Turf Show Times - 2018 Los Angeles Rams Week 2: vs. Arizona Cardinalshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51333/tst-fav.png2018-09-20T10:00:04-05:00http://www.turfshowtimes.com/rss/stream/176178232018-09-20T10:00:04-05:002018-09-20T10:00:04-05:00Week 3 schedule outlook update
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<img alt="NFL: LA Stadium and Entertainment District Construction" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/IYqZ-0vVSxiq3_jbC9B1V9hrN4o=/0x117:7984x5440/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61471775/usa_today_11276697.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Rams schedule is going to get significantly more difficult in the next few weeks.....</p> <p id="nrg49t">The <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a> are undefeated through two weeks and sit either 1 or 2 in most major power rankings (recap <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018/9/18/17874800/2018-nfl-power-rankings-los-angeles-la-rams-week-3">here</a>). Most of us expected the Rams to be here after playing the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Oakland Raiders</a> and <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a>, but how they got to 2-0 is more impressive than the record itself.</p>
<p id="Jlv3WC">They have allowed 13 points in two games. The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins">Washington Redskins</a> are next best at 27.<br>They lead the league in point differential at +54. Next best are the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a> at +33.</p>
<p id="gvhfU6">That’s pretty damn impressive, but let’s set that aside for the moment.</p>
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<p id="Cwuktn">The Rams next two opponents are an upstart <a href="https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/">Los Angeles Chargers</a> team and a very, very good <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> squad that is looking to assert their dominance in 2018.</p>
<p id="sKXLvQ">I love the hot start as much as any other fan, but the next two weeks are going to tell us a lot more about this Rams team than their first two contests.</p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018/9/20/17881190/los-angeles-rams-arizona-cardinals-recap-chargers-previewSean Wilkinson2018-09-20T08:00:40-05:002018-09-20T08:00:40-05:00Week 3 Sean McVay approval poll
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<figcaption>Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Rams are a freight train right now. How much credit do you give Sean McVay for the Rams play?</p> <p id="zSiMu7">After a rough first half against the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Oakland Raiders</a> on opening weekend, the <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a> have been living up to the hype - dare I say maybe even exceeding it. There are a lot of factors on an NFL team, but very few individuals have as much direct impact on the team as the head coach.</p>
<p id="87E4A6">Rams fans witnessed the negative side of that year after year with Jeff Fisher. Fisher’s Rams teams were always under-performing as well as playing down to their competition level. It was infuriating to Rams fans that the team was so talented yet so inept. Bad coaching will do that to a fan base.</p>
<p id="LabxT2">Sean McVay is the polar opposite of Jeff Fisher. He’s energetic, gets the most out of the talent that he has, and has the 2018 Rams exceeding their lofty expectations through the first two weeks of the season.</p>
<p id="4e2Ebw">Is that because of the insane amount of talent he has at his disposal or because he is a great coach? That’s for you to decide.</p>
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https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018/9/20/17881170/los-angeles-rams-arizona-cardinals-recap-review-sean-mcvay-poll-ratingSean Wilkinson2018-09-19T13:17:13-05:002018-09-19T13:17:13-05:00Rams-Cardinals: The Professor’s review
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<figcaption>Photo by Harry How/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Dominance.</p> <h3 id="sCCcuM">“This was my kind of game”</h3>
<p id="vkIVSi">The <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a> came out in the home opener and dominated the <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a>. When the Rams play like that, I harken back the sixties and to what my father would say at halftime.</p>
<p id="hJF6uJ">“If the Cardinals don’t score at halftime and the Rams put up another touchdown in the 3rd quarter, this will be my kind of game.” I would look at him and ask, “Why?” His reply, “We can leave and beat the traffic”</p>
<p id="rq1f8H">Well, the game played itself out just like my father wanted, but I’m not my father when it comes to my Rams. I’ll stay to the very end especially when something I haven’t seen since the time the Los Angeles Rams beat the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a>—holding the opponent to never crossing the fifty-yard line the whole game.</p>
<p id="dKHfgl">In today’s modern age of passing and rules designed to aid scoring, this would be one for the books. But on the second to last play of the game, the Cardinals actually got over the fifty into Rams territory. I was a bit disappointed, but when the Rams home opener ends in 34-0 drubbing of a division opponent I was certainly impressed overall.</p>
<p id="oPWVrB">The last time I attended a Rams home game against the Cardinals was two years ago. I had anticipated a sea of red as was the case back then. But as I have predicted, when the Rams put a winning product of the field, Angelenos will come out and support our team.</p>
<p id="1amCvX">Sure enough, it was hard to spot red anywhere in the Coliseum. Although it looked like a sparse crowd on television early on, it filled out. Because the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum is so vast and wide, its a bad look sometimes. But Rams fans in LA showed up for this one.</p>
<p id="iy4GIK">This was the major reason the Conrad Hilton moved the <a href="https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/">Chargers</a> who played their first year in the American Football League at the Coliseum to San Diego.</p>
<p id="HvEzis">It wasn’t the biggest crowd I’ve ever been with in the Coliseum, but those that did attend got to see a dominant performance by the Rams in all phases of the game: offense, defense and special teams even without PK <span>Greg Zuerlein</span> who injured his groin in pregame warm ups.</p>
<p id="x1qXd7">It was a special day, but its only game two. In order to become Champions, there’s still a lot of work to do.</p>
<h3 id="TcTNin">The Rams’ defense</h3>
<p id="5qz8w0">The Cardinals’ gameplan from Offensive Coordinator Mike McCoy was clearly to dink and dunk. Following in the footsteps of the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Oakland Raiders</a> in <span>Week 1</span>, the Cardinals tried to exploit the youth and inexperience of the Rams linebackers. This week, the Rams cleaned up their tackling forcing the Cardinals into second and third and long situations and never got the chance to stretch the field.</p>
<p id="qBSpBh">The Rams’ improved tackling also made an impact in the lack of a ground game. RB <span>David Johnson</span> was for the most part held to minimal gains. Once the Rams offense took the lead, the Cardinals, rather then adjust their gameplan, decided to stay with it. This was clearly designed to avoid the “Fearsome Threesome” up front fearing that if Cardinals QB <span>Sam Bradford</span> took a deeper drop he could wind up on the injured reserve list. The Cardinals’ offense is no juggernaut, but because the Rams’ defense was making tackles at the point of contact it made it a long day for Arizona.</p>
<p id="hLcZOr">The Rams’ defense was dominant. They still need someone to step up as a go-to edge rusher, bu that could be tough to do if teams are intent to stick to a short passing game. As long as the Rams defense makes the tackle at the point of contact, shuts down the running game, its hard to imagine many teams putting a lot of points up on this unit.</p>
<p id="oI3bxF">My only complaint was the fact the Rams let the Cardinals cross the fifty in the second to last play of the game. As a fan who loves defense, that would have been a feat in today’s game worthy of keeping my parking pass as well as the ticket so I could always prove “I was there.”</p>
<p id="MwYvwg">But alas, Head Coach Sean McVay and Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillips had mercy for the hapless redbirds. Resting their starters, the second teamers came into the game giving them some much needed experience in real game action. I’m not upset. Just disappointed. When the Rams are this good on defense, it’s about time the shoe is on the other foot. Take that Cardinal fans!</p>
<p id="9uDtN3">So rather then get a grade A+, they move down to A- even with the dominating performance they had. I’m tough on my Rams. I have reason to be. Records are made be broken otherwise they wouldn’t bother tracking them. I guess I’ll just have to wait till the Rams play the Cardinals in Arizona.</p>
<h3 id="U6DYRD">The Rams’ offense</h3>
<p id="2iPiju">WR <span>Brandin Cooks</span> had a breakout game demonstrating that management was completely justified in giving him a <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018/7/17/17582896/2018-los-angeles-rams-wr-brandin-cooks-extended-sign-transactions">long-term deal</a>. He made some remarkable catches. In fact, the entire wide receiving corps was outstanding especially in third and long situations.</p>
<p id="VAYelm">RB <span>Todd Gurley</span> didn’t have a statistical explosion, but he did his best impression of “beast mode” at the goal line pounding the rock into the end zone for touchdowns and two point conversions the Rams decided to go for with Zuerlein out.</p>
<p id="OrRx9i">If there is any positive to come from losing a kicker as valuable as Greg is, it was that it forced the Rams offense to go for on fourth down and short just inside the Cardinals’ thirty and also in the red zone. They Rams’ offense accepted the challenge and came away with flying colors. </p>
<p id="ZYt2hf">The Rams are still not using their tight ends enough in the passing game, but this too will come together as the season moves on.</p>
<p id="Q3I1Dj">The lack of a ground game is why the Rams get a B- here. They need to get more production in the running game for the tough games ahead.</p>
<h3 id="ckLGV1">The Rams’ special teams</h3>
<p id="fvSlv1">KR/PR <span>JoJo Natson</span> made the Professor look like a genius on Sunday, averaging 22 yards per on punt returns. This young man took advantage of the opportunity, justifying my faith. I’m still waiting for him to break one as he almost had one but stumbled a bit.</p>
<p id="4d21xA">P <span>Johnny Hekker</span> also had a great day. This fun loving football player enjoys the game. So when he got a chance to make an extra point and then made a field goal, you could tell he was enjoying it big time.</p>
<p id="RtCP6P">He came through when the Rams needed him and rather than stress over it, this happy go lucky guy took the bull by the horns and said “No problem, I got this.” You know that after the game he was joking around telling everyone that he should get <span>Aaron Donald</span> money for his yeoman work. </p>
<p id="2fnpQt">Its good to see a good Ram like P Johnny Hekker get some love—he deserves it. Outstanding.</p>
<h3 id="nkATIh">The X-factor and final grade</h3>
<p id="J4ccSb">The X-factor is the most important part of the overall grade I give the Rams. This is because the Cardinals came into the game having lost in their home opener badly to <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins">Washington</a> who in turn lost their home opener to the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a>.</p>
<p id="mQNtFU">That should tell you all you need to know about the Arizona Cardinals. They’re just a bad football team.</p>
<p id="m04lOi">The Rams had only one sack against the Cards. QB <span>Jared Goff</span> had a good game and managed the game well but missed a wide open WR <span>Robert Woods</span> in the end zone. A play he knew was his fault the instant he threw the ball.</p>
<p id="gWPRlq">When you play a team that is that bad and shut them out and that team is a division rival, 34 points is just not enough. It should have been 50-0.</p>
<p id="ArbAID">So with that, given the this is second game of the season and the Rams opponents have thus far a combined record of 0-4, the Rams get a B-</p>
<p id="1CPi06">Next up for the Rams is the Costa Mesa Chargers which will be real test for the Rams defense and we’ll finally be able to judge just how good this team can be.</p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018/9/19/17874606/los-angeles-rams-arizona-cardinals-recap-review-2nd-down-second-guessing-professors-reviewgo rams2018-09-19T12:00:03-05:002018-09-19T12:00:03-05:00TG25’s Film Review: Night and day differences
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<figcaption>Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Rams put on a clinic against the Cardinals in all three phases of the game, and Jared Goff looked damn good. </p> <p id="QHOcGr">The <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a> dominated the <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a> from start to finish on Sunday. The LA defense allowed just five first downs, 144 yards of total offense (90 passing, 54 rushing) and posted the first shutout of the season. </p>
<p id="WAlbP2">Meanwhile the Rams blew the doors off the Cardinals defense, especially when the Rams went through the air (354 passing yards, 159 of which went to WR Bradin Cooks). </p>
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<p id="qMQudx">On third-and-three, the Cardinals line up in shotgun with a running back to QB <span>Sam Bradford</span>’s side. Rams stack the box in case of run. <span>Bradford</span> knows it’s man-coverage. Yet, as soon as the ball is snapped, he immediately stares down Seal-Jones, who is completely covered by John Johnson. </p>
<p id="drX1Bs">If he looked over to Seal-Jones to draw over LaMarcus Joyner, he would have had a first down completion to <span>Chad Williams</span>. </p>
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<p id="i07eWx">Rams have 3rd-and-11 deep in their own zone. QB <span>Jared Goff</span> has limited options with Cardinals defense in zone. Goff releases a tight throw when he sees WR <span>Brandin Cooks</span> is 3/4’s out of his cut, and places the ball exactly where Cooks’ hands will be. </p>
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<p id="XTjLp7">Through two games, Cooks’ value as a receiver far surpasses that of WR <span>Sammy Watkins</span> in this system. Cooks can spread the field, make the tight cuts—McVay could send him to the depths of hell and he would still find a way to get open. With Goff’s progression, the relationship they have will be hell on defenses this season. </p>
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<p id="RNsQiL">The Rams allowed just 54 yards on Sunday, and that dominance starts up front. On 1st-and-10, the Cardinals need some space between them and the end-zone. So they give the ball to RB <span>David Johnson</span>, who runs into a wall. Look at the entire line, including the linebacker LB <span>Cory Littleton</span> who comes down to take up a running lane. <span>Johnson</span> loses two on the play as he’s wrapped up by DT <span>Michael Brockers</span> and DT <span>Aaron Donald</span>. </p>
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<p id="Lnqbsb">This play isn’t going to work out so well against a defense that is, how you say, good. DE <span>Jacques Smith</span> gets a good rush of LT <span>Andrew Whitworth</span>, and Goff makes a bad throw on a collapsing pocket. Goff barely got it off and I think against another defense, that’s probably an interception. </p>
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<p id="ACF3r1">Shoutout to WR <span>Cooper Kupp</span> on his block of DB Antoine Bethea. Kupp whiffed on a block on RB <span>Todd Gurley</span>’s third carry of the game, resulting in a 4-yard loss. This block made up for it. Gurley wins the 1-on-1 matchup. </p>
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<p id="cPitdx">Two great things on this play. </p>
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<li id="OFtz4n">The Cardinals left tackle is left to pick his poison, and he chooses DB <span>Marqui Christian</span>, which leaves LB <span>Samson Ebukam</span> open for the sack. </li>
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<span>DT Ndamukong Suh</span> is basically holding two dudes in the middle and gets away with it. </li>
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<p id="MFdho2">The offensive line—specifically RG <span>Austin Blythe</span> and RT <span>Rob Havenstein</span>—creates a wide running lane on a fourth-down situation. The Rams need to score, and the o-line has produces one without fail. </p>
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<p id="st4EtW">Meanwhile, the Cardinals need two yards for a first down to keep their drive alive. At one point, it seems like the running lane is there, only to have it crashed down by Brockers and Donald. </p>
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<p id="g7lM8s">This is a 1st-and-10 throw, and it’s also a jaw-dropping throw from Goff. He threw this from around LA’s own 10-yard line, and the ball lands in Cooks hands around Arizona’s 25 yard-line (around 65 yard throw). </p>
<p id="VskIwp">Cooks makes a slight move on the defensive back and has four yards of separation by the time the ball is midway through the air.</p>
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<p id="1oyGa4">This is a bad third-down play on Goff’s part without question. He should have thrown the ball away. </p>
<p id="tYWRRd">However, his ability to stretch the play was good to see from the third-year quarterback. The Cardinals sent seven, which put a defender in Goff’s face almost immediately. He’s able to spin away and roll out to look for a last-second opening. But throwing on DB <span>Patrick Peterson</span>, who has a height advantage over Cooks, was not the best idea.</p>
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<p id="jofuP5">Like their game against Oakland, the Rams’ front seven applied the pressure all day. </p>
<p id="tjW9ap">On a third-down deep in their own zone, Arizona calls a passing play. Wade Phillips calls for a man-coverage that incorporates a stunt between Donald and <span>Suh</span>. With Samson drawing the left tackle, the stunt draws the left guard and allows two rushers to file through the opening. </p>
<p id="8jnW8U"><span>Bradford</span> has three bodies in the backfield and no time to make a good throw, resulting in a loss. </p>
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<p id="u9N8pc">Nothing to point out here other than WR <span>Robert Woods</span> is just terrific. </p>
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<p id="NlPkL4">Shoutout to Goff on this play. Earlier in the game, the Rams ran a similar passing play and Goff threw a pass that would have gone for a touchdown. but the pass was too low and it was batted away. </p>
<p id="XnSlZi">This time it goes to TE <span>Tyler Higbee</span> for six. Also, shoutout to Higbee for the touchdown. </p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018/9/19/17878394/los-angeles-rams-vs-arizona-cardinals-film-review-night-and-day-differencesTG252018-09-19T11:00:03-05:002018-09-19T11:00:03-05:00Rams - Cardinals: Revisiting five Rams to watch
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<figcaption>Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p id="rFBVUv">Prior to the <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a> 34-0 beatdown of the <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a>, our own Hotdaddywags took a look at some <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018/9/14/17858642/los-angeles-rams-arizona-cardinals-preview-five-rams-to-watch">Rams to watch</a> in the week 2 matchup. Some performed better than others.</p>
<h3 id="CHDkmW">LB <span><strong>Cory Littleton</strong></span>
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<p id="CmmLuY">While Littleton didn’t stuff the stat sheet like he did in the Rams week 1 matchup against the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Oakland Raiders</a>, that likely had as much to do with the Cardinals putrid offense as anything else. The Cardinals were playing from behind and that shows in the box score as the Rams leading 3 tacklers are all DBs</p>
<p id="lt7bSc">He proved adequate at calling plays for defensive coordinator Wade Phillips’ defense and I’m intrigued how he will play once ILB <span>Mark Barron</span> returns to the field for the Rams.</p>
<h3 id="T0jPCp">TE <span><strong>Tyler Higbee</strong></span>
</h3>
<p id="ZSPLtJ">Higbee continues to falter in head coach Sean McVay’s high octane offense. He caught one of his two targets for a paltry 3 yards. Fellow TE <span>Gerald Everett</span> has proven to be more explosive than the former fourth round pick and may start taking snaps from Higbee if the production doesn’t begin to improve.</p>
<h3 id="TLwkKE">WR <span><strong>Robert Woods</strong></span>
</h3>
<p id="4eAtSH">Woods caught six of his nine targets for 81 yards and continued to show that he’s an extremely reliable receiver for Jared Goff. Woods likely would have joined WR <span>Brandin Cooks</span> in eclipsing 100 yards if Goff hadn’t missed a wide open Woods a few times.</p>
<p id="Xd2UtJ">It’s hard to criticize a QB who threw for 350+ yards and completed 75% of his passes, but if we’re splitting hairs Goff is still leaving some plays on the field - which could lead to trouble down the road for the Rams.</p>
<h3 id="D0nDFs">WR <span><strong>JoJo Natson</strong></span>
</h3>
<p id="hS1xHz">I don’t think anyone is suggesting that Natson is a permanent replacement for All-Pro returner <span>Pharoh Cooper</span>, but JoJo sure did a lot to ease the minds of Rams fans with a big punt return on Sunday.</p>
<p id="e4H7ot">Natson averaged 22.2 yards per return over 6 returns against the Cardinals. If he can maintain even half of that average, special teams coordinator John Fassel is sure to be plaesed.</p>
<h3 id="0LGyvM">OLB/EDGE <span><strong>Dominique Easley</strong></span>
</h3>
<p id="IfRbz3">Easley didn’t have a huge impact against the Cardinals, but he didn’t have to. While the Rams only had a single sack, the defensive line was relentless all afternoon.</p>
<p id="nKpLaq">Easley made it through another game healthy and wasn’t a liability. That’s a very positive step for him and I think we’ll start seeing more and more of him as the season progresses.</p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018/9/19/17877254/los-angeles-rams-vs-arizona-cardinals-recap-cory-littleton-robert-woods-dominique-easleySean Wilkinson2018-09-19T10:00:06-05:002018-09-19T10:00:06-05:00Rams-Cardinals: Sosa’s film review
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<img alt="Los Angeles Rams v Oakland Raiders" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/lkaU5xebjMyJCu_o7TV-fpuvOno=/0x0:2726x1817/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61455815/1031815290.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Let’s take a look at a handful of plays and what they represented</p> <p id="CqmbP6">The <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a> remain unbeaten after a victorious home opener against the <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a>.</p>
<p id="cdpTQV">The Rams threw up points at will, so let’s take a look at some of their offensive plays, their relevance, and why they worked.</p>
<p id="fdrdfc">(<em>Google AMP and Apple News readers will need to click </em><a href="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13113177/fake_pitch_cooks_screen_week_2.0.mp4"><em>here</em></a><em> to see the clip</em>)</p>
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<p id="aFKeDE">The Cardinals were clearly selling out to stop the run, and they did just that. With RB <span>Todd Gurley</span> in the game the Rams only averaged 2.2 yards per carry. Obviously that left the Cardinals’ secondary susceptible, and Head Coach Sean McVay took advantage. This play design was perfect. A fake pitch to Gurley (getting the defense flowing in the wrong direction) with a WR screen on the backside of the play. LT <span>Andrew Whitworth</span> and LG Rodger Saffold get to the second level and secure blocks springing WR <span>Brandin Cooks</span> for a large gain.</p>
<p id="yqsahA">(<em>Google AMP and Apple News readers will need to click </em><a href="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13113181/fake_todd_pitch_cooks_pitch_pass_week_2.0.mp4"><em>here</em></a><em> to see the clip</em>)</p>
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<p id="ZoF1zm">Does this play look familiar at all? It should. Todd Gurley scored on a jet sweep pitch-pass like this against the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Oakland Raiders</a> in week one, though this time McVay throws in another wrinkle. Goff motions Gurley across the formation before the snap and as soon as the ball is snapped Brandin Cooks crosses the formation the opposite way. Goff pitch-passes the ball to Cooks causing all sorts of confusion for the defense. These are the types of plays that will ensure the Rams will always have a ground game regardless of whether its traditional or not.</p>
<p id="GbBu30">(<em>Google AMP and Apple News readers will need to click </em><a href="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13113187/robert_woods_wheel_route_week_2.0.mp4"><em>here</em></a><em> to see the clip</em>)</p>
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<p id="c9OKSk">When the constant threat of a ground game exists, cerebral and smart players like WR <span>Robert Woods</span> benefit. Last week <span>Cooper Kupp</span> scored a touchdown in a similar manner as the Rams ran a play action pass, Kupp fake-blocked his defender (S <span>Reggie Nelson</span>) and released freely into his route. Here, Woods does the same thing. After his fake-block gives him a free release off the line of scrimmage, Woods takes off into his wheel route and secures a terrific grab.</p>
<p id="N1KLow">(<em>Google AMP and Apple News readers will need to click </em><a href="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13113195/robert_woods_crosser_week_2.0.mp4"><em>here</em></a><em> to see the clip</em>)</p>
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<p id="jcvKJk">This was a great play, but I want you to focus on what didn’t happen here. Brandin Cooks is sent deep on a vertical to help clear space for the underneath-deep crosser by Woods. Woods runs a great route, Goff places a perfect pass between defenders, and Woods pulls down a nice catch. More than anything though, the threat of sending a speedster like Cooks deep can open up the rest of the offense.</p>
<p id="r5gATJ">(<em>Google AMP and Apple News readers will need to click </em><a href="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13113201/brandin_cooks_deep_week_2.0.mp4"><em>here</em></a><em> to see the clip</em>)</p>
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<p id="JigEyP">Remember how in the play above Cooks was the decoy used to clear space? Well, this time he’s the target and the play turned out terrific. <span>Jared Goff</span> does a good job stepping up in the pocket as a defender approaches and Cooks runs a terrific out-and-up clearing every line of defense. If Goff has a clean-er pocket, this one is likely a house-call.</p>
<p id="FZjhVd">(<em>Google AMP and Apple News readers will need to click </em><a href="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13113203/tyler_higbee_td_week_2.0.mp4"><em>here</em></a><em> to see the clip</em>)</p>
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<p id="SKjMcq">The Rams tried this exact same play earlier in the game to Brandin Cooks at about the exact same spot on the field. It was wide open for a touchdown, but a great individual defensive play by <span>Chandler Jones</span> ruined the play as he jumped up and batted the pass down. This time the Rams come right back with the same exact play and have TE <span>Tyler Higbee</span> wide open in the flat for a touchdown.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="mLPa9e">
<p id="qnAaKd">Stay tuned for next week as the battle of Los Angeles (not really) will likely produce some real interesting things on the all-22.</p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018/9/19/17876624/los-angeles-rams-arizona-cardinals-sosas-film-review-brandin-cooks-robert-woods-tyler-higbeeSosa Kremenjas2018-09-18T17:08:09-05:002018-09-18T17:08:09-05:00Rams-Cardinals: 10 observations
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<img alt="NFL: Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4v_RYIkKZMWZp4KsjlJpS_8lxrU=/0x0:3616x2411/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61455101/usa_today_11265438.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Each week, we’ll examine how the snaps were distributed among the Rams players and break down what the numbers mean. </p> <p id="eD96GK">The <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a> were dominant from start to finish against the <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a>. In the process, they got some valuable rest time for marquee players and some action for the backups.</p>
<p id="LHqhy0">Here are my 10 observations from the game:</p>
<ol>
<li id="Aj57Ec">RB <span>Todd Gurley</span> got valuable rest. After playing 59 offensive snaps and 94 percent of the total snaps on that side of the ball in week one against the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Oakland Raiders</a>, Gurley’s breathers came more often against the hapless Cardinals. He was in on 49 offensive snaps and only 68 percent of the total, something that’ll pay dividends as the season wears on.</li>
<li id="XTrI2Z">RG <span>Austin Blythe</span> is for real. Blythe played all 72 snaps on offense and could supplant RG <span>Jamon Brown</span> as the latter returns from a suspension for good. <a href="https://twitter.com/pff/status/1042092644833415168?s=21">Pro Football Focus credited</a> Blythe with only two pressures this week.</li>
<li id="FJr06c">Efficiency and dominance. It didn’t take long for WR <span>Brandin Cooks</span> to have a breakout game. QB <span>Jared Goff</span> found Cooks to the tune of seven receptions for 159 yards after the latter exploited holes in the Cardinals’ zone defense. The stat line was big, but Cooks’ efficiency, credited with 4.68 yards <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballfocus.com%2Fnews%2Fpro-20-pff-stats-to-know-nfl-week-2&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.turfshowtimes.com%2F2018%2F9%2F18%2F17875262%2Flos-angeles-rams-arizona-cardinals-recap-review-10-observations" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">per route run by PFF</a>, was a big reason for the blowout victory.</li>
<li id="t38c0C">The luxury of downtime. The Cardinals’ cumulative offensive ineptitude was also a boon for several front seven defensive players. DL <span>Aaron Donald</span>, DL <span>Michael Brockers</span> and DL <span>Ndamukong Suh</span> were among those that played 35 snaps or less. </li>
<li id="hTFh7Z">S <span>John Johnson III</span> was all over the field. In only 35 snaps, Johnson accounted for six tackles and an assist, making or helping to make a stop on one out of five plays he was on the field for.</li>
<li id="iwuBie">CB <span>Sam Shields</span> played his first regular season defensive snaps since 2016 and snagged his first regular season interception since Week 14 of the 2015 season. After he eased back into football action with 15 special teams snaps against Oakland, Shields was in on 11 defensive snaps against Arizona.</li>
<li id="27BG6b">KR/PR <span>JoJo Natson Jr.</span> looks electric. Picked up off the waiver wire after <span>Pharoh Cooper</span>’s injury, Natson had a big 60 yard return in the second quarter and averaged 22 yards per punt and kick return for 133 yards total in nine special teams snaps.</li>
<li id="OLRrB9">TE <span>Tyler Higbee</span> scores, but tight ends still largely an afterthought. Of Goff’s 24 completions, just two went to Tyler Higbee and <span>Gerald Everett</span> for a total of 20 yards and a late score.</li>
<li id="v5QfIa">Backups get some time. After combining for zero defensive snaps last week, CB <span>Troy Hill</span>, ILB <span>Bryce Hager</span>, S <span>Isaiah Johnson</span>, EDGE <span>Justin Lawler</span> and DB <span>Blake Countess</span> all made it on the field for 36 combined snaps.</li>
<li id="oSyIgJ">P <span>Johnny Hekker</span> is a treasure. Hekker boomed punts as per usual when called upon for an average of 51 yards per, but also knocked in a 20 yard field goal.</li>
</ol>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018/9/18/17875262/los-angeles-rams-arizona-cardinals-recap-review-10-observationsbrennansmith2018-09-18T16:24:02-05:002018-09-18T16:24:02-05:00Rams-Cardinals: Five Cardinals to watch revisited
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<img alt="NFL: Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/JrTqU3P_2cuTBnQVptZGso6fCt4=/0x0:4024x2683/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61454263/usa_today_11264171.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Rams shut out the Cardinals 34-0. How did the five key players for the Cardinals do in the beatdown?</p> <p id="DdIfV3">The <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a> came out of the home opener with a decisive 34-0 victory against the <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a>. With now a 2-0 record overall and 1-0 in the division, the Rams are building cushion in their defense of the NFC West crown. </p>
<h3 id="dxFw56">RB <span>David Johnson</span>
</h3>
<p id="T0H0Lc"><span>Johnson</span> was held in check by the Rams defense. While many Cardinals fans are upset at the usage of <span>Johnson</span> so far this season with new Offensive Coordinator Mike McCoy, <span>Johnson</span> hasn’t helped with his production either with only 48 yards on 13 carries against the Rams.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">David Johnson with one of his better opportunities of the day. <a href="https://t.co/yOxpWexcFE">pic.twitter.com/yOxpWexcFE</a></p>— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) <a href="https://twitter.com/MattWaldman/status/1041662695047655424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2018</a>
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<p id="42QPLq">This was the second longest of the day for <span>Johnson</span>. The Rams did much better against the run, especially from the get-go in this game.</p>
<h3 id="rvV2Wx">CB <span>Patrick Peterson</span>
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<p id="7a637s"><span>Peterson</span> had an okay game. Although he was active with eight total tackles, a TFL, PD, and interception, cornerbacks racking up a lot of tackles are usually not a good thing.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Patrick Peterson gets his first INT of the season. It’s his 22nd career pick, now tied for 15th in career INT’s among active NFL players, with Vontae Davis, who technically retired today... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/12Sports?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#12Sports</a><br> <a href="https://t.co/Z0ljBuIhSG">pic.twitter.com/Z0ljBuIhSG</a></p>— Cam La Fontaine (@LaFontaineCam) <a href="https://twitter.com/LaFontaineCam/status/1041444558821711872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2018</a>
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<p id="uID2vc">Considering the Rams had 354 yards in the air, I’m sure <span>Peterson</span> wasn’t too happy with his personal or unit’s performance.</p>
<h3 id="DYsjJZ">WR <span>Larry Fitzgerald</span>
</h3>
<p id="oVEOgg"><span>Fitzgerald</span> was going to have a tough day with CB’s Marcus Peters and <span>Aqib Talib</span> looking to lock him down. Couple that with only 27 total passing attempts by the Cardinals for the entire game, Fitz just didn’t have the oppportunities. <span>Fitzgerald</span> still lead his team in receiving with three catches for 28 yards on five targets. </p>
<div id="PuF5yy">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Larry Legend has been his prime for his whole career. <a href="https://twitter.com/LarryFitzgerald?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LarryFitzgerald</a> <a href="https://t.co/138sppGgrk">pic.twitter.com/138sppGgrk</a></p>— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) <a href="https://twitter.com/thecheckdown/status/1041445125757399040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2018</a>
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<h3 id="QAM1TA">EDGE <span>Chandler Jones</span>
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<p id="ypGcyD"><span>Jones</span> had a relatively quiet day but did prevent a touchdown by knocking down a pass that was intended for WR Brandin Cooks. <span>Jones</span> finished with one tackle and one pass defended.</p>
<h3 id="YHbTZ4">QB <span>Sam Bradford</span>
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<div id="GoouGG">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Josh Rosen preserving his energy while watching Sam Bradford. <a href="https://t.co/dYLZVRXj5t">pic.twitter.com/dYLZVRXj5t</a></p>— Jeff Eisenband (@JeffEisenband) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffEisenband/status/1041451888854618112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2018</a>
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<p id="rDyaFI">Former Rams QB <span>Sam Bradford</span> had a rough day facing pressure and being unable to get into a rhythm. <span>Bradford</span> finished the game with 17/27 passing with only 90 yards and an interception. The questions will only get louder as fans want the team to turn to first round pick <span>Josh Rosen</span>.</p>
<div id="KRSHwU">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"> Sam Shields intercepte Sam Bradford ! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LARams?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LARams</a> <a href="https://t.co/Av7lSKS5iC">pic.twitter.com/Av7lSKS5iC</a></p>— NFL France (@FirstDownFR) <a href="https://twitter.com/FirstDownFR/status/1041460746150920193?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2018</a>
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https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018/9/18/17871492/la-rams-cardinals-five-cardinals-to-watch-revisited-patrick-peterson-david-johnson-sam-bradfordElijah Kim