Prior to the Rams primetime game last week, I gave you some matchups to watch that could turn the tide of the game. I was on the money with some, but waaaaaaaaaaaaaay off with others. Hindsight is 20/20, but let’s take a gander to see how these shook out.
Carlos Hyde vs Rams Run Defense
Hyde was in and out of the game, but he was fairly effective when he was able to get on the field. He finished with 25 carries for 84 yards, which doesn’t seem terrible.....until you see that he also rushed for 2 TDs. The Rams defense will need a better showing in Week 4 to keep Zeke from dominating.
Pierre Garcon vs Trumaine Johnson
I expect Tru to largely keep Garcon in check and continue earning that massive payday that is inevitably coming to him.
Yeahhhhhhh....
Garcon torched the Rams for 142 yards and made Tru look silly at times. Johnson will have to have a short memory though, because Dez Bryant is surely chomping at the bit to play the Rams on Sunday.
DeForest Buckner vs Rodger Saffold
This one was a push. Buckner made some big plays and had a QB hit, but he wasn’t able to control the line of scrimmage either. The Rams will need to keep tabs on Buckner in the years to come. He’s going to be a force to be reckoned with very, very soon.
Jared Goff vs 49ers Under-manned Secondary
As wrong as I was with the Tru-Garcon matchup, I’ll go ahead and pat myself on the back here.....
This has the makings of a coming out party for Goff.
What a coming out party it was too. Goff looked every bit the part of a #1 overall pick and made the most of his first start at Levi’s stadium.
Through 3 weeks Goff has the 3rd completion percentage and passer rating in the NFL and is the ONLY QB averaging more than 10 yards per attempt. Take your OL out to dinner Jared, they’re doing you right this year.