Los Angeles Rams versus New Orleans Saints: Stock up, stock down

[Riverumbbq]

Even with a sloppy performance, the Rams come away with a sizable win.

By Sosa Kremenjas@QBsMVP Sep 15, 2019, 6:58pm CDT

Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images

Even after a rough and ugly performance, the Los Angeles Rams reeled in their second win of the season, improving their record to 2-0. The Rams knocked off the New Orleans Saints 27-9 in their home opener.

Let’s jump into the stock report:
Stock Down
Offensive Line
The offensive line needed a better performance than this against an average defensive line. Right guard Austin Blythe was lost to an injury that looked pretty serious as he needed to be carted away. Jamil Demby stepped in his place. Right tackle Rob Havenstein got abused by defensive end Cameron Jordan, simply put. Quarterback Jared Goff wasn’t given much time to get comfortable and the running game just didn’t have many holes at all. The OL also had multiple avoidable penalties.

PR JoJo Natson
JoJo Natson actually pulled in a big return (32 yards) later in the game, though his fielding of a ball on the two-yard line showed his decision making continues to be shoddy at best. Natson needs to know when to field punts and when to let them go. His play leaves something to be desired.


Stock Up
S Taylor Rapp
Taylor Rapp drew some tough assignments in this contest as he routinely covered running back Alvin Kamara and tight end Jared Cook in man coverage, excelling at both. Rapp is a gamer who uses his tremendous football IQ and incredible angles to maximize his defensive output. Rapp registered six tackles and a pass deflection in the contest.

WR Cooper Kupp
Cooper Kupp had himself a tremendous performance, reeling in five passes for 120 yards and a touchdown that was overturned as he was inches short on one of the most incredible catch and run’s you’ll ever see in your lifetime. There are no words, just watch and enjoy:
Kupp is the king of finding zones and sitting in between them, converting third downs and moving the chains as well as anyone in the league.

RB Malcolm Brown
Most might feel inclined to put Todd Gurley here (and I wouldn’t blame them), though Malc deserves some love for how hard he runs. Brown had multiple runs that should have resulted in lost yardage or minimal gains, instead gaining 37 yards on six carries for an average of 6.2 yards. Brown also chipped in another reception of ten yards. The drop-off in play from starter to backup isn’t visible now, and that’s exactly what the Rams imagined when putting Gurley and Brown in a timeshare.

S John Johnson III
John Johnson is the best Rams defender not named Aaron Donald. JJ3 was asked to cover Jared Cook in man on many occasions, completely shutting him down. JJ3 also had an incredible interception on the first drive of the game as he was laying on the floor and the ball bobbled it’s way into his hands.

LA Rams versus New Orleans Saints: Stock up, stock down

Even with a sloppy performance, the Rams come away with a sizable win.

www.turfshowtimes.com

 

[GabesHorn]

Even with a sloppy performance, the Rams come away with a sizable win.

By Sosa Kremenjas@QBsMVP Sep 15, 2019, 6:58pm CDT

Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images

Even after a rough and ugly performance, the Los Angeles Rams reeled in their second win of the season, improving their record to 2-0. The Rams knocked off the New Orleans Saints 27-9 in their home opener.

Let’s jump into the stock report:
Stock Down
Offensive Line
The offensive line needed a better performance than this against an average defensive line. Right guard Austin Blythe was lost to an injury that looked pretty serious as he needed to be carted away. Jamil Demby stepped in his place. Right tackle Rob Havenstein got abused by defensive end Cameron Jordan, simply put. Quarterback Jared Goff wasn’t given much time to get comfortable and the running game just didn’t have many holes at all. The OL also had multiple avoidable penalties.

PR JoJo Natson
JoJo Natson actually pulled in a big return (32 yards) later in the game, though his fielding of a ball on the two-yard line showed his decision making continues to be shoddy at best. Natson needs to know when to field punts and when to let them go. His play leaves something to be desired.


Stock Up
S Taylor Rapp
Taylor Rapp drew some tough assignments in this contest as he routinely covered running back Alvin Kamara and tight end Jared Cook in man coverage, excelling at both. Rapp is a gamer who uses his tremendous football IQ and incredible angles to maximize his defensive output. Rapp registered six tackles and a pass deflection in the contest.

WR Cooper Kupp
Cooper Kupp had himself a tremendous performance, reeling in five passes for 120 yards and a touchdown that was overturned as he was inches short on one of the most incredible catch and run’s you’ll ever see in your lifetime. There are no words, just watch and enjoy:
Kupp is the king of finding zones and sitting in between them, converting third downs and moving the chains as well as anyone in the league.

RB Malcolm Brown
Most might feel inclined to put Todd Gurley here (and I wouldn’t blame them), though Malc deserves some love for how hard he runs. Brown had multiple runs that should have resulted in lost yardage or minimal gains, instead gaining 37 yards on six carries for an average of 6.2 yards. Brown also chipped in another reception of ten yards. The drop-off in play from starter to backup isn’t visible now, and that’s exactly what the Rams imagined when putting Gurley and Brown in a timeshare.

S John Johnson III
John Johnson is the best Rams defender not named Aaron Donald. JJ3 was asked to cover Jared Cook in man on many occasions, completely shutting him down. JJ3 also had an incredible interception on the first drive of the game as he was laying on the floor and the ball bobbled it’s way into his hands.

LA Rams versus New Orleans Saints: Stock up, stock down

Even with a sloppy performance, the Rams come away with a sizable win.

www.turfshowtimes.com

Littleton needs a paragraph of written accomplishments in two weeks as he can tackle and cover passes. I'm super impressed with our LB who we NEED for the complete CHAMPIONSHIP RUN. The league should hear about his skills and leadership. WE have 5 Washington Huskies on our team and Greg Gaines finally got his feet wet playing and rotating with SJD who did better against a top rookie center than Pro Bowl center Paradis of the panthers. Donald hurting his back needs to be checked out as when he is on he can't be blocked without defenses drawing holding penalties. Taints got 5 holding calls and I saw helmets ripped off and choking people and all sorts of DIRTY ASS Play from the taints. There coach is a dumpster fire and the play just like him. Bountygate is not out of their system. They are not victims . They are the enemy. We will see them again and we will have better refs before that game starts. Fowler deserves major Kudos also for his pass rushing and and tackling as it's improved from last seasons Championship team. Can't wait to get Obo some playing time before we play Pats in Miami. We will CRUSH THEM.

 

[Merlin]

S Taylor Rapp
Taylor Rapp drew some tough assignments in this contest as he routinely covered running back Alvin Kamara and tight end Jared Cook in man coverage, excelling at both. Rapp is a gamer who uses his tremendous football IQ and incredible angles to maximize his defensive output. Rapp registered six tackles and a pass deflection in the contest.

Can't say enough about Rapp. I knew he was good in the box but Jesus... His coverage ability is already putting him in the upper echelon of safeties. He's gonna be a star.

 

[Riverumbbq]

Los Angeles Rams vs. New Orleans Saints: report cards

The rivalry game with the New Orleans Saints was a lot of things and a lot of penalties. And now the grades for your LA Rams are in.

By Joey The Jerk@LaRamsRamsRams Sep 15, 2019, 7:24pm CDT

Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

The Los Angeles Rams weren’t a lock by many when the Week 2 rolled around the New Orleans Saints, all upset and angry about last year, showed up on their doorstep.
However, the boys in blue and white and gold and sometimes yellow, showed up and played like champs and are now 2-0 this season.


Here are the grades.
Quarterback
B

Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
QB Jared Goff was a bit inaccurate in the first half and showed a lack of awareness at times, especially with the strip sack that couldn’t have gone disastrously when DE Cameron Jordanpicked up the fumble. However, Goff evened out his play and was able to move the offense once he got in a groove. He threw a laser to WR Brandin Cooks for a touchdown pass as well as a straight up dime in the first quarter. 283 yards and 1 touchdown — I’ll take it.

Running Backs
A-

Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
Individually, the numbers for RB Todd Gurley II and RB Malcolm Brown weren’t anything to write home about, but their presence was quite valuable when you take the complete game into account. All in all, the team ran for 115 yards and Gurley got his first TD of the season. The boys did their job against a tough defensive line.

Wide Receivers
A+

Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images
Who was better? WR Robert Woods, WR Brandin Cooks, or WR Cooper Kupp? On paper, Kupp’s 120 yards (with that amazing 66 yard scamper that sealed the game) was the headliner, but Woods was the heart and soul of the offense, per usual. And Cooks is always good for a splash play every now and then. I love this unit.

Tight Ends
B

Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
Before TE Tyler Higbee got hurt with a chest injury, he has some bright moments and if Robert Woods didn’t get knocked down during a screen play, would have had an easy touchdown reception. However, he was knocked out early and TE Gerald Everett came in and played pretty well. He had some key blocks and proved to be a big target for Goff, catching 3 passes for 21 yards. Is the bar low for these guys? Sure. But I like how they’re busting their ass when called upon.

Offensive Line
C+

Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images
It could have been worse, but the offensive line got pushed around a lot on Sunday. Goff was swarmed in key moments, especially in the strip sack play, and there was a lot of penalties by the O-line that really hurt the team’s momentum. OL Jamil Demby came in for an injured OL Austin Blythe and did the best he could, but he’s clearly a backup and played like one. However, the line did an admirable job in keeping the offensive moving and got better as the game went on.

Defensive Line
A

Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images
I don’t care if DE Aaron Donald had a sack or not. He put fear in the hearts of the New Orleans Saints. He was everywhere in the first half, breaking through and wrecking havoc. And DT Sebastian Joseph-Day and DE Michael Brockers also had solid games, putting a lid on the Saints rushing attack (only 57 yards total).

Linebackers
A

Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
The linebackers, probably least lauded unit on the LA Rams team, showed up and shut down the Saints offense. OLB Clay Matthews got himself another easy sack and OLB Dante Fowler Jr. broke through the blockers when he needed to. ILB Cory Littleton came back to Earth, but if he hadn’t dropped that easy inception, we’d be selling a different tune. Long story short, these guys have a great game in what was a very weird game.

Defensive Backs
A

Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

Between QB Drew Brees and QB Teddy Bridgewater, the Saints only threw for 187 yards and no touchdowns. WR Michael Thomas was the only one who had himself a big game with 10 catches and 89 yards, but for Thomas, that’s pretty pedestrian. Props to S Taylor Rapp for his succinct tackles — he’s a good one.

Special Teams
B+

Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
WR Jojo Natson had some moments where he put the Rams in bad field position, but his 32 yard punt return really helped with the momentum of the game and the crowd ate it up. And K Greg Zuerlein went 2 for 2.

Coaching
B

Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
Coach Sean McVay sometimes goes for the clever play when fans want a traditional smash mouth approach when the Rams are in the red zone. That screen pass to Hygz was maybe oeverthinking things when he could have just pushed Brown through the middle. But the Rams put 27 points on the board and McVay had a lot to do with that.

Refs
A+++

Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Chef’s kiss. Couldn’t have called a cleaner game, boys. Loved it.

Los Angeles Rams vs. New Orleans Saints: Report card doles out worst grade to offensive line

The rematch in LA was a lot of things and a lot of penalties. And now the grades are in.

www.turfshowtimes.com

 

[Merlin]

Coaching is an A+ IMO. Their gameplan had the Saints' weapons blanketed defensively and brilliantly used our trio of safeties. And McVay's adjustment to his OL leaking defenders was brilliant with a heavy dose of pitch/outside run plays.

Also I'm good with the QB grade but IMO that was one gritty performance today for Jared. Really proud of him.

 

[Ramlock]

needed a better performance than this against an average defensive line.

Doesn’t match my assessment of the Saints Dline

 

[…..]

Joey the Jerk should apply to be the Rams beat writer lol