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You and me both. That was 2010. Ironically in his rookie season Suh recorded his only career interception off of....wait for it...Sam Bradford.
25 most important Rams for 2018
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You and me both. That was 2010. Ironically in his rookie season Suh recorded his only career interception off of....wait for it...Sam Bradford.
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I was part of team Suh as well until we picked SB. Then I was all in on getting our QB of the future. Neither one has brought their teams to the promise land. That ends now.
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https://theramswire.usatoday.com/20...ms-andrew-whitworth-most-important-players-2/
25 most important Rams for 2018 – No. 4: LT Andrew Whitworth
Cameron DaSilva
Jared Goff was sacked an astounding 26 times in seven games as a rookie. He was put on his back more often than just about any quarterback in the league, and it’s not just because he held the ball too long.
The Los Angeles Rams’ offensive line was abysmal in 2016, potentially the worst unit in football. The coaches and front office knew it, which is why they went out and got Andrew Whitworth and John Sullivan last offseason.
The addition of Whitworth paid major dividends, keeping Goff confident that he wouldn’t be pressured from his blindside. Despite being 36 years old now, Whitworth is still a premier left tackle.
LT Andrew Whitworth
2017 stats: 15 games, 5 penalties against, 80.0 PFF grade (No. 11 offensive tackle)
Whitworth is the oldest offensive lineman in the league, but you wouldn’t know it watching him on Sundays or on the practice field. He’s often the one leading sprints down the field and can always be found in the gym staying healthy and in shape. It’s why he’s able to play as long as he has.
His value to the Rams is immeasurable. In addition to being the all-important left tackle on an offensive line with few weak spots, he’s also a leader – a captain for the second straight year. He may not be the Rams’ best player or the top left tackle in the NFL – even though he was a first-team All-Pro last season – but he’s incredibly important to Los Angeles.
Whitworth knows he’s nearing the end of his career. It’s just inevitable at the age of 36. With retirement coming soon, he’s helping teach his heir, likely Joseph Noteboom, about playing the left tackle position. That’s invaluable for a team.
If the Rams were to lose Whitworth to any sort of long-term injury, they would be in serious trouble. Yes, Noteboom looked good in the preseason, but he’s no Whitworth. We saw how the Rams’ second- and third-team offensive lines played in the exhibition games and while Noteboom wasn’t the one to blame, it wasn’t pretty.
Protecting Goff is priority No. 1 for the offensive line, but opening up holes for Todd Gurley is 1A. Whitworth was excellent on screens last season, which was a huge part of the Rams’ offense.
25 most important Rams for 2018 – No. 4: LT Andrew Whitworth
Cameron DaSilva
Jared Goff was sacked an astounding 26 times in seven games as a rookie. He was put on his back more often than just about any quarterback in the league, and it’s not just because he held the ball too long.
The Los Angeles Rams’ offensive line was abysmal in 2016, potentially the worst unit in football. The coaches and front office knew it, which is why they went out and got Andrew Whitworth and John Sullivan last offseason.
The addition of Whitworth paid major dividends, keeping Goff confident that he wouldn’t be pressured from his blindside. Despite being 36 years old now, Whitworth is still a premier left tackle.
LT Andrew Whitworth
2017 stats: 15 games, 5 penalties against, 80.0 PFF grade (No. 11 offensive tackle)
Whitworth is the oldest offensive lineman in the league, but you wouldn’t know it watching him on Sundays or on the practice field. He’s often the one leading sprints down the field and can always be found in the gym staying healthy and in shape. It’s why he’s able to play as long as he has.
His value to the Rams is immeasurable. In addition to being the all-important left tackle on an offensive line with few weak spots, he’s also a leader – a captain for the second straight year. He may not be the Rams’ best player or the top left tackle in the NFL – even though he was a first-team All-Pro last season – but he’s incredibly important to Los Angeles.
Whitworth knows he’s nearing the end of his career. It’s just inevitable at the age of 36. With retirement coming soon, he’s helping teach his heir, likely Joseph Noteboom, about playing the left tackle position. That’s invaluable for a team.
If the Rams were to lose Whitworth to any sort of long-term injury, they would be in serious trouble. Yes, Noteboom looked good in the preseason, but he’s no Whitworth. We saw how the Rams’ second- and third-team offensive lines played in the exhibition games and while Noteboom wasn’t the one to blame, it wasn’t pretty.
Protecting Goff is priority No. 1 for the offensive line, but opening up holes for Todd Gurley is 1A. Whitworth was excellent on screens last season, which was a huge part of the Rams’ offense.
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https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2018/09/07/nfl-rams-aaron-donald-most-important-players-2018/
25 most important Rams for 2018 – No. 3: DT Aaron Donald
By: Cameron DaSilva
The Los Angeles Rams made headlines all offseason thanks to their blockbuster trades, high-profile signings and skyrocketing expectations for the 2018 season. Yet, through all of the excitement stood one lingering question: When would Aaron Donald get paid? First it was Brandin Cooks, then came Todd Gurley. The Rams even gave Rob Havenstein a large extension, making fans wonder even more when Donald would get his.
Well, Donald was made the highest-paid defender in NFL history last week – if only for a day – when the Rams gave him $135 million for six seasons with $87 million guaranteed. Gone were the questions about whether he would show up for Week 1, or if the Rams would ever sign him to a multi-year deal.
Now, he’s back and ready to go and a huge part of the 2018 season.
DT Aaron Donald
2017 stats: 14 games, 41 tackles, 11 sacks, 1 PDef, 5 FF, 91 QB pressures, 94.4 PFF grade (No. 1 interior defender)
Having Donald as the Rams’ third-most important player might seem controversial. It might upset some fans who will argue that he’s the team’s best player. It’s not wrong to attach those superlatives to Donald’s name, but remember one thing: “most important” isn’t the same as “best.”
There’s no doubt Donald is the Rams’ best player. Heck, he might be the most dominant force anywhere in the NFL. However, he’s not the most important player on the team. That title goes to someone who will be named on Sunday.
That being said, Donald is crucial to the success of Los Angeles. With so much uncertainty at outside linebacker, the Rams need both Donald and Ndamukong Suh to be dominant up front, generating pressure on the interior consistently. If that doesn’t happen, the Rams will be in trouble when it comes to sacking the quarterback.
Fortunately, Donald and Suh are two of the best at their position. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year led the NFL with 91 quarterback pressures, an unheard-of number for a defensive tackle, especially in only 14 games. There’s no telling what he’ll do in a 16-game season with an All-Pro like Suh playing next to him.
There’s a chance he sets the single-season sacks record for a defensive tackle by eclipsing 18 in 2018, which just goes to show how good he is. There’s a legitimate possibility he leads the NFL in sacks from his defensive tackle position. That shouldn’t happen.
If Donald were to get hurt, it would be a significant blow for the Rams. Replacing him wouldn’t be easy, but they’re stacked enough up front with Suh, Michael Brockers and Ethan Westbrooks that they’d be able to overcome it.
It wouldn’t be easy, but they could do it. Here’s to hoping he plays all 16 games and sets the world on fire in his first season with long-term financial stability.
25 most important Rams for 2018 – No. 3: DT Aaron Donald
By: Cameron DaSilva
The Los Angeles Rams made headlines all offseason thanks to their blockbuster trades, high-profile signings and skyrocketing expectations for the 2018 season. Yet, through all of the excitement stood one lingering question: When would Aaron Donald get paid? First it was Brandin Cooks, then came Todd Gurley. The Rams even gave Rob Havenstein a large extension, making fans wonder even more when Donald would get his.
Well, Donald was made the highest-paid defender in NFL history last week – if only for a day – when the Rams gave him $135 million for six seasons with $87 million guaranteed. Gone were the questions about whether he would show up for Week 1, or if the Rams would ever sign him to a multi-year deal.
Now, he’s back and ready to go and a huge part of the 2018 season.
DT Aaron Donald
2017 stats: 14 games, 41 tackles, 11 sacks, 1 PDef, 5 FF, 91 QB pressures, 94.4 PFF grade (No. 1 interior defender)
Having Donald as the Rams’ third-most important player might seem controversial. It might upset some fans who will argue that he’s the team’s best player. It’s not wrong to attach those superlatives to Donald’s name, but remember one thing: “most important” isn’t the same as “best.”
There’s no doubt Donald is the Rams’ best player. Heck, he might be the most dominant force anywhere in the NFL. However, he’s not the most important player on the team. That title goes to someone who will be named on Sunday.
That being said, Donald is crucial to the success of Los Angeles. With so much uncertainty at outside linebacker, the Rams need both Donald and Ndamukong Suh to be dominant up front, generating pressure on the interior consistently. If that doesn’t happen, the Rams will be in trouble when it comes to sacking the quarterback.
Fortunately, Donald and Suh are two of the best at their position. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year led the NFL with 91 quarterback pressures, an unheard-of number for a defensive tackle, especially in only 14 games. There’s no telling what he’ll do in a 16-game season with an All-Pro like Suh playing next to him.
There’s a chance he sets the single-season sacks record for a defensive tackle by eclipsing 18 in 2018, which just goes to show how good he is. There’s a legitimate possibility he leads the NFL in sacks from his defensive tackle position. That shouldn’t happen.
If Donald were to get hurt, it would be a significant blow for the Rams. Replacing him wouldn’t be easy, but they’re stacked enough up front with Suh, Michael Brockers and Ethan Westbrooks that they’d be able to overcome it.
It wouldn’t be easy, but they could do it. Here’s to hoping he plays all 16 games and sets the world on fire in his first season with long-term financial stability.
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https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2018/09/08/nfl-rams-roster-players-todd-gurley-most-important/
25 most important Rams for 2018 – No. 2: RB Todd Gurley
By: Cameron DaSilva
There were several reasons for the Los Angeles Rams’ success last season. Sean McVay’s brilliance helped take the offense from worst to first, Jared Goff became a Pro Bowl quarterback and Aaron Donald was the Defensive Player of the Year.
However, as important as all of those factors were, the resurgence of Todd Gurley at running back may have been the greatest difference-maker of all. He went from struggling mightily in 2016 to becoming the Offensive Player of the Year last season, leading the league in yards from scrimmage and touchdowns.
With just two days until the Rams kick off their 2018 season, Gurley checks in as the team’s second-most important player.
RB Todd Gurley
2017 stats: 279 carries, 1,305 yards rushing, 13 TDs; 64 Rec, 788 yards, 6 TDs, 82.6 PFF grade (No. 4 RB)
Gurley didn’t win NFL MVP last season, but he very easily could’ve been the most valuable non-quarterback in the league. After all, he finished second in MVP voting to Tom Brady, a quarterback.
Putting Gurley over Donald on this list might raise some eyebrows from fans, but remember: This is about importance, not skill. While both players are incredibly valuable to the Rams, Gurley is more important and crucial to their success this season.
If he were to get hurt, the offense would have to completely change. Sure, John Kelly looked good in the preseason and has the ability to be an every-down back, but no one in their right mind would compare him to Gurley. He’s nowhere near the receiver that Gurley is and can’t protect the quarterback the way Todd can.
Malcolm Brown doesn’t offer nearly the same explosiveness or playmaking ability, so he wouldn’t be a viable replacement. Of course, irreplaceability isn’t the only factor in a player’s value, but it’s impossible to deny how important Gurley is to the Rams – even if he plays a position that’s supposedly been “devalued” by teams.
Losing Gurley would put more pressure on Goff’s shoulders, which isn’t what the Rams want to do this season. McVay wants to ride Gurley all season long, giving him 20-30 touches per game. we’ve seen what he can do when given ample opportunities, so why not continue to use the formula that worked so well in 2017?
You’d be hard-pressed to find a non-quarterback more important to his team than Gurley is to the Rams.
25 most important Rams for 2018 – No. 2: RB Todd Gurley
By: Cameron DaSilva
There were several reasons for the Los Angeles Rams’ success last season. Sean McVay’s brilliance helped take the offense from worst to first, Jared Goff became a Pro Bowl quarterback and Aaron Donald was the Defensive Player of the Year.
However, as important as all of those factors were, the resurgence of Todd Gurley at running back may have been the greatest difference-maker of all. He went from struggling mightily in 2016 to becoming the Offensive Player of the Year last season, leading the league in yards from scrimmage and touchdowns.
With just two days until the Rams kick off their 2018 season, Gurley checks in as the team’s second-most important player.
RB Todd Gurley
2017 stats: 279 carries, 1,305 yards rushing, 13 TDs; 64 Rec, 788 yards, 6 TDs, 82.6 PFF grade (No. 4 RB)
Gurley didn’t win NFL MVP last season, but he very easily could’ve been the most valuable non-quarterback in the league. After all, he finished second in MVP voting to Tom Brady, a quarterback.
Putting Gurley over Donald on this list might raise some eyebrows from fans, but remember: This is about importance, not skill. While both players are incredibly valuable to the Rams, Gurley is more important and crucial to their success this season.
If he were to get hurt, the offense would have to completely change. Sure, John Kelly looked good in the preseason and has the ability to be an every-down back, but no one in their right mind would compare him to Gurley. He’s nowhere near the receiver that Gurley is and can’t protect the quarterback the way Todd can.
Malcolm Brown doesn’t offer nearly the same explosiveness or playmaking ability, so he wouldn’t be a viable replacement. Of course, irreplaceability isn’t the only factor in a player’s value, but it’s impossible to deny how important Gurley is to the Rams – even if he plays a position that’s supposedly been “devalued” by teams.
Losing Gurley would put more pressure on Goff’s shoulders, which isn’t what the Rams want to do this season. McVay wants to ride Gurley all season long, giving him 20-30 touches per game. we’ve seen what he can do when given ample opportunities, so why not continue to use the formula that worked so well in 2017?
You’d be hard-pressed to find a non-quarterback more important to his team than Gurley is to the Rams.
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https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2018/09/09/nfl-rams-jared-goff-players-roster-most-important/
Rams' most important player in 2018: QB Jared Goff
By: Cameron DaSilva
Everyone knows the NFL is a quarterback-driven league. In addition to finding one, teams have to protect their quarterback, surround him with weapons and get after the other team’s. A large portion of success in today’s game comes from those aspects of roster building.
Now, there are instances where a team wins without having an elite-level quarterback. It doesn’t happen often, but the Eagles won a Super Bowl with backup Nick Foles last season, so it does occur here and there.
The Rams came up short in 2017 after a remarkable season, struggling in their first postseason game since 2004. Jared Goff helped get the Rams to that point, but in 2018, he has to take them to the next level.
It’s why he’s the team’s most important player heading into this season.
QB Jared Goff
2017 stats: 15 games, 296/477 (62.1%), 28 TDs, 7 INT, 100.5 passer rating, 75.6 PFF grade (No. 15 QB)
Goff made his first Pro Bowl last season thanks to a stellar 100.5 passer rating and 28 touchdown passes, which both ranked fifth in the NFL. He played extremely well all season long, managing each game and getting the ball in the hands of his playmakers, which he had plenty of.
He didn’t lose the Rams any games a year ago as he turned it over just 10 times (three lost fumbles), which is a very low number for a quarterback in 15 games. Compare that to his nine turnovers in seven games as a rookie and it’s easy to see his development.
However, as steady as Goff was last season, he wasn’t among the game’s elite passers. He had just one fourth-quarter comeback – the first of his career – and wasn’t asked to carry the Rams from behind very often. That’s not completely his fault, but in the first Seahawks game, he was unable to finish the Rams’ final drive off for a touchdown.
Those are the games Goff has to win. With so many difficult teams on the schedule, it’s likely that he’ll be asked to throw the ball 30-plus times fairly often, particularly late in games with the score close or Los Angeles trailing. If he can show he has that clutch gene and can win games late the way Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees do, it’ll put him in a new class of quarterbacks.
Even still, he’s the Rams’ most important player heading into this season. after seeing Sean Mannion and Brandon Allen struggle miserably in the preseason, there’s no guarantee the Rams would win a single game with either guy under center. With Goff, they could possibly win all 16.
That’s terrifying for Sean McVay and the coaching staff to think about.
Goff has to stay healthy all season long if the Rams want to get anywhere. It’s why McVay held him and the rest of the offense out all preseason. He cannot afford to get hurt or the team is completely doomed. He’s the Rams’ most important player not only health-wise, but skill-wise, too.
If he regresses at all, the offense won’t be nearly as effective and it could cost Los Angeles wins.
Rams' most important player in 2018: QB Jared Goff
By: Cameron DaSilva
Everyone knows the NFL is a quarterback-driven league. In addition to finding one, teams have to protect their quarterback, surround him with weapons and get after the other team’s. A large portion of success in today’s game comes from those aspects of roster building.
Now, there are instances where a team wins without having an elite-level quarterback. It doesn’t happen often, but the Eagles won a Super Bowl with backup Nick Foles last season, so it does occur here and there.
The Rams came up short in 2017 after a remarkable season, struggling in their first postseason game since 2004. Jared Goff helped get the Rams to that point, but in 2018, he has to take them to the next level.
It’s why he’s the team’s most important player heading into this season.
QB Jared Goff
2017 stats: 15 games, 296/477 (62.1%), 28 TDs, 7 INT, 100.5 passer rating, 75.6 PFF grade (No. 15 QB)
Goff made his first Pro Bowl last season thanks to a stellar 100.5 passer rating and 28 touchdown passes, which both ranked fifth in the NFL. He played extremely well all season long, managing each game and getting the ball in the hands of his playmakers, which he had plenty of.
He didn’t lose the Rams any games a year ago as he turned it over just 10 times (three lost fumbles), which is a very low number for a quarterback in 15 games. Compare that to his nine turnovers in seven games as a rookie and it’s easy to see his development.
However, as steady as Goff was last season, he wasn’t among the game’s elite passers. He had just one fourth-quarter comeback – the first of his career – and wasn’t asked to carry the Rams from behind very often. That’s not completely his fault, but in the first Seahawks game, he was unable to finish the Rams’ final drive off for a touchdown.
Those are the games Goff has to win. With so many difficult teams on the schedule, it’s likely that he’ll be asked to throw the ball 30-plus times fairly often, particularly late in games with the score close or Los Angeles trailing. If he can show he has that clutch gene and can win games late the way Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees do, it’ll put him in a new class of quarterbacks.
Even still, he’s the Rams’ most important player heading into this season. after seeing Sean Mannion and Brandon Allen struggle miserably in the preseason, there’s no guarantee the Rams would win a single game with either guy under center. With Goff, they could possibly win all 16.
That’s terrifying for Sean McVay and the coaching staff to think about.
Goff has to stay healthy all season long if the Rams want to get anywhere. It’s why McVay held him and the rest of the offense out all preseason. He cannot afford to get hurt or the team is completely doomed. He’s the Rams’ most important player not only health-wise, but skill-wise, too.
If he regresses at all, the offense won’t be nearly as effective and it could cost Los Angeles wins.
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What the hell was he supposed to do, throw it, run down field and help Kupp catch it?