Rams by the numbers: Notable performances through first 8 games

[ROD-BOT]

By the numbers: Notable individual and team performances through the Rams' first eight games

TheRams.com takes a bye week look back at some of the top individual and team efforts statistically from the first half of the 2020 season.

www.therams.com

By the numbers: Notable individual and team performances through the Rams' first eight games

Continuing our bye week look-backs, theRams.com compiled a by-the-numbers breakdown of some of the notable individual and team performances through the first eight games of the 2020 season.

14,494: Career passing yards for quarterback Jared Goff after throwing for 267 against the Eagles in Week 2, passing Rams legend Kurt Warner for fifth place on the franchise's career passing list.

2,145: Total passing yards by Goff. At the same juncture last season, he had 2,367.

1,102: Total rushing yards by the Rams as a team. That's 324 more than they had halfway through the 2019 season.

527: Receiving yards by wide receiver Cooper Kupp, most on the team. Wide receiver Robert Woods is second with 436, but has a team-high four receiving touchdowns to Kupp's two.

478: Total yards of offense against the Bills, most a in single game for the Rams so far this season.

284 to 251: Number of pass attempts to number of rushing attempts. Midway through the 2019 season, the Rams had 315 pass attempts to 199 rush attempts.

188: First downs gained by the Rams offense, sixth-most in the NFL. The Cowboys lead the league with 207.

114: Rushing yards by running back Darrell Henderson Jr. against the Bills, the first 100-yard game of his career. Including his six receiving yards, it also marked his second-straight game with 120 yards from scrimmage.

108: Total yards allowed by the Rams defense against Washington, fewest in a single game so far.

79: Rushing yards by running back Malcolm Brown against the Cowboys. That total, along with his 18 carries, marked new career-highs.

59: Total tackles by linebacker Micah Kiser, in his first season as a full-time starter. That's most among Rams defensive players.

44.0: Percent of third down attempts converted by the Rams offense, tied with the Panthers and the Ravens for the 10th-highest third down success rate in the NFL.

40: Defensive penalties committed, tied with Washington for 12th-fewest in the NFL. However, the 334 yards accumulated from those penalties is ninth-fewest in the league.

33.3: Percent of third down attempts converted by Rams opponents, tied with the Dolphins for second-lowest allowed in the NFL.

33: Offensive penalties committed, fourth-fewest in the league behind the Dolphins (31), Texans (30) and Patriots (20).

9: Sacks by defensive lineman Aaron Donald, most on the Rams and tied with Browns defensive end Myles Garrett for most in the league.

6: Pressures allowed by offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF).

4: Sacks by Donald against Washington, tying his career-high for a single game. Offensively, it's also the number of players with at least 100 yards rushing on the season. Henderson has 458, Brown 314, running back Cam Akers 148 and Woods 108.

3: Touchdown catches against the Eagles for tight end Tyler Higbee, who became the first Rams player since Torry Holt in 2006 to achieve the feat.

2: Interceptions by cornerback Darious Williams, most on the team.

1: The Rams have the No. 1 total defense in the NFL, holding opponents to a league-low 291.9 yards of offense per game.

0: Sacks allowed by Whitworth, per PFF.

 

[FrantikRam]

The last time the Rams had the number one defense in the NFL halfway through the season?

Super impressed with Staley and the defense.

On the flip side, no team has shut down Seattle, so if we hold them under 30 I think the defense will have done it's job - hope people don't overreact to the defense giving up some points to Seattle and Tampa

 

[dieterbrock]

Left out possibly the most impressive number of the season, 26
Only 26 points allowed in the 2nd half all season. (14 in 1 game)

 

[dieterbrock]

6: Pressures allowed by offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF).

Just curious, because I generally dont care what Pfft says, is that number high or low? Frankly, Whit to me has been marginal this season and I fear his end of season swoon has begun prematurely.

 

[BonifayRam]

Breaking Down First Half Of 2020 NFL Season With Letter Grades For Each Rams Unit

Breaking Down First Half Of 2020 NFL Season With Letter Grades For Each Rams Unit

Breaking down the first half of the 2020 NFL season for the Los Angeles Rams with letter grades for each unit.

ramsnewswire.com

Despite the major turnover to the roster this offseason, the Los Angeles Rams (5-3) find themselves in a solid position heading into the second half of the 2020 NFL season after their bye in Week 8.

With the NFC West proving to be the most competitive division in football, the bye week could not have come at a more ideal time for the Rams to rest and recuperate. They are going to need every edge they can get as they prepare for a grueling four-game stretch that will feature matchups with the Seattle Seahawks (6-2), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-3), San Francisco 49ers (4-5) and the Arizona Cardinals (5-3).

Fortunately, L.A. has benefitted from an overall healthy roster amid the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. While some growing pains were to be expected with so many young players taking on key roles, the time has now come for them to kick things up a notch.

With the second half of the season about to get underway, here is a breakdown of how each of the Rams’ units have fared so far this season.

Offense: C+
Although the metrics would indicate that the Rams’ offense is enjoying a productive year, the numbers have not translated where it matters. This group is putting up the eighth-most total yards per game (396.4), however, they are in the bottom-12 in points per game (24.1).

Their commitment to establishing the run has certainly paid some dividends and the looming return of offensive lineman Joseph Noteboom provides another silver lining. Regardless, head coach Sean McVay will need to get his offense to start pulling their weight if they are going to make it out of the division.

Jared Goff’s play has improved in 2020, but his four-turnover performance in Week 8 against the Miami Dolphins came at a rough time and he will need to get back to playing quality football in the second half of the year.

Defense: A
It is no secret that the defense has been nothing short of spectacular through the first eight games of the season giving up the fewest yards (291.9) and third-fewest points per game (t-19.0). They have also managed to alleviate the early concerns with the pass rush with 25 sacks so far.

Defensive coordinator Brandon Staley has done a stellar job of utilizing the healthy balance of veteran experience and young talent on his side of the ball. This group was dealt some critical blows with the loss of linebacker Travin Howard and defensive back Terrell Burgess, but the return of safety Jordan Fuller and defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson should provide a major boost.

As usual, Aaron Donald is having another spectacular season to lead the way for L.A. that could lead to his third NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in the last four seasons.

Special Teams: C
The loss of kicker Greg Zuerlein this offseason left a notable void in the special teams and his absence was magnified by the struggles of rookie Samuel Sloman. Sloman has since effectively been replaced by Kai Forbath, who missed a crucial 48-yard attempt in his debut versus the Dolphins.

The efforts of punter Johnny Hekker have been the saving grace for this group when it comes to avoiding a failing grade. Regardless, the onus will fall on Forbath to pick up the slack before it comes back to haunt them.

 

[Classic Rams]

The last time the Rams had the number one defense in the NFL halfway through the season?

Hard to gauge the halfway point.

Have a few numbers for end of season though. They could've been close to 1st by the halfway point in the 2 seasons listed below.

2001: Rams defense was 3rd in yards allowed.
1978: Rams defense was 1st in yards allowed.

Honorable mention:
1985, 86, 88 Rams were a top 10 defense in yards allowed under DC Fritz Shurmur. Since 1988 the only times they ended the season top 10 in that category were 1998 (10th), 1999 (6th), 2001 (3rd), and 2016 (9th).

13th: The Rams highest defense rank in yards allowed under Wade (2019).

That vaunted 1985 Bears defense that everyone loves to bring up: 1st in yards allowed. (no surprise)

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

Breaking Down First Half Of 2020 NFL Season With Letter Grades For Each Rams Unit
View attachment 40767

Breaking Down First Half Of 2020 NFL Season With Letter Grades For Each Rams Unit

Breaking down the first half of the 2020 NFL season for the Los Angeles Rams with letter grades for each unit.

ramsnewswire.com

Despite the major turnover to the roster this offseason, the Los Angeles Rams (5-3) find themselves in a solid position heading into the second half of the 2020 NFL season after their bye in Week 8.

With the NFC West proving to be the most competitive division in football, the bye week could not have come at a more ideal time for the Rams to rest and recuperate. They are going to need every edge they can get as they prepare for a grueling four-game stretch that will feature matchups with the Seattle Seahawks (6-2), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-3), San Francisco 49ers (4-5) and the Arizona Cardinals (5-3).

Fortunately, L.A. has benefitted from an overall healthy roster amid the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. While some growing pains were to be expected with so many young players taking on key roles, the time has now come for them to kick things up a notch.

With the second half of the season about to get underway, here is a breakdown of how each of the Rams’ units have fared so far this season.

Offense: C+
Although the metrics would indicate that the Rams’ offense is enjoying a productive year, the numbers have not translated where it matters. This group is putting up the eighth-most total yards per game (396.4), however, they are in the bottom-12 in points per game (24.1).

Their commitment to establishing the run has certainly paid some dividends and the looming return of offensive lineman Joseph Noteboom provides another silver lining. Regardless, head coach Sean McVay will need to get his offense to start pulling their weight if they are going to make it out of the division.

Jared Goff’s play has improved in 2020, but his four-turnover performance in Week 8 against the Miami Dolphins came at a rough time and he will need to get back to playing quality football in the second half of the year.

Defense: A
It is no secret that the defense has been nothing short of spectacular through the first eight games of the season giving up the fewest yards (291.9) and third-fewest points per game (t-19.0). They have also managed to alleviate the early concerns with the pass rush with 25 sacks so far.

Defensive coordinator Brandon Staley has done a stellar job of utilizing the healthy balance of veteran experience and young talent on his side of the ball. This group was dealt some critical blows with the loss of linebacker Travin Howard and defensive back Terrell Burgess, but the return of safety Jordan Fuller and defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson should provide a major boost.

As usual, Aaron Donald is having another spectacular season to lead the way for L.A. that could lead to his third NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in the last four seasons.

Special Teams: C
The loss of kicker Greg Zuerlein this offseason left a notable void in the special teams and his absence was magnified by the struggles of rookie Samuel Sloman. Sloman has since effectively been replaced by Kai Forbath, who missed a crucial 48-yard attempt in his debut versus the Dolphins.

The efforts of punter Johnny Hekker have been the saving grace for this group when it comes to avoiding a failing grade. Regardless, the onus will fall on Forbath to pick up the slack before it comes back to haunt them.

So Noteboom's return provides a silver lining.

 

[BonifayRam]

So Noteboom's return provides a silver lining.

Sure would not be the type of description that I would use either Elmgrovegnome.

"and the looming return of offensive lineman Joseph Noteboom provides another sign of hope in an unfortunate or gloomy situation & a bright prospect".

Joseph Noteboom was not a bright prospect while playing LG. After his departure, I was of the certain impression that the OL was far from being a gloomy situation.

 

[MrRiceGuyRJ]

Random question. I was reviewing some of the stats on NFL.com and noticed that Donald is listed as a DE. Is he lining up as a DE in our system? I always viewed him as an interior DT. When I was looking at the sack leaders, I found it amazing what he does as a DT, but then saw him listed as a DE.

NFL.com | Official Site of the National Football League

The official source for NFL news, video highlights, fantasy football, game-day coverage, schedules, stats, scores and more.

www.nfl.com

 

[Memento]

Random question. I was reviewing some of the stats on NFL.com and noticed that Donald is listed as a DE. Is he lining up as a DE in our system? I always viewed him as an interior DT. When I was looking at the sack leaders, I found it amazing what he does as a DT, but then saw him listed as a DE.

NFL.com | Official Site of the National Football League

The official source for NFL news, video highlights, fantasy football, game-day coverage, schedules, stats, scores and more.

www.nfl.com

He’s a 3-4 DE, but mostly lines up against interior O-linemen.

 

[CGI_Ram]

If I want to be greedy; the Rams defense has 6 INT’s, where the 3 teams leading the league have 11.

So, more INT’s the second half.

If Robinson helps slow the run even more, we may get our chances.