High Snap Counts for Offensive Starters

[Ram65]

https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2018/09/11/nfl-los-angeles-rams-snap-counts-week-1-raiders/2/
Cameron DaSilva | 20 minutes ago

Not only are the Los Angeles Rams one of the most talented teams in the NFL, they’re also one of the deepest. John Kelly was a stud this preseason behind Todd Gurley, Josh Reynolds is a solid No. 4 wide receiver option and Sam Shields is the team’s No. 4 cornerback.

Those are guys who could possibly start for other teams, but because of the Rams’ top-line talent, they have trouble finding playing time. That was certainly the case on Monday night against the Raiders as the Rams leaned heavily on their first-team offense and defense, hardly going to their backups.

Offense

As you can see, the Rams stuck to their guns in 11 personnel almost exclusively, only giving Gerald Everett and Johnny Mundt seven snaps combined. Malcolm Brown spelled Gurley only four times with Kelly inactive, while Josh Reynolds saw just two measly snaps. They were the only backups on offense to even see the field, keeping Mike Thomas, Pharoh Cooper and other backup linemen on the sideline.

It was bizarre to see Kelly and Justin Davis both on the inactive list, but it’s likely that McVay knew he’d have a fresh Todd Gurley to lean on, lessening the need for backup running backs.

Still, McVay clearly doesn’t feel comfortable giving Everett much playing time. He’s battling his way back from a shoulder injury, but he wasn’t on the injury report and is seemingly healthy. Higbee wasn’t even targeted by Jared Goff, making some wonder why Everett didn’t get much run.

 

[Ram65]

WOW The Thrilling Three Kupp, Woods, and Cooks got 97% of snaps. Higbee got 95% and he blocked well with no targets. Even TG got 94% of snaps. I guess a well rested group can play that much. Hopefully Everett gets more reps and both TE get some targets in the future.

 

[fearsomefour]

WOW The Thrilling Three Kupp, Woods, and Cooks got 97% of snaps. Higbee got 95% and he blocked well with no targets. Even TG got 94% of snaps. I guess a well rested group can play that much. Hopefully Everett gets more reps and both TE get some targets in the future.

I enjoyed Malcolm Brown making the most of his snaps, two catches one for a first down and a couple of runs.....he played more that four snaps also.

 

[Soul Surfer]

And our team actually looked stronger towards the end while the older Raiders team seemed to fade.

I was telling the guys I was watching the game with last night that the Rams look a little rusty but they still have that confident look.
EVERYBODY knew their assignment.

Such a huge difference in confidence level under McVay and his pro level coaches.

 

[Merlin]

Cooks had a great first game in horns. In addition to his 87 yards on 5 receptions, one must also consider the PI penalty impact. I effin love the way that dude plucks the ball out of the air, he's a pro and also goes out of his way to protect it upon contact.

Our top 3 wideouts are going to be very hard to contain with Cooks added to the group. And if they can get one of these TEs going in the passing game it's gonna be sick.

 

[Jorgeh0605]

It's crazy that McVay can do whatever he wants without having to sub in other players. He seems confident his starting 11 can do almost everything. We don't have any real "role" players on this offense anymore.

 

[bubbaramfan]

Tack on another 87 yds to Cooks. Two induced PI's, one for 37 and one for 50.

Cooks was worth 174 yds yesterday.

 

[majrleaged]

WOW The Thrilling Three Kupp, Woods, and Cooks got 97% of snaps. Higbee got 95% and he blocked well with no targets. Even TG got 94% of snaps. I guess a well rested group can play that much. Hopefully Everett gets more reps and both TE get some targets in the future.

I'm sure against the cards, on a short week and a day game in 90 degree heat, we will see much more of the backups.

 

[CGI_Ram]

Tack on another 87 yds to Cooks. Two induced PI's, one for 37 and one for 50.

Cooks was worth 174 yds yesterday.

Big contributor last night, BIG!

He took some shots too, showed toughness.

 

[RamFan503]

I'm sure against the cards, on a short week and a day game in 90 degree heat, we will see much more of the backups.

Won’t it be around 70 being indoors and all?

 

[Faceplant]

Won’t it be around 70 being indoors and all?

I think he meant in LA, as it is a home game.

 

[RamFan503]

I think he meant in LA, as it is a home game.

Right. I thought about that later. Still, I don’t think it will be 90. 89 maybe.

 

[So Ram]

I enjoyed Malcolm Brown making the most of his snaps, two catches one for a first down and a couple of runs.....he played more that four snaps also.

Goff point at him , when he caught a huge 1st dwn pass.

 

[FrantikRam]

Gurley at 94% seems....unnecessary? I'm guessing John Kelly wasn't active because of ST and that's fine, but either he or Malcolm need to see the field more IMO. The goal here is to win a super bowl.