivers

The trio of Kupp, Cooks, and Woods continues to impress every week. Kupp broke a tackle and took it to the house for a 53 yard TD. Cooks had 90 yards on seven catches, and Woods looked like a legit number one wide receiver after coming down with some heavily contested balls.

 

Grade: A

 

Running Backs

Gurley bounced back after a disappointing showing against the Cardinals with just over 100 yards and a touchdown. He also continues to be a factor in the pass game with five catches for 51 yards. Malcolm Brown Has been very impressive as well in relief of Gurley. Brown Averaged over eight yards per carry and had 42 yard for the day.

 

Grade: A

 

Tight Ends

The tight ends are slowly progressing as the season moves along. In this game they caught three total passes for 38 yards. It’s been a disappointed season though for Everett who many thought was poised to break out this year.

 

Grade: C

 

Defensive Line

Suh got his first sack of the year, and Ethan Westbrooks added one of his own as well. Throw in a couple quarterback hurries and a pass deflected at the line by Suh, and this was a pretty good showing for the Rams D-line. We are all still anxiously awaiting Donald to regain last years form and start breaking into the backfield more often.

 

Grade: B-

 

Linebackers:

They had some good pass deflections as well as some almost interceptions. This was truly their best game against the pass all year. However they probably had their worst game against the run giving up a staggering 7.1 yards per carry. They are going to need to step it up and start meeting these runners near the line if scrimmage.

 

Grade: C

 

Secondary

The secondary played well considering they lost both Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib during the contest. As a team the Rams held Rivers to only 226 yards, and forced him to throw the ball away a few times throughout the game.

 

Grade: B+

 

Special Teams

Special teams play was highlighted by a blocked punt that went for a touchdown by Blake Countess. Other than that it was business as usual for one of the best specials teams units in the nation.

 

Grade: A-

 

Coaches

McVay continues to scheme up some of the best play in the NFL and constantly is adapting his game so that opposing defenses dont know whats coming. Wade phillips struggled to find ways to stop the run, and will now have his hands full without Peters or Talib, but overall his plan held the charges back enough to get the win.

 

Grade: B