Stock Down
WR Tavon Austin
Well, well, well.... Look who’s back for a third week in a row! The 15-million dollar man himself. Another punt return, another fumble. Tavon also bobbled another punt return, and a pitch where he ended up gaining five yards. Did not register a single reception, though he did have three carries for 14 yards. Every week Tavon manages to dig himself into a deeper hole, and at this point, I’m not really sure what he’s accomplished to make the new regime want to give him more time.
OLB Robert Quinn
The Rams top dog when it comes to pass rushers has just not looked very dangerous through three games this season. Often injured the past few seasons, Quinn just hasn’t looked like the same guy who registered a 19-sack season in 2013. That’s not to say that he isn’t still a good player, but the Rams need him to be an elite player - the one that he’s been in the past. Now, it’s not likely he’ll ever reach 19 sacks again, and he doesn’t necessarily need to. But a 16-game season, double digit sacks, and much more pressure on the QB would go a long way to helping restore the greatness that once was.
ILB Alec Ogletree
It hurts to put Tree here, but his play has certainly warranted it. He’s always been iffy as a ILB against the run, and it’s showed, but where he’s supposed to excel is against the pass, and 34-yard receptions to a FB just isn’t going to cut it. Ogletree really needs to begin to make this transition smoother to the 3-4, otherwise the Rams could really see some trouble coming with a few tougher opponents on the horizon.
Stock Up
WR Sammy Watkins
Beast. Elite. Great. Whatever synonym you want to use, use it. This guy is the real deal, and now everybody knows it. Once upon ago, the Buffalo Bills traded up to take Sammy Watkins with the fourth pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. Outside of some health concerns - mainly foot - Watkins has always been a big-play WR who had a chance to be elite. Now that he’s finally healthy and looking comfortable, he’s proving to be one of the leagues best WR’s. A guy who can attack you in every way, Watkins rapport will only grow with Goff, and a six reception, 106-yard, two touchdown performance only solidifies that. Look for more of a connection between the two.
QB Jared Goff
Anytime you go 22/28, 292 yards, and three touchdowns with no turnovers you had a good day. It feels especially great because after losing to the 49ers last season in heartbreaking fashion, the Rams managed to close this one out. Goff looked comfortable and in command the entire night, and showed on the big stage that he’s a guy to be taken serious. Accurate, careful with the ball, and making great decisions, Jared Goff has now lead (with some defensive help) the Rams to the #1 spot in PPG. Impressive.
Entire Rams Offensive Line
The offensive line was spectacular, there is really no other way to put it. They allowed 0 sacks on Jared Goff, giving him an immaculate pocket for most of the night. Not only that, but they once again pounded with rock with efficiency and purpose, allowing Todd Gurley to break a 19-game streak with a lack of 100 rushing yards. The more they gel, the better they get it seems.
RB Todd Gurley
113 yards rushing, two rushing touchdowns, five receptions, 36 receiving yards, and a receiving touchdown. Boy oh boy is Todd Gurley off to a hot start. He’s the first Ram since Marshall Faulk to score six touchdowns in three games, and the first NFL player since Calvin Johnson to do that. He’s running with power, vision, tackle-breaking ability, purpose, and violence. This is a revitalized running game, and it starts and ends with #30. So far, he’s off to a spectacular start.