Rams Winners & Losers: Second half droop was symbolic of season up to now
Quite a bit went proper for the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday night time. They took a commanding 16-0 lead over the Denver Broncos and by the tip of the sport outgained Denver 482 yards to 257.
But the scoreboard would not lie. It’s the one stat that issues when the clock reaches zero.
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The Rams fell to the Broncos 26-30. The staff leaves Denver 1-2 on the season. Things are as unhealthy as they appear.
We can search for silver linings and perceive that Puka Nacua and Myles Garrett are coming back at some point. Sunday night time’s loss was nonetheless symbolic of the early season struggles up to now. The Rams might not be who we anticipated them to be, and there proceed to be indicators to counsel that.
For instance, nook Jaylen Watson and tight finish Terrance Ferguson joined Nacua and Garrett on the damage record. Their respective sides of the ball regarded drastically completely different with out them within the lineup.
In the second half we noticed the Melbourne Rams. The protection could not get off the sphere. Matthew Stafford and the offense had little or no working till a little-too-late comeback try.
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Which particular person efforts are accountable for the heartbreaking loss?
Winners
Kyren Williams, RB
With six receptions for 70 yards, this was one in all Kyren Williams’ most efficient receiving outings in his profession. He was an necessary contributor on the last-minute comeback try. Pass catching is a optimistic factor Williams has added to his repertoire and it has been on show in current weeks.
While there were talks of Blake Corum possibly passing Williams on the depth chart final week, Williams made his understudy out of date on Sunday night time. Williams rushed 15 occasions for 88 yards (5.9 common).
He was the one constant a part of the offense towards the Broncos.
Davante Adams, WR
I had written off the idea that Davante Adams would contribute in a significant method in Denver. He was matched up towards the perfect nook within the NFL, Patrick Surtain, and nonetheless discovered a option to get open.
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Adams hauled in seven of 13 targets for 137 yards. Most of his harm was accomplished towards Surtain.
How are you able to not really feel inspired about Adams transferring ahead? He nonetheless has it.
Kobie Turner, DT
Without Garrett, the Rams want somebody to take a management function on the protection and make a play within the sport’s greatest moments. Against the Broncos, that particular person was Kobie Turner.
Turner hit Bo Nix‘s arm to drive an interception caught by Josh Wallace. This got here within the second half when Denver was roaring again and the Rams had little going offensively. The takeaway helped LA regain the lead, though it was a matter of time earlier than it was surrendered.
Tyler Higbee, TE
Colby Parkinson was questionable for the sport. He suited up however did not take part as a focus. Terrance Ferguson, who we are going to get to, left with an damage within the first quarter.
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The Rams are lucky they will flip to a backup as succesful as Tyler Higbee, particularly when he is thought of third or fourth string at this level. The veteran caught eight of 11 targets for 62 yards and a landing.
Harrison Mevis, Okay
Mevis made all 4 of his subject targets from 36, 35, 40, and 48 plus two further factors. It’s not his fault that he was so busy, but it surely’s not a optimistic that LA settled for 4 kicks. At least when the staff settled for 3, Mevis was successfully computerized.
Losers
Matthew Stafford, QB
Stafford accomplished 30 of 55 passes (55%) for 390 yards, two scores, and two interceptions. The first half was quantity. The second half was Talanoa Hufanga.
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And whereas the numbers have been stellar within the first half, Stafford wasn’t precisely good. The Rams offense settled for subject targets as an alternative of caring for enterprise within the opposition’s territory. Stafford threw an interceptable cross simply earlier than halftime that might have dramatically shifted momentum.
And sure, the comeback try was spectacular. Stafford and the Rams have been up towards a excessive diploma of problem. Still, you do not get credit score for setting the home on fireplace and placing it out. Stafford got here alive too late into the fourth quarter. He wanted to play at that degree earlier.
Simply put, Stafford has taken a big step again from his play final 12 months. He hasn’t been ok via three video games. Part of that may be a lowered forged of cross catchers. But you do not pay your quarterback high greenback solely to make excuses for him.
Stafford have to be higher. And quickly.
Terrance Ferguson, TE
Following an encouraging however removed from good breakout efficiency on Monday Night Football final week, Sunday night time’s sport in Denver was setup completely for a “star is born” alternative.
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It wasn’t fully Ferguson’s fault for that to not come to fruition. He has not too long ago battled an ankle damage that he re-aggravated within the first quarter after which didn’t return.
It’s principally irritating that Ferguson ought to have been a significant a part of the Rams offense with out Nacua. It was the right opening for him to step up. While Higbee was productive in aid, I can solely assume the offense would have been higher off if all of Higbee’s 11 targets as an alternative went to the extra athletic and potent cross catcher in Ferguson.
We are nonetheless awaiting Ferguson’s popping out social gathering.
Emmanuel Forbes & Josh Wallace, CB
The Rams spent all offseason including expertise on the defensive aspect of the ball. The Broncos received the sport largely as a result of they have been capable of benefit from Emmanuel Forbes and Josh Wallace.
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Why have been they on the sphere? Well, a part of it’s as a result of somebody should play outdoors if Trent McDuffie shifts to the slot. The main purpose was that Jaylen Watson suffered a shoulder damage.
And most Rams followers did not really feel that optimistic about Watson’s begin to his profession in LA. We ought to recognize him extra after seeing the alternate options in his place. Forbes and Wallace have been main steps down in efficiency.
Blake Corum, RB
LA did not really want Corum on this sport. Wuilliams dealt with the operating again duties properly.
But normally Corum is nice for an injection of power into the offense. They desperately wanted that within the second half. It by no means got here. Corum completed with simply 15 yards on six carries (2.5 common) and he managed zero yards on two catches.
The operating sport works finest when each Williams and Corum are contributing persistently.
