Even with a win Sunday over the Las Vegas Raiders, the Los Angeles Rams’ path to the playoff is still narrow.
It will likely take 10 wins to earn a wildcard berth in the NFC playoff picture. The mission entering Sunday was 8-3. Now it is 7-3.
That’s not to take away from LA’s impressive win over the Raiders. The defense fared well despite missing Myles Garrett, Trent McDuffie, Poona Ford, Kobie Turner, and Nate Landman. They will get some reinforcements over the coming weeks, although Ford has been
ruled out for year. Sunday also brought the offense’s most well-rounded performance of the season so far. Matthew Stafford was efficient. Blake Corum and Kyren Williams churned out yardage on the ground to stay ahead of the chains.
The Rams’ win over the Raiders doesn’t mean nothing. It’s encouraging. But it will take more in order to get where the team aspires to be. LA likely needs to win its next three games over the Los Angeles Chargers, Washington Commanders, and Arizona Cardinals in order to give themselves a chance over a daunting backend stretch.
Keep losing teams losing. Stack blocks and eventually you’ll end up with a skyscraper.
Here are four things I learned from Sunday’s victory:
#1 – Deep passing game is still broken
Where did the 20+ yard passes go in the offense?
The offense line is allowing sufficient time to throw downfield. Defenses are strategically trying to take this play away, but one of the best offensive architects in Sean McVay should still be able to draw up favorable matchups.
One absence that looms large is Terrance Ferguson. The pass catching tight end has been on injured reserve since Week 3. There are conflicting reports as to how soon he will be back.
The Rams might not be able to push the ball downfield effectively until Ferguson returns. Will someone else step up in the meantime?
#2 – Replacing Davante Adams in the aggregate
The Rams don’t have someone of Adams’ caliber on the roster who can step in an immediately replace the future hall of famer. They also don’t have any reserve receivers who look ready for a key role within the offense. Jordan Whittington and Konata Mumpfield have been very disappointing given the ample opportunity they’re afforded.
At least against Las Vegas, Colby Parkinson seemed to replace Adams between the 20’s and then Davis Allen filled in for red zone duties. Parkinson finished with 48 yards on five catches. Allen caught two touchdowns. That’s a typical Adams stat line when Puka Nacua is healthy.
The mix could look different next week. At least the Rams have proof of concept for now.
#3 – An unexpected upgrade at linebacker?
Nate Landman missed Week 7 because of the NFL’s concussion protocol. Shaun Dolac filled in and performed admirably.
Did Dolac make a splash play like Landman’s trademark punchouts? No. He was stingy in coverage and held up in run defense despite his slight frame. Dolac’s athleticism was a welcome addition to the middle layer of the defense.
The Rams may want to consider making Dolac a full-time player in this defense, or at least give him more opportunity to earn the job.
#4 – A reserve defensive lineman in the spotlight
Poona Ford is out for the year. Kobie Turner will be on injured reserve for a while.
Still, the Rams held the Raiders to 42 yards on 14 carries (3.0 average). Are the Raiders a great running team? Far from it. But Ford and Turner’s absences did not turn into a glaring weakness.
The reason for that? Likely Tyler Davis, who has been an underappreciated defender for LA in recent years. He’s a starting quality player who is getting his first opportunity. He doesn’t look keen on squandering what is in front of him.
