Turf Show Times - 2018 Los Angeles Rams Week 1: Los Angeles Rams at Oakland Raidershttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51333/tst-fav.png2018-09-13T10:00:04-05:00http://www.turfshowtimes.com/rss/stream/175776992018-09-13T10:00:04-05:002018-09-13T10:00:04-05:00Rams-Raiders film review
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<img alt="NFL: Los Angeles Rams at Oakland Raiders" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/RsS-Jp_I43es0DRkMZEvYc2bZ44=/0x0:4561x3041/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61380047/usa_today_11222709.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Carr’s biggest adversary in the first half was the Rams’ defense. In the second half, he was playing against himself.</p> <p id="85rZII">In their game against the <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a>, three of the first five <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Oakland Raiders</a>’ drives ended with points on the board. Five of the final six drives of the game ended with a punt or a turnover. </p>
<p id="0I1Ov9">So...what happened? </p>
<p id="aOfz16">There are plenty of reasons why the Raiders offense couldn’t keep up with the Rams. But one of the biggest reasons is <span>Derek Carr</span>. </p>
<p id="jwRVjG">In the first half, Carr seemed sharp as ever. He completed eight of his first 10 passes and finished the first half going 21-27 and an interception. The second half was a steady decline, which saw Carr turn the ball over twice more after making some pretty bad throws. </p>
<h4 id="rCl2Fy">Under-throwing the ball</h4>
<p id="PsJCCU">This is a reoccurring issue for Carr. Even when he has time, he has a tendency to whip the ball out of his hands, which usually leads the ball to the ground or near a defender’s hands. </p>
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<p id="jLBtTv">This was one of the three targets to WR Amari Cooper. He finished the game with one catch for nine yards. Carr had time and a wide open target as CB <span>Marcus Peters</span> was behind him. </p>
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<p id="TUQB4m">This was the second throw of the second half. Carr has the pressure coming, but his throw is not only under-thrown, but it’s way off-target. </p>
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<p id="22MQ5Y">Again, Carr had another open man with a defender behind his receiver, but the pass is off-target. There was no immediate pressure to get the ball out. He had a solid pocket forming, but the throw was rushed. </p>
<h4 id="LfKFBW">Differing reactions to oncoming pressure</h4>
<p id="L8vfWt">There were times when Carr reacted prematurely to oncoming pressure and there were other times when he was immersed in a collapsing pocket and still made a throw before he was taken down. </p>
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<p id="9U4On2">Take this throw for example. It’s hard to say what Carr saw from this angle, but he still had time to throw if he stepped into his pocket instead of remaining in the pathway of LB <span>Samson Ebukam</span>. </p>
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<p id="rUHMPG">A few throws later, he stays in the pocket and makes an off-balanced throw to the running back. </p>
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<p id="TdtXRQ">Then two throws later, he whips a ball straight up in the zip code of where WR <span>Jordy Nelson</span> was to escape the little pressure he felt from the pass-rush. Not only did he have time in the pocket, he had his go-to target TE <span>Jared Cook</span> in front of him. Instead, he turns the ball over. </p>
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<p id="uWNXEI">Carr is a veteran quarterback, so his Monday Night performance was a head-scratcher especially after his two interceptions. The Peters interception was bad because 1.) Peters followed Carr’s eyes the entire play and 2.) the pass was off-target, which allowed Peters to just catch and score. </p>
<p id="qpflJb">I thought the pass-rush would have been much more of an imposing force than it was on Monday night. In the end, Carr beat himself. </p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018/9/13/17850736/los-angeles-rams-oakland-raiders-recap-film-review-derek-carr-tape-studyTG252018-09-13T09:00:14-05:002018-09-13T09:00:14-05:00Week 2 McVay approval poll
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<img alt="NFL: Los Angeles Rams at Oakland Raiders" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/gk4nNwz3lVWGat3hORWUZYhj5w0=/0x0:2304x1536/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61378475/usa_today_11222484.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Rams came out flat in the 1st half of their season opener, but finished strong. Which half made a bigger impression on you and how does it change your thoughts on McBae?</p> <p id="yqJChN">Your opinion of Sean McVay when you hit the sack on Monday night likely depended on what time you turned the game off.</p>
<p id="c2ozK3">At halftime, Jon Gruden and the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Oakland Raiders</a> were having their way with Wade Phillips’ much hyped defense. The <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a> entered the half down 13-10 and losing the time of possession battle - among other things - badly. If you were on the east coast or couldn’t stomach the possibility of watching another disappointing half of Rams football, you could very well have went to bed distraught.</p>
<p id="Ngc7oB">But if you endured the disappointment and were able to tune in for the second half, you saw that McVay and Co. made some tremendous halftime adjustments and completely dominated the third quarter before coasting in the fourth quarter. Less than two years removed from Jeff Fisher’s <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2016/12/11/13916924/los-angeles-rams-todd-gurley-interview-middle-school-offense">terrible coaching</a> it was a magnificent sight to behold.</p>
<p id="l9vArl">Which category do you fall into?</p>
<p id="6eRpVx">*Editors note: The poll will be cumulative in 2018*</p>
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https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018/9/13/17853486/los-angeles-rams-oakland-raiders-recap-review-sean-mcvay-poll-ratingSean Wilkinson2018-09-13T08:30:02-05:002018-09-13T08:30:02-05:00Rams-Raiders: PFF game notes
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<img alt="Los Angeles Rams RB Todd Gurley runs past Oakland Raiders CB Gareon Conley, September 10, 2018." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/lckMiec0KWGnYDpP0JAoUQH6sX4=/0x0:3773x2515/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61380139/usa_today_11222721.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Los Angeles Rams RB Todd Gurley runs past Oakland Raiders CB Gareon Conley, September 10, 2018. | Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Here’s how PFF saw the Rams’ season-opening win.</p> <p id="isIq54">Here are Pro Football Focus’ notes on the <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a>’ 33-13 <span>Week 1</span> win over the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Oakland Raiders</a>.</p>
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<p id="Z6dqVU"><em><strong>OFFENSE</strong></em></p>
<p id="UsjwbG">- Of the five <a href="https://profootballfocus.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a7d7800ecd0f50ac1f6427744&id=420f8963eb&e=1b2fed8d2a">Los Angeles Rams</a> players to grade out at an 80.0 or higher, four of them came from the offensive line. The highest graded of the four was right guard <a href="https://profootballfocus.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a7d7800ecd0f50ac1f6427744&id=95ae804e4e&e=1b2fed8d2a">Austin Blythe</a>, who is filling in for a suspended <a href="https://profootballfocus.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a7d7800ecd0f50ac1f6427744&id=9e45137241&e=1b2fed8d2a">Jamon Brown</a>. He finished the game with an overall grade of 87.0 and allowed zero quarterback pressures on 36 pass-blocking snaps. The offensive line was credited with allowing two quarterback pressures all night against the <a href="https://profootballfocus.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a7d7800ecd0f50ac1f6427744&id=217582434c&e=1b2fed8d2a">Oakland Raiders</a>.</p>
<p id="4hzirB">- Running back <a href="https://profootballfocus.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a7d7800ecd0f50ac1f6427744&id=67a6d018b1&e=1b2fed8d2a">Todd Gurley</a> picked up right where he left off from a season ago in Monday’s season opener against the Raiders. He combined to touch the ball 23 times (20 rushing, three receiving) while contributing eight first downs and a touchdown. He was able to avoid two tackles and average 3.2 yards after contact per attempt on 20 carries.</p>
<p id="HJjJnT"><em><strong>DEFENSE</strong></em></p>
<p id="tGFTAJ">- In his first game as a Los Angeles Ram, cornerback <a href="https://profootballfocus.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a7d7800ecd0f50ac1f6427744&id=ed3ae2a474&e=1b2fed8d2a">Marcus Peters</a> was targeted six times on 47 coverage snaps. He allowed three catches for 25 yards and added an interception for a touchdown to allow a 21.5 passer rating into his coverage. He finished the game with an overall 73.5 grade on defense while playing all 70 defensive snaps for the Rams.</p>
<p id="ch3ABC">- After just recently reporting to the Rams, interior defender <a href="https://profootballfocus.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a7d7800ecd0f50ac1f6427744&id=2682f39014&e=1b2fed8d2a">Aaron Donald</a> was the team’s second highest graded player with his 86.1. The Rams had no worries with his conditioning as he rushed the passer on all 42 Oakland drop backs, more than any other defender on the defense. He generated five quarterback pressures and had a sack that was nullified by a penalty on his way to an 88.2 pass-rushing grade. The Rams’ entire defense was able to generate 16 total quarterback pressures on the night.</p>
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https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018/9/13/17853936/los-angeles-rams-oakland-raiders-recap-reviewpro-football-focus-game-notes-week-13k2018-09-13T07:00:07-05:002018-09-13T07:00:07-05:00Rams-Raiders: The Professor’s review
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<img alt="Los Angeles Rams v Oakland Raiders" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8pWd2Vt1tBDPxLTwZFfXGYTVhOY=/0x0:5472x3648/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61380131/1031815306.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Happy to come out of the Black Hole with a win.</p> <h3 id="dqlcUr">Sitting the Starters In the Preseason Was Not A Brilliant Move</h3>
<p id="9JWolA">Right away, <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a> fans got to evaluate whether Head Coach Sean McVay’s <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018/8/27/17782912/los-angeles-rams-preseason-starters-sit-bench-no-snaps-zero-none-at-all-jared-goff-todd-gurley">decision to sit his starters for the entire preseason</a> was a brilliant decision in light of the long season ahead or a mistake.</p>
<p id="3sspmK">It was clearly a mistake.</p>
<p id="PmzhCD">The Rams were rusty, and it wasn’t until the second half did Rams fans see the team which they believed should have shown up in the first half.</p>
<p id="Vyctm3">The Rams offense sputtered and squandered opportunities, and the defense was no better.</p>
<p id="3imIkP">Among the TST staff and readership, debate was heated, coupled with fits of anger and frustration over the fact the Rams should have played their starters in the preseason as the team appeared lifeless. Evidence of this was clear with the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Oakland Raiders</a> holding a two to one lead in time of possession, sloppy tackling and players seeming to be out of position in the soft zone defense.</p>
<p id="2qThJL">But my take at halftime to my fellow brothers in arms at TST was “be patient,” the Rams will make the adjustments in the second half and that the team was just too talented to lose the Raiders being down only 13-10.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kendrick told yall.<br><br>We gon be aight. <a href="https://t.co/ZlZJerg8oc">https://t.co/ZlZJerg8oc</a></p>— TurfShowTimes (@TurfShowTimes) <a href="https://twitter.com/TurfShowTimes/status/1039384228113334272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2018</a>
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<p id="x2Y42z">Sure enough, the Rams came out smoking in the second half. The defense shut down the Raiders, and the Rams scored 20 unanswered points topped off with a pick-six by CB <span>Marcus Peters</span> just when the Rams needed it, capping off the night in which the Ram fans are grateful for coming away with a win. </p>
<p id="5FRqaU">The team has a lot to improve on.</p>
<h3 id="JL46Vp">Lack of An Edge Rush</h3>
<p id="IBD4zp">The biggest problem I saw on defense was lack of an edge rush. The “Fearsome Threesome” of Suh, Donald and Brockers were getting the job done, penetrating up the middle. But there’s only so much they can do in a “dink and dunk” game. </p>
<p id="jlDYaq">The key in that type of situation is to have a hard edge rush. Force the quarterback to make a bad throw or decision as the Rams did when LB <span>Cory Littleton</span> picked off the ball. When you come with a hard edge rush, it forces the QB to make a snap decision. In this situation, the QB has two choices either throw the ball away or step into the pocket.</p>
<p id="dUqgdt">Any QB, including Raiders QB <span>Derek Carr</span>, would rather just throw it away then have to deal with the Fearsome Threesome barreling in on him should choose to make the decision to step into the pocket. By choosing to throw the ball away due to the edge rush, the quarterback may panic and instead of throwing the ball out of bounds, he lofts one up in air towards the sidelines which become easy pickings for defenders. The QB in his haste to make a play, may get off a bad throw or the receiver may drop it. </p>
<p id="TRjRka">All of this is what your the defense is supposed to do in a dink and dunk game as the Raiders were playing.</p>
<p id="pAudM4">Not every hard edge rush is going to result in an incomplete pass, but the key here is to keep the pressure on throughout the game.</p>
<p id="vn9w2n">At some point the QB is going to have no choice at all as result of coverage but to step into the pocket and that’s when the Fearsome Threesome can do their most damage, “See ya and nice knowing you.”</p>
<p id="aQKdSN">The Rams were just missing with the edge rushers. They did a much better job in the second half and it showed. They rotated in out the edge guys to give them a breather. I’m fine with that, but someone in that core of defenders has to become a dominant force.</p>
<p id="sKjoml">So I’m taking a wait and see approach regarding my concerns.</p>
<h3 id="6rfrUn">Sloppy Tackling</h3>
<p id="EYJfrS">You have to make a tackle at the point of contact. </p>
<p id="dgA6YF">This was a good game to test the Rams’ defense’s physicality having to face “Beast Mode” RB <span>Marshawn Lynch</span>. The Rams made the initial point of contact on <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/2018/9/11/17844604/marshawn-lynch-oakland-raiders-touchdown-los-angeles-rams-players-end-zone-video?_ga=2.123457288.2041807868.1535912537-2072772883.1535039948">that unbelievable touchdown</a>. I expected once Lynch was slowed down, the Rams swarming defense would swoop on him and bring him down.</p>
<p id="Nxa7zK">Nope.</p>
<p id="LOssaP">Instead, Beast Mode ran right up the gut and carried nearly everyone into the end zone.</p>
<p id="xkT10E">I’m not buying into the idea that this is Marshawn and that there isn’t a running back in the league who runs like him. This is because on a short swing or screen pass, the Rams defense was just as sloppy giving up chunks of RAC yardage after making contact.</p>
<p id="m2BcZI">It’s just poor tackling due primarily to lack of participation in preseason. The defense did a much better job in the second half, but not great.</p>
<h3 id="zc7K1C">Offense Struggled As Well</h3>
<p id="dNfPjE">The Rams’ offense also got off to a slow start. They were basically non-existent in the first half, BUT FOR the pass interference penalties leading to big gains and keeping in them in the game.</p>
<p id="qJXtyr">In the second half, once they made adjustments and had that taste of <em>real</em> NFL football, the Rams offense was crisp. RB <span>Todd Gurley</span> took over the game, and everyone knows that a good running game starts with the offensive line opening holes.</p>
<p id="JySPyn">The Rams’ offensive line also gave Goff so much time to throw, I could have ordered a pizza and had it delivered while he was setting up to pass. And Goff showed growth, marching the Rams on at five minute drive down the field for a field goal which gave our team a 16-point lead with just under two minutes to play.</p>
<p id="A2cRv7">If I have a criticism, it goes to lack of red zone production.</p>
<p id="je6ny9">I’ve mentioned this before—the key to having a great offensive team is that you finish the job with touchdowns, not field goals. <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018/9/11/17848812/transcript-los-angeles-rams-sean-mcvay-oakland-raiders-recap-review-pharoh-cooper-injury">McVay acknowledged that he could’ve done better calling plays in the red zone</a>. I’m fine with that. But accountability must also be borne by the players who have to execute the plays that are called inside the red zone.</p>
<p id="dK6FdP">I’ve talked about this before on the difficulty but the need to score a touchdown when the field gets smaller.</p>
<p id="RCVVl7">If you can pick up a first down outside the ten-yard line, concentrate on getting the first down. Then you have four more downs either just inside the ten but more likely around the five-yard line. Once inside, get the ball as close as possible to the goalline on first down. This will give you the necessary options for 2nd and 3rd down.</p>
<p id="rCy9dq">Nothing wrong with taking a shot into the end zone. Just realize down and distance should it not be successful so you’re ready to score on the the next down.</p>
<p id="R7YKRV">There’s a big difference being up by 13 in the middle of the 4th quarter and being up by 17 or 14.</p>
<p id="n9max3">As an offense that averaged 30 points a game last year, the Rams will be fine. I just don’t want the lack of red zone production to become a habit as it seems to be with the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a>.</p>
<h3 id="K7yWzT">Special Teams</h3>
<p id="nzg7qa">That 55-yard field goal by K Greg Zuerlein was huge putting the Rams up by 10. It was a gutsy call by McVay and Special Teams coach John “Bones” Fassel since GZ had previously missed a 46-yarder earlier in the game.</p>
<p id="qelktj">Imagine the field position the Raiders would have had being down by only seven points taking into account the momentum swing and the raucous “Black Hole.”</p>
<p id="NDkPKf">I’m not surprised per se that Zuerlein made it. I just felt uneasy since he had missed a shorter one previously.</p>
<p id="t4F6Uo">Grade A for that call and execution.</p>
<p id="kfg4Q6">What I didn’t know, which was brought out during the broadcast, was that the Rams led the league last year in holding calls on special teams with 26—stop this now. There’s no reason for a good return or field position on a fair catch to be ruined by that type of mistake—be smart.</p>
<p id="uCN84k">Work on it, get better.</p>
<h3 id="hykm2M">Final Grades</h3>
<p id="toAkS8">I thought the Rams handled the pressure of the Gruden Return at the Oakland-Alameda Coliseum well. They didn’t get raddled, made the adjustments and took over the game in the second half.</p>
<p id="DdYWOj">The Rams proved that can play with anyone, whether its team trying to out physical them or a team that attempts to finesse them.</p>
<p id="KHmxfK">I loved this game, because it bodes well for the future cause at some point during the long season the Rams can look back on and say “We can do this, remember the Raider game”</p>
<p id="2584IY">But as a game it must graded on it merits, even if its the first one—C is all the Rams will get from me.</p>
<p id="K0msTK">They can perform a lot better and the Rams know it.</p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018/9/13/17850976/los-angeles-rams-oakland-raiders-recap-review-2nd-down-second-guessing-professors-reviewgo rams2018-09-12T13:00:02-05:002018-09-12T13:00:02-05:00Rams-Raiders: What went as expected
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<img alt="NFL: Los Angeles Rams at Oakland Raiders" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/NNwb7fNM2zRvsRTQ7RA8WUawbJA=/0x0:4608x3072/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61356123/usa_today_11222694.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Rams ended up winning their opener by 20 points. What did the Rams do that was expected?</p> <p id="sARTqX">The <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a> spoiled the coaching return of <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Oakland Raiders</a> Head Coach Jon Gruden. After entering halftime with a 13-10 deficit, the Rams dropped off a 23-0 second half <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018/9/11/17844986/los-angeles-rams-oakland-raiders-review-sean-mcvay-wade-phillips-jared-goff-todd-gurley">defeating the Raiders 33-13</a>. Expectations were very high for this team and here are some of the things the Rams did, and were expected to do.</p>
<h3 id="J047Mp">Win the Game</h3>
<p id="rbNBHd">The Rams were expected to win the game. Point blank. </p>
<p id="VKRNyA">Armed with MVP candidate RB <span>Todd Gurley</span>, Coach of the Year McBae, and a revamped defense led by DL <span>Aaron Donald</span>, the team was expected to win. </p>
<h3 id="oZZlZk">Gurley was going to ball out</h3>
<p id="NQKcpA">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). </p>
<h3 id="77ozNU">Defense was going to be stout at DL and secondary</h3>
<p id="p33eHi">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 <span>Jordy Nelson</span>, one to <span>Amari Cooper</span>, one to <span>Seth Roberts</span>). Like Rams CB <span>Aqib Talib</span> said in the locker room after the game, “<a href="https://twitter.com/CrenshawRams/status/1039561599290208256">I DON’T THINK THEY WIDEOUTS HAD A CATCH</a>”. </p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018/9/12/17847610/la-rams-oakland-raiders-recap-review-todd-gurley-jared-goff-aaron-donald-marcus-petersElijah Kim2018-09-12T12:00:02-05:002018-09-12T12:00:02-05:00Rams-Raiders: Five Rams to watch revisited
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<figcaption>Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>A quick recap of some of the key performers from the Rams’ week 1 victory</p> <p id="BhsoQ2">The <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a> overcame a slow start on Monday night to pull away from the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Oakland Raiders</a> capped by an electric pick six from one Marcus Peters. On Saturday, <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018/9/8/17834658/la-rams-oakland-raiders-players-to-watch-aaron-donald-austin-blythe-pharoh-cooper-jared-goff">Sean wrote about five key players to keep an eye on</a> during <span>Week 1</span>. Here’s a look at how they performed.</p>
<h3 id="3FiME7"><span>Aaron Donald</span></h3>
<p id="jgR5K5">HC Sean McVay said Donald wouldn’t be on a snap count. He certainly wasn’t playing on 66 snaps or 89% of the Rams’ defensive downs. Was he the Earth-shattering, unblockable force we’ve come to know and love? Not quite. He did get to QB <span>Derek Carr</span> once, but was whistled for a marginal roughing the passer when he went low. The rest of the time, he was too busy getting held to register much on the stat sheet. His pressure up the middle was key on the inexplicable INT from Carr to LB Cory Littleton, and Oakland <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-pro-bowl">Pro Bowl</a> OG <span>Kelechi Osemele</span> had his hands full (of jersey) all night long.</p>
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<img alt="Los Angeles Rams v Oakland Raiders" data-mask-text="This image contains sensitive or violent content" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/qD4kgHJNt519Ir30RpM3nA02czQ=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/12935941/1031096694.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images</cite>
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<h3 id="34vDp3"><span>Austin Blythe</span></h3>
<p id="WrTZ5K">Starting in place of suspended RG <span>Jamon Brown</span>, OL Austin Blythe once again proved that he’s a really steady and versatile backup. Along with LT <span>Andrew Whitworth</span>, LG Roger Saffold and RT <span>Rob Havenstein</span>, he was named to the PFF Team of the Week with a strong 87.0 rating (whatever that means). He wasn’t officially credited with allowing any pressures, though it appeared a DT did slip through to pressure QB <span>Jared Goff</span> (who missed a wide open <span>Cooper Kupp</span>). Sure, the Raiders aren’t exactly running the Steel Curtain out there, but certainly the question is no longer “Can Blythe play?” but “Is Blythe better than Brown?” Stay tuned.</p>
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<img alt="Houston Texans v&nbsp;Los Angeles Ram" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9yjvReQfyHX4GS2G-6WslEpU5Y4=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/12936669/879541724.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images</cite>
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<h3 id="q7xSs8"><span>Pharoh Cooper</span></h3>
<p id="Q53cWm">On Saturday, TST’s Sean Wilkinson wrote:</p>
<p id="7iLf39"><em>“Special Teams coordinator John Fassel is one of the best in the business, so I expect Cooper to have a level head on Monday, but it’s worth watching to see if there are any residual nerves from his errors at the end of last season.”</em></p>
<p id="BCqGGf">My vote is yes: there were some residual nerves. He was fine, returning 3 kickoffs for a 25 yard average and 2 punts for just 6 apiece, but when he fielded a ball he could have let go for an extra 5-6 yards, he took what I’d call an unnecessary risk, and was also <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018/9/11/17848824/los-angeles-rams-oakland-raiders-recap-review-injury-report-pharoh-cooper-mike-thomas">injured on the play</a>.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Pharoh Cooper Out with Significant Ankle Injury<br><br>Read » <a href="https://t.co/f6B3sp8JAH">https://t.co/f6B3sp8JAH</a> <a href="https://t.co/AUOiJl2MBa">pic.twitter.com/AUOiJl2MBa</a></p>— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/RamsNFL/status/1039680193130946560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2018</a>
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<p id="ezC6HW">After seeing <span>Tavon Austin</span> muff punts for years, it’s clear that this role is just as much mental as it is physical. Jury remains out on the Pro Bowl return man. Let’s hope he recovers quickly.</p>
<h3 id="u7bGHP">Jared Goff</h3>
<p id="DVM9Rk">When asked if there was any rust from not playing in the preseason, Goff answered in the negative. I’d beg to differ. On his second trip to the red zone, Goff tried to give it back to the Raiders twice, forcing a ball into quadruple coverage and letting one fly towards two Oakland CBs on his second errant toss of the stanza. His timing was off in stretches, and his deep balls were just off the mark (which is usually the case, but an area where we’d all love to see him improve). Once the Rams established RB <span>Todd Gurley</span> and the PA game started to click, Goff found his rhythm and was solid on his way to a pedestrian 18-33/233/2 TD showing. His pocket awareness remains a concern, as he fumbled on a blind side hit, and he was late on a potential TD pass to Cooper Kupp, while missing a wide open Tyler Higbee. Clearly, a lack of real game action magnified some of Goff’s more shaky traits. Let’s hope he’s sharper in Week 2.</p>
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<h2 id="AIjx2o">Linebacker Corps</h2>
<p id="jXi3Oz">A major question mark heading into week one, the Rams’ rebuilt LB corps left quite a bit to be desired in their Monday night debut. Stats can be deceiving, as Corey Littleton’s 13 total tackles (11 solo) and INT were great if you’re running him out as an IDP in fantasy, but also meant the UDFA from the University of Washington (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOLikVjJkuw">Bow Down to Washington</a>) was heavily targeted. For most of the first half, Oakland’s dink and dunk offense was supremely effective, as Carr went 20-24. Littleton’s whiff on <span>Jared Cook</span> (exacerbated by LaMarcus Joyner’s brutal angle) was the bad, but he did make some nice plays and displayed good range. <span>Samson Ebukam</span> was very solid, with 3 of his 4 tackles for loss, and he also looked sturdy in coverage. Starting for the injured <span>Mark Barron</span>, ILB <span>Ramik Wilson</span> was fairly terrible, and was often replaced by SS <span>Marqui Christian</span>, whose presence in certain packages seemed to stem the silver and black tide. Adjusting to his new role, <span>Dominique Easley</span> looked like a nice rotational piece on the outside, and <span>Matt Longacre</span> didn’t flash much opposite him when called upon. On the plus side, rookie John Franklin-Meyers, sporting his new look #94, impressed — albeit no real sense of how he’d do in coverage. Overall, there’s a reason why the Rams didn’t cut Mark Barron and his $8M salary, and we saw it on Monday night — getting him back will be key, or you’ll see opposing TEs eat on this Rams D all season long. </p>
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https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018/9/12/17848066/los-angeles-rams-oakland-raiders-recap-review-five-to-watchHotdaddywags2018-09-12T11:30:02-05:002018-09-12T11:30:02-05:00Rams-Raiders: Matchups to watch revisited
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<img alt="NFL: Los Angeles Rams at Oakland Raiders" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7Y18GIqTYdhn_vewfSU25ATnT7I=/0x0:4470x2980/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61334223/usa_today_11222698.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Lets take a look at who won the matchups mentioned prior to the game</p> <p id="9gcswQ">Prior to the game on Monday Night Football, I <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018/9/7/17832168/2018-los-angeles-rams-oakland-raiders-preview-matchups-to-watch-todd-gurley-brandin-cooks">had my matchups to watch</a> in the <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a>’ game vs the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Oakland Raiders</a>.</p>
<p id="Qo3hQF">All turned out to be major wins for the Rams, so let’s take a look at the matchups and how they fared.</p>
<h3 id="GEk3J8">Battle #1: RB <span>Todd Gurley</span> vs. MLB <span>Derrick Johnson</span>
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<p id="ij3J49"><em>Last week’s matchup to watch:</em></p>
<blockquote><p id="Tm56nD">Gurley is a man amongst boys simply put. After destroying the league last year, look for the Rams running back to start out hot in week one vs the Raiders. The Raiders simply lack speed on the defensive side of the ball, and that’ll be exposed by soon-to-be 36-year old linebacker <span>Derrick Johnson</span>. The Rams should run the ball early and often stretching the Raiders defense both vertically and horizontally (outside zone runs). Lastly, the Rams should look to expose <span>Johnson</span> in space by motioning Gurley around and letting him use his open field speed and great catching ability.</p></blockquote>
<p id="f23ifV">Yeah, the Rams won this one. Gurley had 23 total touches gaining 147 yards — majority of which came in the second half — and a touchdown. Gurley was tremendous as usual on the night. The outside zone the Rams run worked well, either gaining large amounts of yards on the ground or allowing the offense to work a heavy play action passing game that tore the Raiders’ secondary apart.</p>
<p id="4jWmLg">Rams 1 - Raiders 0</p>
<h3 id="ou8VYF">Battle #2: WR <span>Brandin Cooks</span> vs. CBs <span>Gareon Conley</span> and <span>Rashaan Melvin</span>
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<p id="VO70zH"><em>Last week’s matchup to watch:</em></p>
<blockquote><p id="OchlTZ">The entire stable of Rams receivers will be dangerous in this game (<span><strong>Robert Woods</strong></span> and <span><strong>Cooper Kupp</strong></span>), so I don’t mean to single out Cooks. The best part about the potential for Cooks in this game is his electrifying speed and ability to alter defenders’ gameplans because of it. If (more like when) the Rams can get their running game going, look for the offense to set up a few playaction deep shots to Cooks (particularly on the post).</p></blockquote>
<p id="Mp0n2v">Simply put, Brandin Cooks was a major problem for the Raiders’ secondary. Even though he only registered five receptions for 87 yards, his impact was downright dominant. Cooks drew two pass interference calls that gained around 80-90 yards in total. Not only that, but he also had another post or two where he had a defender beat deep but an overthrown pass by QB Jared Goff negated the win.</p>
<p id="gpkaKc">Rams 2 - Raiders 0</p>
<h3 id="lCgxmk">Battle #3: Rams’ DL vs. Raiders’ OL</h3>
<p id="0fp2m9"><em>Last week’s matchup to watch:</em></p>
<blockquote><p id="UQW2mF">The Raiders will start a rookie first-round pick at LT in <span><strong>Kolton Miller</strong></span>. In base downs, he may get some reps vs DT <span><strong>Aaron Donald</strong></span>. Good luck son. Moving forward, the interior battle is going to be a display of insane talent on both sides. The Raiders’ interior offensive line is loaded with LG <span><strong>Kelechi Osemele</strong></span>, C <span><strong>Rodney Hudson</strong></span> and RG <span><strong>Gabe Jackson</strong></span>. The Rams’ trio counters as Donald, <span><strong>Ndamukong Suh</strong></span> and <span><strong>Michael Brockers</strong></span>. This is going to be one hell of a matchup throughout the game. Look for both sides to win some battles.</p></blockquote>
<p id="27arqa">Even though the Rams only registered one single sack, the defensive line absolutely dominated the game. You’d be silly to think the Rams’ defensive line didn’t impact the game and completely stifle the Raiders’ gameplan which was clearly centered around not allowing the Rams’ defensive line and secondary to win the game. Among that, the defensive line drew multiple holding calls and had another Aaron Donald sack negated due to hitting the quarterback low.</p>
<p id="gOIYSV">Rams 3 - Raiders 0</p>
<h3 id="JuMZDf">Battle #4: CB <span>Marcus Peters</span> vs. QB <span>Derek Carr</span>
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<p id="dc4tvY"><em>Last week’s matchup to watch:</em></p>
<blockquote><p id="CZqBK6">Peters has played the Raiders five times in his career; he’s registered four pass deflections, two interceptions, and a forced fumble in those games. Peters is a skillful and smart gambler at the cornerback position. Not only that, but he has the most elite ball skills in the NFL today. <span>Carr</span> knows all this as Peters is a former Kansas City Chief — a division rival. Look for these two to try and outsmart each other based on their familiarity with each other.</p></blockquote>
<p id="aLfVkM">Oh yeah, the funnest part of the game came here. <span>Marcus Peters</span> (and the remainder of the Rams CB trio) were hardly tested in the game as the Raiders’ gameplan was to clearly avoid attacking the star-studded trio. Instead, they picked on the LB’s and SS John <span>Johnson</span> III in coverage. Peters’ impact even extended into the run game where he held contain on the edge and made multiple tackles on his cousin, RB Marshawn Lynch. Obviously the best part of the night was when Peters was in coverage vs TE <span>Jared Cook</span> — he essentially ran the route for the tight end, picked the pass off, and took it 60 yards back the other way for a defensive score in his hometown of Oakland.</p>
<p id="uvprtK">Rams 4 - Raiders 0</p>
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<p id="mLMdIo">Hell of a start for the Rams. Lets see how they can improve as they face-off with a division rival in the <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a> in week two.</p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018/9/12/17849908/los-angeles-rams-oakland-raiders-matchups-to-watch-revisited-todd-gurley-marcus-peters-brandin-cooksSosa Kremenjas2018-09-12T09:30:08-05:002018-09-12T09:30:08-05:00Week 2 Rams schedule outlook update
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<img alt="NFL: Los Angeles Rams at Oakland Raiders" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Kc2AT9r59v4u6fQbfJJDAUghp-Y=/0x0:3924x2616/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61311345/usa_today_11222696.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>How did the Rams upcoming opponents perform in week 1?</p> <p id="CIlmff">The Los Angeles Rams concluded week 1 of the 2018 NFL season with a bang. After a slugging first half, the Rams charged back in the 2nd half - giving us all a glimpse at the potential this team has this year.</p>
<p id="RcWlZm">Week 1 was rough for upcoming Rams opponents, as only 5 of the Rams remaining 15 games will be played against a team that won their week 1 matchup. Let’s take a gander at what the upcoming schedule looks like.</p>
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<p id="drI4Hy">If week 1 was any indication, the Rams are in a good position for the first half of the season. </p>
<p id="JARheC">Next week’s game against Sam Bradford and the Arizona Cardinals will give the defense another opportunity to greet an old friend.</p>
<p id="ALvzhh">Week 3 will be interesting as the Rams host the Los Angeles Chargers at the Coliseum. The youngsters on both sides would be wise to get to know each other a bit.... they’ll be sharing a building with them in two years.</p>
<p id="mOJlNb">Week 4 is where most fans are looking. The Rams will play host to the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday night football and that will be an early measuring stick for the Super Bowl aspirations for both teams.</p>
<p id="50gyu9">At the end of the first quarter of the season, we should have a pretty firm grasp on the Rams identity. If they play like they did in the 2nd half Monday night in Oakland, this team is going to be a joy to watch all season.</p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018/9/12/17849072/los-angeles-rams-schedule-outlook-oakland-raiders-recap-arizona-cardinals-previewSean Wilkinson