Rams Pro Football Focus tidbits heading into Week 8

[CGI_Ram]

Rams Pro Football Focus tidbits heading into Week 8

www.therams.com

Rams Pro Football Focus tidbits heading into Week 8

Pro Football Focus (PFF) has a team of more than 300 staffers evaluating every NFL play from the Hall of Fame game to the Super Bowl. After each game, players, as well as each team's offensive, defensive and special teams units, are graded on a scale of 0 to 100; the closer a player or unit is to 100, the better. A full explanation of their evaluation process can be found here for additional context.

Here's a look at some of the noteworthy Rams-centric assessments as we approach the halfway point of the 2019 season.

RAPP GETS BIGGER ROLE

The depth chart got shaken up with safety John Johnson III getting put on injured reserve. While his absence created more opportunities for Marqui Christian, rookie Taylor Rapp also saw increased involvement as well.

Per PFF, Rapp played a season-high 54 snaps against the Falcons last week. He was most effective against the run, posting a season-best grade of 68.9 in addition to a season-best 83.6 tackling grade. His 35 snaps in coverage were also most for him in a single game this season.

Before Johnson's injury, defensive coordinator Wade Phillips said Rapp would see time on the field even though he was a backup because Rapp has earned it. It seems that trend will continue.

EDWARDS GRADES OUT WELL IN DEBUT

Making his NFL regular season debut, rookie David Edwards held his own in his first career start.

According to Voice of the Rams J.B. Long, Edwards' overall offensive grade of 60.9 was highest by a Rams left guard this season. Second-year offensive lineman began the year as the starter before suffering a season-ending ACL and MCL injury against the 49ers in Week 6, with Jamil Demby also seeing action at that spot.

Edwards is off to a promising start, and he'll likely have a chance to build on it this week against the Bengals.

FOWLER HAS BEST GAME OF SEASON

Considering how he fared statistically against the Falcons, it likely comes as no surprise that Dante Fowler Jr.'s performance graded out as his best of the season in three key categories.

The former Florida standout posted a 90.9 pass rushing grade, a 90.6 overall defensive grade and a 76.6 run defense grade – all season highs – following his first three-sack game of his career. He also added three tackles for loss and a forced fumble.

Looks like his first game reunited with CB Jalen Ramsey made a big difference.

 

[SteveBrown]

Edwards graded out very, very well in my book. People will not be walking him back to the QB very often.....very strong run blocker, and he has 'enough' athleticism in space (not like Noteboom---however, Note doesn't seem to have intensity to knock those LBers and DBs down, while Edwards does!!!)

 

[TexasRam]

Yeah Edwards turned in an excellent game for a debut. He did get destroyed on one goaline snap and completely missed his blocking assignment on another snap where you see Whitworth correcting him. Outside of that he was excellent.

 

[Soul Surfer]

Yeah Edwards turned in an excellent game for a debut. He did get destroyed on one goaline snap and completely missed his blocking assignment on another snap where you see Whitworth correcting him. Outside of that he was excellent.

It will be hard to get Edwards out of the starting lineup at this rate.

And that's a very, very good thing.

 

[Psycho_X]

Edwards graded out very, very well in my book. People will not be walking him back to the QB very often.....very strong run blocker, and he has 'enough' athleticism in space (not like Noteboom---however, Note doesn't seem to have intensity to knock those LBers and DBs down, while Edwards does!!!)

Hopefully we’re seeing a competent left side of our line being formed. Hopefully Noteboom can get back to 100% and he’d probably take over for Whitworth when he retires with Edwards at LG. That Noteboom injury will probably force them to get an insurance plan in the offseason though.

As for Rapp, dude is going to be a star. Really looking forward to Ramsey and him being paired in the backfield for a long time hopefully.

 

[Jacobarch]

I'm gonna toot my own horn here guys. And a homie toot to @BonifayRam

We called that shit in preseason. You could see how smooth and technical he is. All you have to do is look at his footwork and how steady he is. I hope he turns into a gem and continues to go and takes over that LT spot and dominates for years

 

[Malibu]

Look I am NOT against Edwards, but we played a 1-6 team that has almost no rush ability and their best dlman Jarrett was in and out of the game half the time injured. Their other best lineman Beasley is constantly mentioned as being on the trading block. So hold off on assessing Edwards until we play a Beard team. If he does good this week I don't want to hear he is the next savior because again look at who we are playing. Not to mention they have slot of key injuries and the worst Rush D in the entire league.

 

[Ram77]

Is Edwards better than Noteboom?

 

[SteveBrown]

Look I am NOT against Edwards, but we played a 1-6 team that has almost no rush ability and their best dlman Jarrett was in and out of the game half the time injured. Their other best lineman Beasley is constantly mentioned as being on the trading block. So hold off on assessing Edwards until we play a Beard team. If he does good this week I don't want to hear he is the next savior because again look at who we are playing. Not to mention they have slot of key injuries and the worst Rush D in the entire league.

I agree in principle with what you are saying...regardless, Edwards looked better than Blythe has looked in all ways...Edwards was a TE and has good feet, and he is smart...the only question did he have the power to be a guard...this game proved that he did...not all those guys sucked on the Falocns....they are NFL players...Edwards is good....yes, he will not do as well against a pro bowler, but I think his feet and power are very high qualty

 

[SteveBrown]

Is Edwards better than Noteboom?

As a guard, I think Edwards is far better. Note was playing high. Note might be as good a pass blocker, but Edwards handles the bull rush better, and Ed wards understands what to do. Actually, Note looked good against he 49ers before he went out.

Also Note gives up at like 2.5 seconds...clearly, play after play. Edwards charges through the whistle.....And, by the way, Note is a great puller, too....I look forward to that from the LT position....and he is better than Edwards as a man in space.

 

[SteveBrown]

Hopefully we’re seeing a competent left side of our line being formed. Hopefully Noteboom can get back to 100% and he’d probably take over for Whitworth when he retires with Edwards at LG. That Noteboom injury will probably force them to get an insurance plan in the offseason though.

Ya, Noteboom doesn't look intense--the way he plays...and if doen't do some intense work that ACL will just never get to where it needs to be in time for 2020....so, in hindsight looking back, they will need insurance....yes, that was some 'fun' english I pulled (italics)...
I believe the whole team is better off with Edwards, and I believe that passionately, but now I wonder about the 2020 LT....would Whit hang around for a small salary to 'start' the year'....no of couse not....this is americka

 

[fearsomefour]

Edwards was solid.
Made some nice blocks and whiffed a few.
Another week for the OL to get better before the challenges start.