PFF Grades LA Rams Preseason Game Two

Well, most fans would probably say that the Los Angeles Rams game last night was very enjoyable. Coach Sean McVay’s fingerprints are clearly all over this team, and it’s exciting to watch, specifically because the Rams have had some bad offensive play of recent. Well, Pro Football Focus has taken a look at the LA Rams and Oakland Raiders game, and they’ve graded it:

TOP 5 GRADES:

S Blake Countess, 86.3 overall grade

QB Jared Goff, 82.7 overall grade

LB Josh Forrest, 82.3 overall grade

TE Cory Harkey, 82.1 overall grade

CB Trumaine Johnson, 81.8 overall grade

Nickel CB Blake Countess apparently had a great night, and even had a pass breakup that almost resulted in an INT. Jared Goff making this list is not surprising in the least. Also, ILB Josh Forrest stood out. He was very active, had multiple tackles, and looks to be recovered of the injury that put him on the IR last season.

QB JARED GOFF, 82.7 OVERALL GRADE

We got to see a full half of Jared Goff in this new Rams offense, and did he ever impress. He played conservatively sure, attempting just four passes more than 10 yards downfield. But he made tough throws when he had to and didn’t force anything or make a bad decision. His adjusted completion percentage of 89.5% is very impressive, and should help Rams fans breathe easier going into Goff’s sophomore season

Yes. All of it. Jared Goff looked excellent, there’s no other way to put it. He was sharp all night, threw no bad throws, and was pinpoint accurate making effective reads and consistently moving the ball. Let’s hope this is a revival.

WR COOPER KUPP, 81.2 OVERALL GRADE

Every quarterback needs a security blanket, and if today was an indication of what’s to come then Cooper Kupp has earned that role for Goff. Kupp caught six of seven passes for 70 yards and a touchdown on the day, good for an impressive 3.68 yards per route run. Every time the Rams needed a big conversion, Goff looked for Kupp and he delivered.

I’d say this was unexpected, but I’d be lying. Kupp has done nothing but impress since strapping on the horns, and things haven’t slowed down one bit for the rookie WR. a 6-70-one yard line is super impressive, regardless of who it comes against. Even more importantly, a lot of his catches were third down conversions. Goff and Kupp are really building a rapport to look out for.

S BLAKE COUNTESS, 86.3 OVERALL GRADE

After starting last season on the Rams’ practice squad before being promoted to the 53 man roster in November, Countess was hoping to stick on the Rams roster again and contribute some time on defense. Performances like Saturday night’s one will help that. Countess was targeted four times allowing two receptions for only 12 yards, only two of which came after the catch. Countess also added in two pass breakups and when he was targeted he allowed a passer rating of only 56.3.

Impressive. Blake Countess lined up as the starter in the nickel CB spot as Nickell Robey-Coleman missed the game, and he was the highest graded Ram from last night according to PFF. These kinds of performance will go a long way to helping Countess crack the Rams roster once again.

CB TRUMAINE JOHNSON, 81.8 OVERALL GRADE

In the offseason, Johnson was hit with the franchise tag by the Rams for the second straight year. Johnson hopes to put together another good season so he can be rewarded with a long term contact next season. He showed that he is capable of being the Rams’ number one cornerback with his solid play in the second pre-season game. In his 13 snaps in coverage, he was only targeted once. He intercepted that pass by cutting off Michael Crabtree’s route and running it for him for an easy pick. Johnson finished with a coverage grade of 81.7.

Great game for the Rams top dog in the secondary. Tru has continually proved he has the skills to be elite, and seems to be off to a good start in the new season. Let’s see if Wade can mold him into an elite cornerback.

There it is, ladies and gents. An impressive performance by the Rams, though there is still work to be done, specifically on the defensive side.