Los Angeles Rams at Oakland Raiders: What went as expected

The Los Angeles Rams spoiled the coaching return of Oakland Raiders Head Coach Jon Gruden. After entering halftime with a 13-10 deficit, the Rams dropped off a 23-0 second half defeating the Raiders 33-13. Expectations were very high for this team and here are some of the things the Rams did, and were expected to do.

Win the Game

The Rams were expected to win the game. Point blank.

Armed with MVP candidate RB Todd Gurley, Coach of the Year McBae, and a revamped defense led by DL Aaron Donald, the team was expected to win.

Gurley was going to ball out

Gurley had a great game. With over 140 all-purpose yards, Gurley rushed for 108 yards and caught three passes for 39 yards and a touchdown (albeit on a super short pass).

Defense was going to be stout at DL and secondary

While the Raiders game-planned very well to minimize the impact of Aaron Donald and Ndakumong Suh, the Rams were still able to force three interceptions from QB Derek Carr. Of the 29 completions, only five of them were completed to a wide out (3 to WR Jordy Nelson, one to Amari Cooper, one to Seth Roberts). Like Rams CB Aqib Talib said in the locker room after the game, “I DON’T THINK THEY WIDEOUTS HAD A CATCH”.