The Los Angeles Rams have a chance to improve to 2-0 this week when Washington comes to town. It will be a much tougher test than last week’s punching bag of a team called the Indianapolis Colts. I’m watching these Rams this week to take my mind off of all the “Sean McVay used to coach the Washington offense” hard hitting narrative. He’s not on this list but you should obviously check out that Goff guy.
CB Lamarcus Joyner
Joyner had an incredible game last week. I’m a huge believer in Joyner this year but Kirk Cousins and the Washington offense are just a little different than Scott Tolzien and the Colts. Washington has weapons, some of which that Joyner will likely see a the most of are Jamison Crowder, Ryan Grant, and perhaps Jordan Reed. After playing a near flawless week one, the spotlight is bright on Lamarcus now. Joyner is thee X factor for the Rams this week.
WR Sammy Watkins
After a slow preseason, Watkins and QB Jared Goff came out of the gates hot in week one. A sight for sore eyes, Goff’s first pass of the season was a quick hitting slant to Watkins for 13 yards and from there the two never missed as Watkins finished catching 5 of 5 passes for 58 yards. We finally have a number 1 wideout and its so much fun but in comes CB Josh Norman. Norman could be one of Watkins tougher matchups this year on a schedule full of big time CB1s. McVay would be smart(it appears that is) to get Sammy going early just like last week. Goff will approve.
TE Gerald Everett
Could this be the Gerald Everett breakout game? It just might be! Everett made the most of his one target last week when he hauled in a 39 yard beauty down the sideline. It’s painfully obvious how much more explosive he is than fellow TE Tyler Higbee. The Rams need to involve Everett more this week with wildly aggressive S D.J. Swearinger on the backend of the Washington defense. Would be another chapter in narrative-ville for Everett to breakout with TE Jordan Reed on the opposite sideline.
LB Mark Barron
The Rams couldn’t cover Jack Doyle early last week before the wheels fell off for the Colts. They can’t let that happen this week with Jordan Reed so this really is about three Rams players to include MLB Alec Ogletree and S Maurice Alexander. But my best guess to draw Reed in coverage would be Barron. Dating back to Gregg Williams defenses, the Rams traditionally are tough on TEs and that’s no different with Wade Phillips. I expect Barron to have a very active role in trying to continue that trend.
DT Aaron Donald
Oh hi there, Aaron. Donald is the best defender in the NFL. He’ll be playing again. I feel sorry for whoever has to try and block him. But seriously, Donald’s conditioning will be worth monitoring no matter how much he trained while away from the team. His game plays in any defense so there is zero concern on the adjustment to the new defense. Perhaps there will be a little rust to shake off but it’s going to be very fun to see him terrorize quarterbacks again.