Winners & Losers: Rams were bad, but Raiders were much worse

Rams should send a “thank you” card to Gardnew Minshew, who committed four turnovers on Sunday

The Los Angeles Rams should send a “thank you” card to Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew. Sunday’s Week 7 matchup was largely a pillow fight and the key difference was Minshew’s four turnovers in replacement of injured starter Aidan O’Connell. LA came out on top 20-15.

The Rams were undeniably bad on Sunday. They played like a 1-4 team. But the Raiders were much worse, especially after O’Connell left and Minshew came in.

The positive is that Los Angeles improved to 2-4 on the season. They have a chance to move to 3-4 if they can take down the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday night. Reinforcements are coming in the way of Cooper Kupp, Joe Noteboom, and others, and the Rams can emerge on the other side better for the adversity if they can keep their head above water for the time being.

Who contributed to the win against the Raiders, and who did the Rams win in spite of?

Winners

Jaylen McCollough, DB

After housing an interception of Jordan Love in LA’s most recent game, McCollough intercepted Minshew twice this week—included the game-sealing interception in the final minutes.

The rookie UDFA played 18 snaps against the Raiders and is steadily gaining more opportunities. He has a knack for finding the football, which is always a useful skill on defense. Rookie third round pick Kamren Kinchens played only two snaps on defense, so McCollough is firmly ahead of him on the depth chart at safety.

Cobie Durant, CB

The Rams had a tough matchup against rookie sensation Brock Bowers. The first round TE caught 10 of 14 targets for 93 yards, but most of this damage took place after Durant left the game due to cramps. Durant was lined up opposite of Bowers early and earned a key pass breakup on a third down to end a Las Vegas drive. He also picked off a pass intended for Bowers after a scramble by Minshew.

Durant’s most important play of the game was a strip sack of Minshew that was returned by safety Kamren Curl for a touchdown. This was a key moment that helped LA lead Vegas 14-6 at the half.

Kyren Williams, RB

The most consistent producer on offense was Kyren Williams, who extended his TD streak to nine games. LA’s workhorse back finished with 21 carries for 76 yards and two scores. His average of 3.6 won’t blow anyone away, but he was tackled for a loss often which understates his actual effectiveness. LA continues to rely on Williams in the red zone and it paid off this week.

Justin Dedich, LG

Dedich is the second rookie UDFA to make the “winners” list this week. He got the surprise start at left guard over Logan Bruss coming out of the bye week, and was a visible improvement. According to PFF’s unofficial game grades, Dedich was LA’s third-highest graded player on offense against Las Vegas.

Losers

Matthew Stafford, QB

At the time of Stafford’s interception that was tipped by Robert Spillane, Minshew had already turned the ball over three times and the Rams led 20-9. All LA’s veteran signal caller had to do was take care of the football and watch the opposing quarterback implode. That’s not what happened, and Nate Hobbs returned the pick deep into Rams territory. Next thing you know, LA is up just 20-15 and the defense was tasked with keeping Minshew and the Raiders out of the end zone in the two-minute drill.

I can’t recall a single “wow” moment from Stafford in this game. He’s making questionable decisions more often than big-time plays. The Rams were bit hard by the injury bug, but you expect more from a franchise QB. He’s part of the reason the Rams are just 2-4 and could barely take down an awful Raiders team.

After the unofficial PFF grades for this game, Stafford currently ranks 27th of 28 quarterbacks with at least 139 dropbacks. The only signal caller that’s been worse is Will Levis of the Tennessee Titans. Stafford has three big-time throws against nine turnover-worthy plays.

Tyler Davis, DT

The Raiders were the NFL’s worst rushing attack coming into this game. While they didn’t exactly dominate up front against the Rams, they certainly had positive moments that took pressure off the QB carousel. Alexander Mattison rushed 23 times for 92 yards (4.0 average).

Davis’ primary role on the Rams is rushing defense, and I noticed him moving backwards far too often on Sunday.

Demarcus Robinson, WR

Robinson was targeted three times but managed just one catch for nine yards. He was unable to come down inbounds on yet another sideline catch. He’s leaving yards on the table in crucial moments.

But Robinson hasn’t necessarily been thrust into a larger role because of injuries. He was always expected to be a starter this year as WR#3 behind Kupp and Puka Nacua. Instead, the veteran journeyman is playing worse than Tutu Atwell, Tyler Johnson, and rookie Jordan Whittington.

Jordan Whittington, WR

Whittington was healthy enough to suit up for this game, but he ceded his usual role to Johnson. Was this an attempt to maintain the rookie’s health, especially on a short turnaround to the next game on Thursday night, or did the Rams feel Johnson deserved more opportunities after looking inwards during the bye week?

It’s something to keep an eye on as Whittington returns to full health.

Logan Bruss, LG

Dedich earned the start at left guard, which means Bruss’ stock is down. It took three years for Bruss to crack the starting lineup and the Rams tried to replace him as soon as possible—in this case with an undrafted rookie.

That’s just not a good sign for the former third round pick. It’s hard to disagree with the approach because Dedich was visibly better than Bruss had played recently.