Turf Show Times - 2016 Week 2: LA Rams Vs. Seattle Seahawkshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51333/tst-fav.png2016-09-22T14:13:09-05:00http://www.turfshowtimes.com/rss/stream/126788972016-09-22T14:13:09-05:002016-09-22T14:13:09-05:00LA Rams DE William Hayes On SB Nation Radio
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<img alt="Los Angeles Rams DE William Hayes" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Goc_-XhDwC0rsjhZXwtv5d_pJ9w=/0x0:3870x2580/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50984699/607574014.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Los Angeles Rams DE William Hayes | Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Brah Brah Bojangles jumped on SBN Radio following the Rams’ Week 2 win to talk the state of the Rams and where things are headed.</p> <p id="MjCGRJ">Los Angeles Rams DE William Hayes jumped on SBN Radio earlier this week to discuss the Rams’ 9-3 win over the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2:</p>
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https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2016/9/22/13021162/la-rams-de-william-hayes-on-sb-nation-radio3k2016-09-21T11:30:08-05:002016-09-21T11:30:08-05:00LA Rams Film Room Review: Week 2
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<img alt="Seattle Seahawks v Los Angeles Rams" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/O04g5OXN4kWviWLUoJ0rh0RETpo=/0x45:3294x2241/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50956999/607562174.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>In their new home city of Los Angeles, the Rams rebounded from their miserable Week 1 loss. </p> <p id="2aZAPE">Beating the Seattle Seahawks after being shutout by a miserable San Francisco 49ers team is Fisherball at its finest. It’s fair to point to Russell Wilson’s ankle injury as the reason for the Seahawks struggles, but, while that played a part in their demise, there are many other chapters to the story of this divisional battle. </p>
<h1 id="MMFY4h">Rams Offense vs Seahawks Defense </h1>
<p id="rrCBMR">The Rams did not win this game because of their offense. Through two games, the Rams still have not scored a touchdown. Kicker Greg Zuerlin was put in position to make three field goals to give the Rams nine points, but nobody else on the Rams has scored yet. In spite of the absence of a touchdown, the Rams offense did look better this week than it did during Week 1. </p>
<p id="fBpYlp">That’s not saying much, though. Week 1 was an absolute disaster and it would have been near impossible to stoop lower than that. The offensive line was slightly improved, though largely dysfunctional. The passing offense was more diverse this week, but was still not as explosive as it needed to be. Todd Gurley had a handful of nice runs, but he was still largely corralled. It was nice to see improvement, though it would be foolish to get excited at this point. </p>
<p id="56AS8v"><em>Game Notes:</em></p>
<ul id="dF7Nat">
<li><em>Case Keenum made a number of throws that he missed last week, but he is still too inaccurate and leaves a lot of yards on the field. </em></li>
<li id="dAzQwq"><em>The passing offense relied on Kenny Britt a lot to win his 1-on-1 situations... and he did it. Mostly against DeShawn Shead, Britt caught six passes for 94 yards. </em></li>
<li id="uAdcd6"><em>Greg Robinson: still not good. Similarly, the right guard situation: still not good. </em></li>
<li id="WvkzzF"><em>Everything simply looked faster. Team was more ready and energized to play than they were last week. </em></li>
<li id="K1dtsZ"><em>Anytime Tyler Higbee shifted before the snap, the Rams ran to whichever side he stopped on, and pulled Higbee back the other way as a backside blocker. </em></li>
</ul>
<h4 id="z8il0P">Woes in the Running Game </h4>
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<p id="o4QUdc">While neither side of the line is particularly good or favorable to run through, the right side of the offensive line is a mess. Right tackle Rob Havenstein has the strength and intelligence to execute, but he can get lost in the shuffle, like he does in the play above. Seahawks rookie defensive end Quinton Jefferson sees the play through before Havenstein can get out of his way, so Reed forces him out of the way, knocking Havenstein off of his collision course at the second level with linebacker KJ Wright. </p>
<p id="B1Mzpc">Jefferson and Wright beating Havenstein is only a third of the problem on this play. Center Tim Barnes is too locked in on working a double team block with left guard Rodger Saffold, that he forgets to pay attention to safety Kam Chancellor. All-Pro caliber players like Chancellor can not go unaccounted for. </p>
<p id="ANFBNn">Lastly, right guard Cody Wichmann failed to hold his block as well as he needed to. He got the initial push, but ended up running past the block instead of finishing it. Rookie defensive tackle Jaran Reed was able to work back to the play and clog up what was left of the rushing lane. </p>
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<p id="gsmDcc">Barnes could have done a better job holding his block on this play, but he is not the main culprit here. To no surprise, the supreme violator is Wichmann. Left tackle Greg Robinson has occasional issues with the play call and understanding his assignment, but Wichmann is an absolute liability in that regard. He derailed this play as soon as it started. </p>
<p id="aati7B">The majority of the offensive line steps to the left in unison at the snap of the ball. Wichmann, however, stepped up to his right to take on the defensive tackle. He blew his assignment entirely. And this is more than not understanding when and when not double team in zone schemes (which is still a problem for him), this is Wichmann not understanding the entire play call. Wichmann’s miscue caused Havenstein to fall to the ground, and the contact between Wichmann and Havenstein gives KJ Wright a free gap to run through and allows defensive tackle Ahybta Rubin to easily separate from Wichmann. </p>
<p id="ISO97u">There were a handful of other blunders in the game, many of them which involve Wichmann, but I’ll spare you all from that. </p>
<h4 id="ewwfeq">How the Passing Offense Attacked Seattle’s Secondary</h4>
<p id="6BRZHx">Quarterback Case Keenum completed 18 of his 30 passes (60%), accumulated 239 yards and avoided interceptions. He was able to execute the short passing game effectively, especially early on when the offense was designed to target tight end Lance Kendricks near the line of scrimmage. There was a lack of dynamism to Keenum’s game, though. Many of the passes he completed were short and simple, and he left a good chunk of yardage on the field by missing open receivers. </p>
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<p id="tDzkrv">This play is a microcosm of the Rams ability to beat the Seahawks secondary. For the most part, the Rams approached the Seahawks secondary the way that it needs to be approached. The Seahawks mostly run a pattern matching Cover 3 defense. Pattern matching zone schemes essentially pair the benefits of sticky man coverage with the fluidity of zone coverage. In short, when receivers run into a defender’s zone, depending on the rest of the route combination, the defender will abandon his zone and go man-to-man with that receiver. </p>
<p id="V8nwVf">To attack the Seahawks pattern matching tendencies, the Rams offense flooded players to the boundary, where the cornerback would move away from because of a vertical route. In the play above, one receiver runs straight down the field to force cornerback Richard Sherman to match him and remove Sherman from the equation. The other two critical routes are the high/low concept that puts nickel cornerback Jeremy Lane in a bind. If Lane commits to the shallow route, he leaves wide receiver Tavon Austin open over the top of him on the corner post route. If Lane moves back to cover Austin, tight end Lance Kendricks is left wide open in the flats for an easy chunk of yardage. Structurally, the play worked to perfection. </p>
<p id="d0Yk8a">But then Keenum went full Keenum. The throw to Austin was there, Keenum just overthrew it. Had the pass been completed, the Rams would’ve picked up about 20 yards. Instead, they went back to the huddle and snapped the ball from their own 40-yard line again. </p>
<h1 id="ppT5AO">Rams Defense vs Seahawks Offense</h1>
<p id="F4yw5c">It would have been fair to assume that the defense would have a resurgence this week and look more like the squad everyone expected them to be, but they exceeded expectations. The defense straight up dominated on Sunday. Granted, a dysfunctional Seattle offense made for a relatively easy match up for the defense, but the defense looked excellent in its own right. </p>
<p id="3T9FEi"><em>Games Notes:</em></p>
<ul id="j8hnfn">
<li><em>Russell Wilson was not himself. The ankle injury extended beyond a lack of mobility. He was seeing ghosts in the pocket, missing reads and making fewer gutsy throws than usual. He wasn’t Russell Wilson. </em></li>
<li id="LQWYPR"><em>Fix the left cornerback spot for Christ’s sake please. </em></li>
<li id="ADFfXf"><em>The entire defensive line was monstrous. Robert Quinn, Aaron Donald and Dominique Easley stood out, but it was a great day for everyone up front. </em></li>
<li id="d4hmZx"><em>Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams added a lot more variety to the pass rush and blitz packages. It was nice to see. </em></li>
<li id="UIoYC6"><em>Safeties were playing deeeeeeep in Cover 2 and Cover 4 shells. Defensive line was trusted to win in the run game. For the most part, they did. </em></li>
</ul>
<h4 id="65X6T6">Stopping the Seahawks Rushing Attack</h4>
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<p id="zARMSL">The Seahawks were so close to scoring a touchdown on this drive, but the Rams held their ground, and this stop was critical in doing so. Every gap here is destroyed. Defensive tackles Dominique Easley (left) and Michael Brockers (right) blow up the back side B-gap and A-gap. Brockers, lined up over the center, forces running back Christine Michael to take a wider path to the line of scrimmage. </p>
<p id="SwyQiW">Defensive end Ethan Westbrooks forces Michael to take an even wider path than Brockers did. Westbrooks moves into a 4i spot on the right tackle’s inside shoulder just before the snap, then fires off into the right guard and pushes him backwards. Brockers and Westbrooks crashing into the backfield and pushing Michael to the edge gives the linebackers time to spill into the gap.</p>
<p id="S2bpyy">Though, the flowing linebackers may never catch Michael if he gets out around the edge. Rookie strong side linebacker Josh Forrest was not going to allow Michael to do that. Forrest, to the far right, does not make a flashy play, but he gets to his spot on the edge and redirects Michael back into the teeth of the defense. Everyone on the Rams defense did their job on this play and it was a beautiful sight. </p>
<h4 id="KGmq0f">Seahawks Vanilla Passing Offense</h4>
<p id="oZ55Dd">Seahawks offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell disguises short throws brilliantly and allows Wilson to get the ball out with ease in those situations. Beyond that, though, Bevell leaves more to be desired. His offense has the same feeling as a high school offense. Obviously there is more nuance and detail that goes into the offense in the NFL, but the key concepts are generally the same. </p>
<p id="iw4Wiv">Four verticals and short ‘rub’ routes make up most of Bevell’s passing playbook. There is nothing wrong with either of those concepts, but they can not be the core of an NFL offense, especially when the offensive line is horrid and leaves many of the four vertical plays to turn into backyard football scrambles. A healthy Wilson can sort of make that work, but he was clearly not healthy this past Sunday. The simplicity of the Seahawks offense made life easy on the Rams secondary, as it did for the Dolphins defense in the opening week of the season. </p>
<p id="Ppu3lq">The Rams had a bit of trouble with the Seahawks passing attack early on, but they quickly adjusted. The Rams defense does not pattern match often, so they had problems defending the trips side of four verticals because the flat defender would leak out to the flats instead of carrying someone up the field. Rams defensive coordinator quickly solved the problem, thankfully. </p>
<p id="7BSaKg">Instead of leaving his guys out to dry, Williams began playing more Quarters (Cover 4) coverage and man-to-man coverage to make sure all receivers were accounted for in the passing game. Once Williams began doing that, Wilson had to hang in the pocket for longer than he wanted to and began throwing poor passes all over the field. </p>
<p id="AfHrUR">There was not much to cover about the Seahawks passing game other than that. The defensive line made Wilson’s day a nightmare and Wilson had no plans of running too much on his bum ankle. Wilson instead forced passes that he did not want to, which seldom worked out considering how well the Rams were able to cover the Seahawks receivers because the route combinations were so predictable. A healthy Wilson would have been a different animal, but he was not himself on Sunday and the entire Seahawks offense crumbled as a result. </p>
<h1 id="WZmQWe">Conclusions </h1>
<p id="zWd2J1">As bland and broken as the Seahawks offense was on Sunday, it still feels wild to have kept them out of the end zone and ultimately outscore them. There is plenty of talent at every skill position on that offense, but the offensive line’s poor execution, the vanilla game planning and Russell Wilson’s health culminated in the worst way for Seattle. The Rams defense stepped up and made sure to kick the Seahawks offense while they were down. </p>
<p id="Xvr1GT">On the offensive side of the ball for the Rams, there are still countless questions. Case Keenum is a limited quarterback, but the No.1 overall pick does not look ready to supplant him. Todd Gurley has not been able to get going because of how dysfunctional and incompetent the offensive line is. The wide receivers and tight ends look to have some sort of promise and potential, but without a true threat among the group and a quarterback who can not maximize them, it’s tough to get excited about the pass catchers. </p>
<p id="rAaOvF">Jeff Fisher has returned to his ideal .500 state, and has done so in the most ridiculous fashion imaginable. Losing miserably to the 49ers, then beating the Seahawks, all while not scoring a touchdown is a story that sounds absurd even for Fisherball. Next week, the Rams head to Tampa Bay for their Week 3 match up, giving Fisher a chance to get ahead of his inevitable 7-9 crash course. </p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2016/9/21/12993430/la-rams-tape-study-scouting-report-film-room-review-seattle-seahawksQBKlass2016-09-20T10:13:21-05:002016-09-20T10:13:21-05:00Rams Fans Describe Experience At Home Opener As “Hell”
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<img alt="Los Angeles Rams Home Opener At The Coliseum" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/pccHmluL7yVpre5NdZVlDM1H9x4=/0x210:6581x4597/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50938811/usa-today-9551623.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Los Angeles Rams Home Opener At The Coliseum | Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Yeah, this doesn’t sound great.</p> <p id="0mKwT5">Last night, <a href="http://deadspin.com/the-fan-experience-at-the-rams-stadium-sounded-like-hel-1786826307">Deadspin posted a piece with collections of fan experiences at the Los Angeles Rams’ home opener on Sunday</a>.</p>
<p id="mOUFxX">It does not sound great.</p>
<blockquote id="SmAMP3">
<p>I went to the Seahawks Rams game yesterday and it was the worst experience I’ve ever had at a stadium. You couldn’t move around the concession area. It was 90 degrees but they managed to run out of almost everything at most concession stands including beer and WATER. My friend walked by a guy having a heat stroke and they couldn’t get him water.</p>
<p>We paid $250 per ticket.</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="t2CYmR">That’s the first of a number of horrible experiences relayed by fans in attendance on Sunday.</p>
<p id="GR4q0a">And it’s not just Deadspin tipsters. Check out <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lacoliseum/reviews">the Coliseum’s page on Facebook</a>. It’s plastered with people’s experiences on Sunday, nearly universally negative.</p>
<p id="dXhAv1">These are direct quotes from the top reviews on Facebook right now:</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="MMmq2p"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ironmom60/posts/10211096183027342:0">While I am so happy that the Rams are back in LA, the Coliseum fan experience leaves much to be desired.</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/michelleniemi.rottluff/posts/10153888828237405:0">With that being said won't be back for a college or NFL game.</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/melbaps1/posts/1163052480404430:0">That part of the experience was horrible n there's much improvement needed in organization</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pnoinoum/posts/10154582787181474:0">Getting into the stadium is a challenge. Lines aren't organized very well...Walkways are just packed. Concessions is a shit show.</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1216988314988499&id=100000320275229&substory_index=0">Def not going back to a game unless it's during the colder seasons! Just terrible!</a></p>
</blockquote>
<p id="DE7EB0">Seriously. Go look at them.</p>
<p id="aJE66i">We shouldn’t assume this is a unanimous position though. There are numerous fans who have voiced a positive experience on Sunday, though one borne out of preparation for a logistical debacle than of one prevented. And obviously the historical nature of Sunday’s game coupled with the final score helped put a more enjoyable luster on things.</p>
<p id="U6TgeA">But you have to consider the growing narrative.</p>
<p id="d2pGxE">The fights in the stands (<a href="https://twitter.com/DevSwaggSkool/status/777661876922703872">which we saw again on Sunday</a>).</p>
<p id="fjNTK2">A lack of planning.</p>
<p id="URrrQE">A franchise disinterested in fans.</p>
<p id="imCHA7">The looming question that has existed all offseason about the fan experience and attendance is one that plagued the St. Louis era’s final years.</p>
<p id="GsBam8">Who’s going to show up if the football isn’t up to par?</p>
<p id="KHiqwf">What many have answered that question with, albeit tangentially, is a suggestion that any Rams football in LA, regardless of the quality, will be well-attended by an NFL-starved fan base.</p>
<p id="zRRrVp">If the experiences of this many fans were this unsatisfactory even when presented with winning football, it makes you wonder what Rams football in LA later in the season is going to be like...</p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2016/9/20/12987558/la-rams-home-opener-coliseum-hell-water-fights-anthony-keidis3k2016-09-20T10:00:09-05:002016-09-20T10:00:09-05:00Rams-Seahawks: Five Seahawks to Watch Revisited
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<img alt="NFL: Seattle Seahawks at Los Angeles Rams" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/G-p9cbceWgrgqbVo3LdrwL2x1MY=/0x0:3600x2400/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50937113/usa-today-9551206.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>How did the five Seahawks we keyed in on fare on Sunday?</p> <p id="YyugH8">Two games in. 1-1 record. Lets go.</p>
<p id="18J2QK">While it was not the prettiest of games – a 9-3 ending score in football is no bueno – The Rams got there home opening victory. Hopefully, it is the first of many to come. </p>
<p id="feiYD3">Lets take a look back at the Seahawks players to watch and see if and how their performances might have had an impact on the game’s final result. </p>
<h3 id="ZSDESE">DE <span>Cliff Avril</span>
</h3>
<p id="1ZpsAp">Cliff Avril was in on 40 of Seattle’s 62 snaps on defense. He made one tackle. </p>
<p id="v9xYPX">Second-year DE Frank Clark (35 out of 62 snaps), however, was in on two sacks, two QB hits, and a tackle for a loss. </p>
<p id="hwS9I3">The duo made life tough on Rams left tackle Greg Robinson. Robinson was flagged twice for offensive holding. </p>
<h3 id="g8YkoF">WR <span>Doug Baldwin</span> </h3>
<p id="2d2zpN">The <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Rams</a> did give up 254 yards through the air, but do not credit Doug Baldwin for much of those yards. The sixth-year vet only caught three passes for 20 yards. The Rams – corner <span>Trumaine Johnson</span> mainly – kept the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seahawks</a> receiver in check. </p>
<p id="nmyXng">Second-year WR Tyler Lockett was the man that burned the Rams deep. The speedy wideout went for 99 yards on four catches.</p>
<h3 id="7X5XqX">SS <span>Kam Chancellor</span> </h3>
<p id="PKfwMc">I mention Kam as a defender to watch, as his presence in the box is notable. </p>
<p id="vXWtl9">Chancellor made a total of five stops on Sunday. And lo and behold, most of those tackles came near the line of scrimmage.</p>
<p id="jnPLjZ">It was not no surprise the Seahawks corralled Rams’ running back <span>Todd Gurley</span> to just 51 yards on 19 carries. With players like Kam constantly loading up the box, it is going to be a rough outing every outing for No. 30.</p>
<h3 id="77ZXFP">RB <span>Christine Michael</span> </h3>
<p id="Jco0uy">The Rams defense showed out against the league’s leading rushing team. Christine was held to 60 yards on 10 carries. <span>Thomas Rawls</span>, well he ended his afternoon with seven rushes for -7 yards. </p>
<p id="xj9itk">Good lookin’, defense.</p>
<h3 id="guJC1D">QB <span>Russell Wilson</span>
</h3>
<p id="0BWf9t">Russell Wilson was not at 100-percent, and it showed.</p>
<p id="qq6CQT">The fifth-year QB was efficient through the air (22 for 35 for 254 with no interceptions), but that was about it. The typically mobile quarterback did very little running (five carries for 14 yards), and was not able to extend plays with his feet. </p>
<p id="SkUpze">The few times he did try to break away for a run, Rams defenders were there to sack him.</p>
<p id="amTXiG">Kudos two times, Rams D. </p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2016/9/20/12976976/la-rams-seattle-seahawks-recap-seahawks-to-watch-revisitedEddieP2016-09-20T09:00:04-05:002016-09-20T09:00:04-05:00Week 2: Los Angeles Rams Rookie Report
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<img alt="NFL: Preseason-Los Angeles Rams at Minnesota Vikings" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/n2XhPCdKCMWSA6DiG8HdiVB75iI=/1x0:3328x2218/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50937097/usa-today-9544460.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Rookie LB Josh Forrest got his first start against Seattle</p> <p id="6eCcBR">Week 2 is behind us. </p>
<p id="v7xpmR">Here’s your weekly rookie report:</p>
<h3 id="zZZIOD">QB Jared Goff</h3>
<p id="5TMeSF">After being inactive in Week 1 as the team’s third-string quarterback, rookie QB Jared Goff finally made his debut... as the team’s backup signal caller.</p>
<p id="xZAuB7">Its ‘bout to be lit son. </p>
<h3 id="MaxNdE">TE <span>Tyler Higbee</span> </h3>
<p id="JSePOM">The fourth-round pick definitely is getting playing time in the Rams’ two tight end sets on offense. He was out on offense for 26 snaps – 42% of the offensive plays.</p>
<p id="Q11888">The cat just is not getting many looks his way. He has one catch for two yards, which came early in the first quarter of Week 1’s game against San Francisco. </p>
<p id="FTqjFE">The kid’s gonna make an impact. Wait for it...</p>
<h3 id="y7z6BY">WR Pharoh Cooper</h3>
<p id="ETzdxi">King Tutt_chdown – as rookie receiver Pharoh Cooper refers to himself on Twitter and Instagram – is still out with injury.</p>
<h3 id="xZU7ri">TE Temarrick Hemingway</h3>
<p id="MiJScR">Temarrick is as raw as ODB likes it. He still has a ways to go before seeing the field. </p>
<p id="FUuilb">His best shot at PT is on special teams, not that we did not know this already.</p>
<h3 id="oUCdaP">LB Josh Forrest</h3>
<p id="3YQNlc">The stunner.</p>
<p id="TvbT9Q">Rookie LB Josh Forrest got the starting nod at outside linebacker opposite of Mark Barron. He was only in there for 10 plays but it is a huge first step for the former Kentucky Wildcat.</p>
<h3 id="bWVeRn"><strong>WR Michael Thomas</strong></h3>
<p id="MaCthS">Buried at the bottom of a receiver depth chart. Thomas only played on five snaps on Sunday (10 snaps if you include his five ST snaps).</p>
<p id="l3RPzu">If he had any semblance of having good hands, he’d be higher up on the list of WRs. The position group could use a playmaker. Thomas was that at Southern Miss, but we have only seen him make drops not plays. </p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2016/9/20/12977218/week-2-los-angeles-rams-rookie-reportEddieP2016-09-20T07:49:41-05:002016-09-20T07:49:41-05:00Rams Week 2 Recap: LA Welcomes Victory
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DBhGRlAPP6Ib1Ps9830fmaSlq2A=/59x0:692x422/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50937059/123.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Robert Quinn celebrating a big play on Sunday. The Rams won 9-3.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The LA Rams started their 2016 homestand by winning against Seattle.</p> <p id="1M4rVx">The Los Angeles Rams started the defense of their temporary LA home with a swarming defense. After a week of running a hybrid 4-2-5/4-1-6 with Alec Ogletree being the only “true” linebacker, the Rams altered course and started rookie LB Josh Forrest as a true linebacking complement:</p>
<div id="WWn8qv">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Rams opened in a 4-3 base with LB Josh Forrest out there. Forrest listed as third string this week on depth chart. Unofficial for reals.</p>— Joe Curley (@vcsjoecurley) <a href="https://twitter.com/vcsjoecurley/status/777604350445178880">September 18, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="dGbKtQ">In other defensive news, CB Coty Sensabaugh, the Rams only major dollar free agent signing, was benched in favor of undrafted free agent Troy Hill. Granted, Hill had some mistakes and gave up a long pass to Seahawks WR Tyler Lockett near the end of the game, but Ogletree preserved the win with a forced fumble of RB Christine Michael. </p>
<p id="afbtGM">Sadly, departed Rams CB Janoris Jenkins continues to play well for his new team, a revamped New York Giants squad that is now 2-0. E.J. Gaines, please get healthy quickly.</p>
<p id="2dnaFp">Most important to note, the Rams play “good football against Seattle but not against anyone else” like DE Michael Bennett has said. The Rams have won the last three contests against the NFC West powerhouse. </p>
<p id="l5d0oa">Every team in the NFL except the Rams has scored at least one touchdown after two weeks of the 2016-17 NFL season, and yet the Rams are 1-1 after averaging a mere 4.5 ppg. Fortunately, <a href="http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2016/9/19/12969514/transcript-la-rams-seattle-seahawks-recap-jeff-fisher-case-keenum-todd-gurley">Jeff Fisher agrees and was adamant that touchdowns are necessary for this team to be competitive</a>. However, it’s interesting to note that QB Case Keenum proudly told the media, “<a href="http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2016/9/19/12969514/transcript-la-rams-seattle-seahawks-recap-jeff-fisher-case-keenum-todd-gurley">I like touchdowns but I love winning</a>”. </p>
<p id="PNiVoO">Jared Goff did end up as the No. 2 QB this week to learn how to prepare and what adjustments are made during the course of a game. Goff must continue to soak up all the knowledge he can like a sponge so he can be ready for his opportunity. However, it was admittingly pleasant to see the number one overall pick to be truly “one play away”.</p>
<p id="CjERCG">For this week and this opponent it seems, Fisherball prevails again.</p>
<div id="lfSz43"><div><div style="left: 0px; width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cBjCQd2IkTk?wmode=transparent&rel=0&autohide=1&showinfo=0&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" webkitallowfullscreen="true" mozallowfullscreen="true" style="top: 0px; left: 0px; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;"></iframe></div></div></div>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2016/9/20/12969912/los-angeles-rams-week-2-recap-la-welcomes-a-victoryElijah Kim2016-09-19T16:06:18-05:002016-09-19T16:06:18-05:00LA Rams - Seattle Seahawks Playing Time Breakdown
<figure>
<img alt="Los Angeles Rams LB Alec Ogletree" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2HuXtbnOPPjEYwrFT7NYgTAprv0=/0x77:3801x2611/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50929115/607573924.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Los Angeles Rams LB Alec Ogletree | Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Taking a look at how the snaps got doled in the Rams’ 9-3 win.</p> <p id="NcSA61"><em>Note: I’ll update the snap counts in </em><em><a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Rbcfxo_czScQMLa66mzx0Ty0GqkEbJtBvwXnBONnECY/edit?usp=sharing">this spreadsheet</a></em><em> all season including the first tab tracking the season totals. While I’ll paste individual game PT in each week’s recap, I’ll likely refer to the season totals moving forward from that link. So uh, peep it.</em></p>
<h3 id="lAHxPP">Offense</h3>
<div id="XZEzJp">
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>POS</th>
<th>Off</th>
<th>Off%</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rodger Saffold</td>
<td>T</td>
<td>62</td>
<td>100.00%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Greg Robinson</td>
<td>T</td>
<td>62</td>
<td>100.00%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cody Wichmann</td>
<td>G</td>
<td>62</td>
<td>100.00%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rob Havenstein</td>
<td>T</td>
<td>62</td>
<td>100.00%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Case Keenum</td>
<td>QB</td>
<td>62</td>
<td>100.00%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tim Barnes</td>
<td>C</td>
<td>62</td>
<td>100.00%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lance Kendricks</td>
<td>TE</td>
<td>58</td>
<td>93.55%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kenny Britt</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td>52</td>
<td>83.87%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tavon Austin</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td>45</td>
<td>72.58%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Todd Gurley</td>
<td>RB</td>
<td>44</td>
<td>70.97%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brian Quick</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td>38</td>
<td>61.29%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tyler Higbee</td>
<td>TE</td>
<td>26</td>
<td>41.94%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cory Harkey</td>
<td>TE</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>20.97%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Benny Cunningham</td>
<td>RB</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>20.97%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bradley Marquez</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td>7</td>
<td>11.29%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Malcolm Brown</td>
<td>RB</td>
<td>7</td>
<td>11.29%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mike Thomas</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>8.06%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Andrew Donnal</td>
<td>T</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>3.23%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<p id="ashqei">So Cody Wichmann over Jamon Brown...when did that happen? I mean, we know it happened this week, but what went down? Last week was a rotational play, which you thought would have been more appropriate for the preseason, but whatev. Strange to be surprised like this.</p>
<p id="624mkG">Just Todd Gurley topped 70% this week. Last week, he hit 37 snaps and 17 carries leading Rams Head Coach Jeff Fisher to rest him during the first practice of the week. After 44 snaps and 19 carries yesterday, is he due for another day off? Is this going to become the norm?</p>
<p id="aESjTJ">A bit more work for WRs Bradley Marquez and Mike Thomas this week. How does this rotation look once Pharoh Cooper and Nelson Spruce come off the injury report?</p>
<h3 id="eIH6Me">Defense</h3>
<div id="9i3pY4">
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>POS</th>
<th>Def</th>
<th>Def%</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T.J. McDonald</td>
<td>SS</td>
<td>67</td>
<td>100.00%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mark Barron</td>
<td>LB</td>
<td>67</td>
<td>100.00%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Maurice Alexander</td>
<td>SS</td>
<td>67</td>
<td>100.00%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Alec Ogletree</td>
<td>LB</td>
<td>67</td>
<td>100.00%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Trumaine Johnson</td>
<td>CB</td>
<td>66</td>
<td>98.51%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lamarcus Joyner</td>
<td>CB</td>
<td>55</td>
<td>82.09%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Aaron Donald</td>
<td>DT</td>
<td>45</td>
<td>67.16%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Troy Hill</td>
<td>CB</td>
<td>44</td>
<td>65.67%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>William Hayes</td>
<td>DE</td>
<td>44</td>
<td>65.67%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Robert Quinn</td>
<td>DE</td>
<td>43</td>
<td>64.18%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Eugene Sims</td>
<td>DE</td>
<td>27</td>
<td>40.30%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cody Davis</td>
<td>FS</td>
<td>24</td>
<td>35.82%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Coty Sensabaugh</td>
<td>CB</td>
<td>23</td>
<td>34.33%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Michael Brockers</td>
<td>DT</td>
<td>23</td>
<td>34.33%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ethan Westbrooks</td>
<td>DT</td>
<td>23</td>
<td>34.33%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dominique Easley</td>
<td>DT</td>
<td>21</td>
<td>31.34%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cam Thomas</td>
<td>DT</td>
<td>21</td>
<td>31.34%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Josh Forrest</td>
<td>LB</td>
<td>10</td>
<td>14.93%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<p id="csAFrr">The Coty Sensabaugh-Troy Hill swap at cornerback...not only was it a huge decision, but it worked.</p>
<p id="XzrfDD">D-line rotation looked pretty standard.</p>
<p id="MdF43N">I pointed out last week the lack of a linebacker available to beef up the defense, so shout out to Josh Forrest for making his NFL debut.</p>
<p id="ju9Z8Q">Any time you keep your opponent to 3 points, you did a damn fine job as a crew.</p>
<h3 id="gYiyOv">Special Teams</h3>
<div id="atzzyt">
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>POS</th>
<th>ST</th>
<th>ST%</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cody Davis</td>
<td>FS</td>
<td>20</td>
<td>86.96%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chase Reynolds</td>
<td>RB</td>
<td>20</td>
<td>86.96%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cory Harkey</td>
<td>TE</td>
<td>18</td>
<td>78.26%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bradley Marquez</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td>18</td>
<td>78.26%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Josh Forrest</td>
<td>LB</td>
<td>18</td>
<td>78.26%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bryce Hager</td>
<td>LB</td>
<td>18</td>
<td>78.26%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cory Littleton</td>
<td>LB</td>
<td>18</td>
<td>78.26%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Benny Cunningham</td>
<td>RB</td>
<td>11</td>
<td>47.83%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Troy Hill</td>
<td>CB</td>
<td>9</td>
<td>39.13%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jake McQuaide</td>
<td>LS</td>
<td>9</td>
<td>39.13%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Johnny Hekker</td>
<td>P</td>
<td>9</td>
<td>39.13%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Trumaine Johnson</td>
<td>CB</td>
<td>8</td>
<td>34.78%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tavon Austin</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td>7</td>
<td>30.43%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Eugene Sims</td>
<td>DE</td>
<td>7</td>
<td>30.43%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Greg Zuerlein</td>
<td>K</td>
<td>7</td>
<td>30.43%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T.J. McDonald</td>
<td>SS</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>26.09%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mike Thomas</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>21.74%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Coty Sensabaugh</td>
<td>CB</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>21.74%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Demetrius Rhaney</td>
<td>C</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>21.74%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mark Barron</td>
<td>LB</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>17.39%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lamarcus Joyner</td>
<td>CB</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>17.39%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Andrew Donnal</td>
<td>T</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>13.04%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jamon Brown</td>
<td>G</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>13.04%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Malcolm Brown</td>
<td>RB</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>8.70%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Aaron Donald</td>
<td>DT</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>8.70%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>William Hayes</td>
<td>DE</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>8.70%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Robert Quinn</td>
<td>DE</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>8.70%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Michael Brockers</td>
<td>DT</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>8.70%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Maurice Alexander</td>
<td>SS</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>4.35%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<p id="grHiG5">One thing to keep an eye on with injuries likely factoring in the mix soon is the waterfall effect here.</p>
<p id="4DqltA">You already got a sense of that with the Sensabaugh/Hill swap. Once Hill went in the game at CB, his special teams slot got backfilled. With some changes on the position depth chart coming, that will have an effect with specials. And expect some practice squad shifting as the 53-man changes in the next month.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="hnJsfI">
<p id="lKc6C7">What jumps out to you from the playing time in Week 2? Anything you’d like to see next week like the Josh Forrest package sub?</p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2016/9/19/12979522/la-rams-seattle-seahawks-recap-playing-time-breakdown3k2016-09-19T15:24:42-05:002016-09-19T15:24:42-05:00Rams-Seahawks: Winners & Losers
<figure>
<img alt="Seattle Seahawks v Los Angeles Rams" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/BijnA_7-Ykeps2MT6vhpRdvT78E=/0x16:4424x2965/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50928199/607626932.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Harry How/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Fisherball succeeds in the Rams’ return to LA.</p> <p id="zz5Sd5">Week 2 saw the Los Angeles Rams arrive home for the first time in nearly a quarter century.</p>
<p id="VnkCTH">It was ugly, slow and featured awful offenses going at it. That is to say, pure, unadulterated Fisherball.</p>
<p id="IuQwuD">Make no mistake - this is what the Rams are built for. The Rams are designed to hold a team to as few points as possible on defense, while scoring as few points on offense necessary to win.</p>
<p id="MN50Uj">And...that’s exactly what happened.</p>
<div id="fKYAqM">
<p>
<style>
#table {
border-collapse: collapse;
width: 100%;
}
#td {
text-align: left;
padding: 8px;
}
#th {
background-color: #46B300;
color: white;
text-align: left;
}
#thdown {
background-color: #FF3946;
color: white;
text-align: left;
}
</style>
</p>
<h3>
<br> The Quick Five<br>
</h3>
<table id="table" class="randomtable">
<tbody>
<tr id="tr">
<th id="thdown" width="30%"> <img src="https://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6951447/Downloads_Library2.0.png" height="80" width="80"> </th> <th id="thdown">
<h3>Case Keenum, QB<br>
</h3>
</th>
</tr>
<tr id="tr">
<td id="td">
<p><b>18/30 239 YARDS, O TDS<br></b></p>
</td>
<td id="td">
<p>Without watching the game, Keenum's stat line will seem decent and almost impressive for a Rams QB.</p>
<p>However, Keenum missed quite a few throws badly and constantly overthrew his receivers. It's only a matter of time before Jared Goff is starting, for better or worse.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2><br></h2>
<table id="table" class="randomtable">
<tbody>
<tr id="tr">
<th id="th" width="30%"> <img src="https://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6951435/Downloads_Library.0.png" height="80" width="80"> </th> <th id="th">
<h3>Troy Hill, CB</h3>
</th>
</tr>
<tr id="tr">
<td id="td"><b>3 TKL (3 SOLO), 1 PD</b></td>
<td id="td">
<p>In the preseason, Hill replaced Marcus Roberson, who was ultimately cut. </p>
<p>In Week 2, Hill replaced Coty Sensabaugh, and largely held his own. Outside of the one deep pass, Hill kept the Seahawks passing game muted despite being targeted all game. Overall, a good start for a secondary in need of another quality starter.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2><br></h2>
<table id="table" class="randomtable">
<tbody>
<tr id="tr">
<th id="th" width="30%"> <img src="https://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6951435/Downloads_Library.0.png" height="80" width="80"> </th> <th id="th">
<h3>Kenny Britt, WR<br>
</h3>
</th>
</tr>
<tr id="tr">
<td id="td"><b>6 REC, 94 YARDS</b></td>
<td id="td">
<p>Britt appears to be the only receiver worth anything on the team. Don't look now, but he's on pace for over 1,000 yards. That in itself is a major accomplishment.</p>
<p>Why OC Rob Boras doesn't script more plays to Britt is beyond me.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2><br></h2>
<table id="table" class="randomtable">
<tbody>
<tr id="tr">
<th id="th" width="30%"> <img src="https://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6951435/Downloads_Library.0.png" height="80" width="80"> </th> <th id="th">
<h3>Greg Zuerlein, K<br>
</h3>
</th>
</tr>
<tr id="tr">
<td id="td"><b>3 FGM, 47 YD LNG<br></b></td>
<td id="td">
<p>Zuerlein has a tumultuous career on the Rams. </p>
<p>However, drilling three kicks, Zuerlein finally looks to have regained that accuracy he started with during his rookie year. The decision not to kick a 55 yarder might have been a field-position call, but it certainly didn't hurt his confidence.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2><br></h2>
<table id="table" class="randomtable">
<tbody>
<tr id="tr">
<th id="th" width="30%"> <img src="https://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6951435/Downloads_Library.0.png" height="80" width="80"> </th> <th id="th">
<h3>Robert Quinn, DE</h3>
</th>
</tr>
<tr id="tr">
<td id="td">
<p><b>2 TKL (1 SOLO), 1 SACK,</b></p>
<p><b> 2 QB HITS, 1 FF<br></b></p>
</td>
<td id="td">
<p>No player needed this more than Robert Quinn. After an injury riddled campaign last year, all eyes were on him to see if he could regain his form.</p>
<p>In short - he did. And it was glorious.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<h3>Assorted Thoughts</h3>
<ul>
<li>The Rams went back to a more traditional defensive scheme that saw them close up the interior. It worked well against the Seahawks, who had trouble running the ball all day.<br> </li>
<li>Tavon Austin wasn't as big of a factor as his yardage line would suggest.</li>
<li> Todd Gurley continues to be bad by association. Sorry Todd, it's not your fault.</li>
<li>The Rams continued their culture change against the Seahawks with 9 penalties for 74 yards.</li>
</ul>
</div>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2016/9/19/12966260/la-rams-seattle-seahawks-recap-winners-losersEric Nagel