It wasn’t until the second half that the Los Angeles Rams offense really started clicking, but when they finally matched the defense’s effort, L.A. pulled away from the Tennessee Titans for a 33-19 road win in Week 2. Although many will consider this a hot take, the game wasn’t as close as the final score indicates.
To be sure, the game was tighter than it should have been at halftime. In the final three minutes of the opening 30, Tennessee was able to convert a great sideline catch and low-percentage
cross body/field throw into a touchdown and an L.A. interception with 30 seconds left into a field goal.
Coming out of the break, the Rams offense scored on four of five drives while the defense took a python-like form, constricting and choking off the Titans offense, allowing just 75 net yards. Most of which came on Tennessee’s final mop-up drive.
It was hot and humid in Nashville, with the Rams going deep into roster. Let’s review who played and more importantly, who played well.
Offensive line
All five starters lasted 100 percent of snaps versus the Titans and were much improved over Week 1. While the run game struggled early in the game, the Rams game plan was to throw the ball and were successful. The first hint of the pass-first strategy was starting Justin Dedich over Beaux Limmer at left guard. Dedich is the better pass blocker, while Limmer is proficient in the run game. Overall, Dedich played quite well, by my count only missing three pass blocks. One was a pass set inside the red zone that was completed, another was switch-off from the center that split the two, and on the final he was beaten inside but recovered to ride the defender all the way through the pocket.
Quarterback
Provided with ample time Matthew Stafford (61, 100%) worked the mid-depth areas of the field exceptionally well. He made a couple of bad throws, but was generally quite sharp, standing tall in the pocket, finding the open receivers and putting good zip on his passes. He led the Rams to a solid ratio of scoring drives, six of 10 drives (not counting the final possession to run out the clock). This summer’s bad back has not been a deterrent, he started the season hot.
Running back
There was a glimpse of light in how the run game played out. Not the least of which was the two L.A. backs teaming up for 60 yards in the fourth quarter, helping the Rams pull away and then, close out the game. Blake Corum’s (18) reps were almost doubled from Week 1, but there was still a 70/30 split in favor of Kyren Williams (43). When the Rams did insert Corum, it appeared for a complete drives rather than just a mishmash of plays. Jarquez Hunter was active this week and got his feet wet on six special teams reps.
Wide receiver
Another hint the Rams wanted to throw the ball in this game was their move back to three wide receiver sets. How good has Puka Nacua (42 snaps, 69%) been to start the season? Catching 18 of 20 targets is what the hip kids call “cheat code”. Davante Adams (49 snaps, 80%) has been on the receiving end of a whopping 35 percent Rams targets. To be sure, some are forced, but his performance past and vet-to-vet status with Stafford make it understandable. If the Rams really desire a more varied attack, then it will be on McVay to install plays that make others the primary targets. Both Jordan Whittington (39 snaps, 64%) and Tutu Atwell (26, 43%) saw a small increase in work, Whit adding another big play on only two touches and Atwell again shut out. Konata Mumpfield (11 snaps, 18%) doubled his snap count, but was invisible and Xavier Smith again had two reps.
Tight end
Even with Colby Parkinson out, Terrance Ferguson only received four offensive reps. I’ve watched the condensed version of the game twice and didn’t notice his play. In fact, L.A. greatly reduced the two tight end sets for Week 2. There was a small uptick in targets for this unit, four catches on four targets for Tyler Higbee (46 snaps, 75%) and the stellar run after catch touchdown by Davis Allen (25, 41%) on his only touch. They weren’t simple check downs, but safer underneath routes just the same. A very nice compliment to wide outs medium depth work.
Special teams
Karty had an extra point blocked, but the Titan defender clearly ran over the snapper, usually a big no-no. Kickoffs are fine, but the punt coverage and return units are still getting their act together. In coverage, it appears the Rams gunners are not getting in the face of opposing returners, leaving room for them to read lanes and get up a head of steam. Xavier Smith is seldom given this same space, the opposing gunners are getting by the outside blockers too easily.
Defensive line
According to Pro Football Reference the Rams are 2nd in sacks, 10th in pressure percentage, and 10th in QB knockdowns. Both the first two opponents have been reduced to short passing attacks and failed to reliably attack with the run game. For the L.A. interior, it’s been a been a full unit affair, with all six members into the mix. In the two wins, the main thrust of the rotation has been Kobie Turner (82 snaps, 64%), Poona Ford (55 snaps, 43%), Braden Fiske (52 snaps, 40%), and Tyler Davis (51 snaps, 40%). Larrell Murchison was up to 14 reps in the Tennessee humidity, while Ty Hamilton was active and got his feet wet on 14. There’s no reason to think the Rams won’t continue a six-man rotation all year.
Edge
Very good to see the starters snap total down from 90 percent and the Rams still creating pressure. Josaiah Stewart was up to 25 (38%) and chipped in his first pro sack, while Nick Hampton received 15 (23%). Some of their work may have been due to Jared Verse (43 snaps, 65%) getting his bell rung in the first half. Getting Stewart and Hampton comfortable, or better yet, the defense comfortable with them gives L.A. the manpower for a rotation that will pay back later in the season. All the unique off-season work (pilates and martial arts) has visually improved Byron Young’s (51 snaps, 77%) game and extrapolating his two-game numbers over the course of the season hint at a monster.
Off-ball linebacker
Nate Landman (64 snaps, 97%) stacked a second good outing with fumble heroics, as did Omar Speights (41 snaps, 62%), although slightly down from Week 1. Again, the Rams gave up a little over 100 yards rushing at a 4.2 yard clip. Not a major problem, because it hasn’t helped opponents control game flow, but still, something to keep an eye on.
Safety
As opposing teams will likely continue to attack the Rams defense with quick, underneath passes, the safeties must continue to tackle well. I don’t have the Rams safety room down for any missed tackles. To open the season, Quentin Lake and Kamren Curl have both played 100 percent of defensive reps, while Kamren Kinchens is at 90. All three are on pace for 100 tackles. Although only playing 30 percent of snaps (40 total defensive reps), Jaylen McCollough has been productive with six tackles and a sack. Josh Walace saw four defensive reps.
Cornerback
Emmanuel Forbes (49 snaps, 74%) gave up a couple of catches, even so, I’m going to plead his case. He was the victim of back shoulder catch that he wasn’t in good position to defend, but did have a very nice breakup to square that. On the Titans touchdown drive, he had excellent position on the pass down the sideline, it’s tough to defend a one-handed, circus catch. He was also targeted on the next play touchdown, while he had 6-7 seconds of good coverage, he was just a step slow reacting when the receiver doubled back. I find it more strange that there was no one on that side of the field to hold contain. Looks like the recent forum discussion about wanting to see Cam Lampkin and/or AJ Green in action will come to fruition with Ahkello Witherspoon (16 snaps, 24%) out indefinitely. After not playing at all in Week 1, Darious Williams (26 snaps, 39%) had a nice pass break up down the sideline. Cobie Durant bumped up to 41 snaps (62%) and should be in line for more, the Titans didn’t target him much and he had a nice reaction breakup on a short slant.
Chalk up another win
The big news was improved play by the offensive line. Dedich played well off the bench, but with him and Coleman Shelton inside, better teams will try to exploit the size differential in the “A”gap. I guess there was a Terrance Ferguson sighting, but you have to look very hard to find him. Corum’s quickness through the hole is obvious and he’s earned more reps. He was competing hard in pass protection as well.
On defense, their old, traditional 3-4 base seems a thing of the past, going with multiple formations, stunts, and more man coverage. Tackling has been the biggest surprise on this side of the ball, very good so far. Run stopping has been so-so, but if you take into consideration the “dead yardage”, it hasn’t been bad. Neither of the Rams foes were able to control the flow of the game, a better test will be next week. The only real weakness in the pass defense was on play-action reverse bootleg passes, the Titans had receivers wide open in those situations.
2-0 is great way to start the year, who impressed you in the first two weeks? Who needs to step up next week versus the Eagles?
