There is nothing like starting the season 1-0. While it was far from a dominant effort, the Los Angeles Rams must be pleased to leave Week 1 on the right side of the standings after drawing a formidable foe in the opener. The Rams defeated the Houston Texans 14-9.
Let’s dive into the individual efforts that led to the encouraging performance in the team’s first game.
Winners
Nate Landman, MLB
LA’s free agent linebacker addition—Nate Landman—was all over the field on Sunday. He tied with Kam Curl for a team-leading 10 total tackles. Most importantly he punched the ball loose on the Texans’ last offensive possession amidst their comeback attempt, securing the Week 1 victory for LA.
We’ve watched pedestrian linebackers come and go for the Rams. Things are starting to feel different now that Landman is in town.
Puka Nacua, WR
For most of the game, Puka Nacua was the engine of the Rams’ offense. The star receiver left briefly after taking a hit to the head and suffering a laceration above his eye, and the offense stalled in his absence. All-in-all, Nacua hauled in 10 of 11 targets for 130 yards. He individually accounted for 53% of the passing production.
Matthew Stafford, QB
Matthew Stafford was a major question coming into this game. While he didn’t fully look like himself—he seemed overeager to take sacks to avoid hits and often dirted balls at the first sign of pressure—the big-time throws were present and he made them look easy.
An offensive outing with a 14-point scoring total won’t grab headlines. Still, Stafford performed admirably against one of the NFL’s better defenses. This is a positive sign for LA’s hopes for the rest of the season.
Stafford completed 21 of 29 passes (72%) for 245 yards and a touchdown. He kept the ball out of harm’s way.
Cobie Durant, CB
Cobie Durant stole the ball away from Jayden Higgins, a much larger player, to secure an interception along the sideline. It was one of the most important plays of the second half.
Ahkello Witherspoon and Emmanuel Forbes were the starting corners. Durant made an argument that he deserves to be above Witherspoon on the depth chart moving forward.
Byron Young, ED
Jared Verse did not make his usual impact in this game. If the Texans were giving him extra attention, Byron Young took advantage. He consistently pressured CJ Stroud—sacking him once—and was all over the field in the running game. The Rams have uncertainties at EDGE behind Young and Verse, but if Young can contribute at this level with frequency they will form one of the most dynamic duos in the league.
Losers
Colby Parkinson, TE
Colby Parkinson was on the field often mostly as a blocker. Signing him as a free agent a year ago proved to be a failed experiment on the Rams’ part. Parkinson simply has not contributed as a receiver. In this game he caught two passes for a loss of six yards. He fumbled the ball in the fourth quarter with the Rams driving to keep the Texans’ alive.
Kobie Turner, DT
I think this may have been Kobie Turner’s worst game as a Ram. I’m not only saying this because of his costly roughing the passer penalty that advanced the Texans into scoring territory late. He looked like a liability for most of the day and made little impact as a pass rusher.
Interior offensive line
Steve Avila and Kevin Dotson both left at points because of injury. Beaux Limmer stepped in initially for Avila, and then upon Avila’s return switched to the right side to replace Dotson. Doston did not return. Limmer was fine in the run game but struggled mightily in pass protection.
The Rams were unable to open much space in the run game, as evidenced by Kyren Williams’ 3.7 per carry average and longest run of nine yards. The interior pass protection was also a concern, as most of Houston’s pressure came from the middle.
This group must be healthy and better in order for the Rams to keep Stafford upright this season.
Jarquez Hunter, RB
Jarquez Hunter was a healthy scratch. Practice squad RB Cody Schrader played in this game ahead of him, although did not receive any offensive touches. The decision likely came down to special teams.
Still, the Rams have spent premium draft capital on both Blake Corum (third round) and Hunter (fourth round) only to not decrease Williams’ workload and not involve either player. Their investment simply does not align with their offensive plan.
Darious Williams, CB
The odd man out in the corner room was veteran Darious Williams. By my eye he did not have any defensive snaps in this game. Williams still provides insurance in case either of Witherspoon, Forbes, or Durant suffers an injury, but this is still a mild surprise.
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