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Best overeaction:
The defense for the Los Angeles Rams is deep, dangerous, and they’re only getting better.
Guys, I’m still marveling at the fact that the #LARams only let up *five* first downs today. That is some special stuff. I’ve watched a lot of not-so-good football in my life, and I don’t ever recall a team being held to just five first downs — three in 3.5 quarters by starters.
— Myles Simmons (@MylesASimmons) September 17, 2018
What might seem like a overreaction to the greatness of the Rams’ defense for some is the lack of competition, which isn’t the Rams’ fault. But the Arizona Cardinals’ offense was borderline middle-school level. And against Sam Bradford, it’s easy to look fast and scary. The guy’s natural resting face makes it look like he’s getting mugged. Both Bradford and Derek Carr addressed the Rams’ defensive line threat by getting the ball out as quick as possible — and in both instances, it worked out for the Rams.
#LARams pic.twitter.com/2hEUn7sJow
— Russ (@CrenshawRams) September 17, 2018
S John Johnson III and FS Marqui Christian both had strong days again and many are tooting the horn that Johnson is a future superstar in the league. I’m on that wagon as well; he’s been great for the secondary, I can’t say enough about him. That play in which Johnson, on 3rd-and-6, tackled TE Seals-Jones for a 5-yard loss was breathtaking.
Worst overreaction:
The injury to K Greg Zuerlein isn’t that big of a deal because we have Johnny Hekker — that guy can do anything!
Johnny Hekker, MVP. He can punt and kick. Hekker makes a 20-yard field goal to put Rams up, 11-0. (Deleted previous tweet. Even I’m thrown off by this kicking situation).
— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) September 16, 2018
Rams fans — we have a kicker issue again.
Listen, I love our punter, Johnny Hekker. He’s funny, charitable, and just happens to be the best punter in the league. And it was a great to see him step up and kick a 20-yard field goal. However, Hekker is not a field goal threat. We can't pull off two-point conversions like we did on Sunday — it’s exciting when the game is in hand, but that’s not how championships are won. When the Rams play a team like the Minnesota Vikings for example, they are going to need every advantage possible. And that means they’re gonna need Zuerlein healthy.
Teams likely to be looking for kickers this week: Cleveland, Minnesota, Los Angeles Rams.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 16, 2018
Top kickers on street: Dan Bailey, Cairo Santos, Sam Ficken, Roberto Aguayo, Jon Brown, Taylor Bertolet, Kai Forbath, Eddie Piniero, Georgia Tavecchio.
Overall, it was a great day for the LA Rams. They proved that they’re the real deal and they can handle a team like the Cardinals with no problem — even without a kicker! However, Rams fans need to pray for the health of Greg Zuerlein because he’s VERY valuable to this team.
But if all else fails, we still have a badass defense.