The Los Angeles Rams Week 6 game against the Baltimore Ravens was not necessarily a must-win—it was more of a cannot lose. The Rams seemingly approached this game as such, as they played down to the Ravens’ level and this matchup was far closer than it ever should have been. Give LA credit for coming out on top. They win 17-3 and advance to 4-2 on the season.
While it was mostly an ugly outing, this is who stood out on an individual level in both positive and negative ways:
Winners
Nate Landman, LB
In what is becoming a trademark for the veteran, Landman punched the ball loose and the defense recovered for at least the second such time this season. That was far from the extent of his involvement, as he also recorded 17 (!) total tackles for the franchise record. This led the team and the next closest defender was Byron Young at eight.
The Rams signed Landman to only a one-year deal this offseason. He’s been the team’s best linebacker since at least Cory Littleton if not even further back. I wrote after the season opener that LA should consider extending him before the price tag goes up, and it’s only increased from that point. Landman deserves to be a multi-year starter for the Rams. If they don’t re-sign him, he could command a large deal like Zack Baun did this past offseason with the Eagles.
Quentin Lake, DB
Lake secured two turnovers for the defense, including his first career interception and a recovered fumble. Lake is amidst a breakout year in his fourth season and could be on his way to Pro Bowl-type honors. While the outside corners have consistently struggled, Lake has been a reliable stronghold in the slot.
Similar to Landman, Lake is also set to become a free agent this offseason.
Byron Young, EDGE
You don’t make the “winners” list because of two garbage time sacks, which Young earned in this game. Young is included in this group because he was consistently around the football and lived in the Baltimore backfield. While run defense has not always been his strong suit, he held up well in this game against Derrick Henry.
Young is emerging as a dynamic threat off the edge in his third season. Opposing offenses cannot account for all the pass rushing talent the Rams have, and to some extent Young is also a beneficiary of the additional attention paid to Braden Fiske, Kobie Turner, and Jared Verse.
Kyren Williams, RB
On paper 13 rushes for 50 yards (3.8 avg) and a touchdown is not an eye-popping outing; however, Williams was responsible for LA’s best and most important offensive play on the day. Matthew Stafford dropped back on fourth down with no one immediately open, and he was able to find Williams along the sideline for a 30-yard gain. Williams completed the catch in bounds by a single butt cheek. He later finished the drive with a touchdown.
On a day where the offense couldn’t get much going, Williams was an unlikely contributor on a downfield pass to give the team the momentum they needed in order to beat Baltimore.
Warren McClendon, RT
Rob Havenstein has missed the last two games because of an ankle injury that he’s seemingly battled since the season opener. The veteran is in jeopardy of losing his job because Warren McClendon has been solid in replacement. Havenstein has been one of the NFL’s worst starting tackles by most measures.
Why should we take McClendon’s performance with a grain of salt? Well, the 49ers and Ravens have two of the weakest pass rushes across the league. You cannot control who you play, and McClendon still deserves credit for playing well against lesser competition. If Havenstein is again unavailable next week, an opportunity against the Jacksonville Jaguars will give us better information on how ready McClendon is to be a full-time starter.
Losers
Rams’ status as a contender
Let’s be honest. This effort on Sunday would beat only a handful of bottom feeding teams in the NFL, the Ravens included. If the offense and special teams play at the same level next week against the Jaguars, the Rams will not stand a chance.
The Rams’ losses to the Eagles and 49ers have not aged well. I’m not sold that either team will be a contender this season, especially considering that Philly has dropped two straight contests.
LA’s victories have come against the Texans (2-3 and turning around), Titans, and the Ravens (each have one win apiece). That isn’t exactly a championship resume, and the game versus the Jaguars next week will be informative.
Yes, the Rams won and that is a big deal. They are 4-2 and in the hunt for the NFC West or a wildcard spot. Still, this is far from a team that is firing on all cylinders and they must make corrections to avoid getting lost in the shuffle.
Special teams… again
Josh Karty missed a field goal attempt early. He then converted his next three kicks. There was a Nor’easter storm in Baltimore this weekend that brought windy conditions to the stadium on Sunday, still the Ravens kicker did not seem to have the same issues Karty was having. Even the kicks Karty made felt shaky.
There were other special teams lapses, which have plagued the Rams all season long. They allowed a long punt return just before the half where the defense bailed them out with a fourth down stop at the goal line. Shaun Dolac was flagged for a penalty that wiped out a forced fumble by Troy Reeder recovered by the Rams.
These are small mistakes that can prove much more costly against better competition. The Rams must correct these errors.
Davante Adams, WR
Puka Nacua left with a foot injury in the second quarter. He returned in the second half but sat out when the score was relatively comfortable.
If the Rams were without Nacua for an extended period, I shutter to think how the offense would function if it instead ran through Davante Adams.
Adams at this point in his career is an inefficient target. He catches less than half the passes thrown in his direction, and this is especially a concern in the red zone where Stafford looks his way often.
Against the Ravens, Adams was targeted nine times (team lead) with only four catches for 39 yards. It’s starting to give shades of Allen Robinson and late-career Cooper Kupp.
Coleman Shelton, C
Shelton was pushed back into Stafford’s lap and allowed a strip sack that gave the Ravens life early.
The Rams brought the veteran back after his stint with the Chicago Bears to improve communication and signals along the interior of the offensive line. While this improvement may be evident—we have no way of knowing—Shelton’s on-field performance has been lackluster at best.
Was this an instance of the Rams signing a player they were comfortable with over a new and possibly more talented option available in free agency? Whatever their line of thinking, they are stuck with Shelton for the rest of the season. It could potentially cost them significantly down the line.
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