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PFF Grades and notes from Rams’ second-straight preseason win
The top offensive grades went to multiple TE’s and linemen
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Top five grades on offense:
1 - Nikola Kalinic, TE: 91.0
Tight end Miller Forristall caught the game-winning pass from Stetson Bennett last week, and in this game it was Kalinic’s turn to make his case for sticking around on the Rams’ roster or practice squad. This week he caught both of his targets for 34 yards, including a long of 22. The long reception was an inaccurate throw by Bennett at the TE’s feet, and Kalinic was nimble and somehow brought the ball in.
2 - Davis Allen, TE: 75.0
From what we’ve seen from Davis Allen so far in his relatively short career and how the Rams typically approach the preseason, I don’t think he’s someone that would ordinarily participate in the exhibition games. I think he involvement this year is more due to a numbers crunch at the tight end position while Tyler Higbee rehabs an injury and starter Colby Parkinson sits out. That leaves Allen and Hunter Long active and only Kalinic and Miller Forristall behind them. Allen caught two of his four targets for 13 yards, though Bennett put the ball in some unfavorable positions for the TE.
3 - Beaux Limmer, C: 75.0
Limmer has been solid this preseason so far. Last week he left early with a thumb injury that is clearly not a major concern. Having depth at center is a huge positive, though it’s fair to wonder how Limmer fits into the long-term plans considering second-year center Steve Avila just moved from guard to center and the Rams committed hefty financial investments at both guard positions in Jonah Jackson and Kevin Dotson.
4 - Mike McAlister, C: 73.1
OK, first things first. I put McAlister on the “losers” list following Saturday night’s game that that was unfair to his performance. I initially thought that Limmer was noticeably better than McAlister, but the PFF grades suggest McAlister was still one of LA’s better linemen of the game. Being three deep at center is a champagne problem, and if McAlister can’t stick around on the Rams’ roster he will surely find a spot elsewhere. There is a shortage of quality offensive linemen around the NFL.
5 - JJ Lapp, WR: 73.0
Lapp caught the game-winning touchdown from Bennett, getting behind the defense to haul on the 47-yard score. He also caught another pass for three yards after not recording a reception in the first preseason game.
Lapp was a favorite amongst fans in this year’s UDFA class, but until he caught the fourth quarter touchdown Drake Stoops and Sam Wiglusz had made more noise. This group is battling for a practice squad slot that may or may not exist in LA.
Other notes on offense:
Stetson Bennett had another inconsistent outing, and that was reflected in his PFF grade of 44.4. PFF credited him with one big-time throw and three turnover-worthy plays. If you are looking for a silver lining, that’s one fewer turnover-worthy play than he committed last week. Bennett also lost a fumble and earned a grade in that facet of 27.5.Top five grades on defense:
1 - Omar Speights, MLB: 89.1
Speights was all over the field versus the Chargers and played an important role in holding the other occupant of SoFi Stadium to just three field goals overall. He was also active on special teams and had a big hit on the Chargers’ returner in the first quarter. PFF credit Speights with five run stops and seven tackles. In coverage he was targeted four times, allowing three receptions for 25 yards. His coverage grade of 68.1 appears to have been his lone weak spot against the Chargers.
2 - Ochaun Mathis, OLB: 87.7
Rookie OLB Brennan Jackson has sat out of the preseason so far, which means he’s running ahead of Mathis and Nick Hampton on the depth chart. Last week against the Cowboys it was Hampton that stood out at outside linebacker, but this week Mathis seems to have made his presence felt. Mathis had nine pass rush opportunities but did not record a pressure, though he still graded out positively at 79.5. On two coverage snaps he earned a mark of 86.3 and on his only target allowed a reception for a loss of two yards.
3 - Cory Durden, NT: 84.6
The Rams have been stout against the run the last two weeks and probably an individual who deserves a lot of credit for that is nose tackle Cory Durden. While it’s tough to see the team finding room to keep Durden on the roster, it is nice to have players who are solid in a niche role around in case the defense struggles to stop the run or in case of injury along the interior. Recently signed defensive tackle Carlos Watkins also graded well in his Rams debut at 79.1 on 28 snaps.
4 - Jason Taylor, DB: 84.4
Taylor graded well in run defense and coverage, though his tackle grade of 43.4 puts a negative dimple on his report card. He made one tackle and one assist, though he missed his third opportunity to bring down the ball carrier. In coverage he was targeted five times, allowing only two receptions for five yards.
4 - Jake Hummel, MLB: 84.4
Hummel might be LA’s defensive MVP through the last preseason—maybe even last year’s too. He once again fared well in coverage with a mark of 87.7. We know that Hummel will play an important role on special teams this year for the Rams, but at what point will the team feel compelled to point him on the field with the first team defense to utilize his coverage skills?
Other notes on defense:
As touched on under Mathis’ section, second-year OLB didn’t have a good game against the Chargers—managing a grade of just 50.4. it’s possible that he was matched up against the Chargers’ early draft pick at tackle Joe Alt and that could partially explain the drop from last week.
After standing out in his Rams debut against the Cowboys, rookie sixth rounder Tyler Davis fell flat in his second game. PFF gave Davis a grade of 41.6 for his 14-snap effort.
