The Los Angeles Rams earned an important win over the Seattle Seahawks in Week 11. LA now leads the NFC West division and trail only the Philadelphia Eagles in the conference with both tied at 8-2.
Let’s take a look at the Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades from Week 11 and assess who helped the Rams improve their position in the standings.
Top five grades on offense
1 – Steve Avila, LG: 80.1
Avila has been an injection of fresh air since his return from injury in Week 6. He’s played especially well over the last month, and this has played a large role in the rejuvenation of the running game. Kyren Williams averaged 7.6 yards per rush and it seemed most of his chunk plays came behind the left side of the line.
2 – Puka Nacua, WR: 74.9
His overall grade will be lower because of a fumble following Cobie Durant’s interception of Sam Darnold; however, Nacua was the only Rams receiver that contributed consistently against Seattle. The third-year receiver caught seven of eight targets for 75 yards and 25% of his yardage came after the catch point. PFF credited Nacua with four catches on five contested balls, which has been a point of strength for the young star.
3 – Alaric Jackson, LT: 73.0
Jackson had a tough time with DeMarcus Lawrence on the left side. He allowed four pressures in pass protection (grade of 59.5). Similar to Avila, Jackson made big-time contributions as a run blocker and earned a mark in this facet of 76.6 (second behind Avila).
Havenstein allowed the only two other pressures along the offensive line.
4 – Matthew Stafford, QB: 71.1
It wasn’t the most productive day through the air for Matthew Stafford; however, the veteran QB was better than the box score indicates. Stafford did not record a big-time throw or a turnover-worthy play. Winning the turnover battle helped the Rams to victory, and Stafford deserves credit for taking care of the ball.
Stafford’s raw completion rate was 53.6%. This signals a poor game in terms of accuracy; however, after adjusting for two throwaways and two drops, his completion rate looks more encouraging at 68.0%.
5 – Kyren Williams, RB: 69.0
Williams forced four missed tackles and 69 of his 91 yards came after contact (76%). This means Williams earned his yardage and signals why he performed better than Blake Corum in this game (averaged just over one yard per carry).
Other notes on offense
Davante Adams earned an offensive grade of 46.9 and finished second-worst on the offense in front of only Rob Havenstein. Adams drew a drop grade of 26.5 and was credited with two (the only two of the game for the Rams).
Top five grades on defense
1 – Kamren Kinchens, DB: 93.5
Four of Kinchens’ six career interceptions have now come against Seattle. He recorded two in this game. As the nearest defender in coverage, Kinchens was targeted only once and allowed a reception for 8 yards. This means his two interceptions were jumped routes and not intended for the receiver he was covering.
2 – Nate Landman, LB: 89.8
Nate Landman also earned positive marks in coverage. He was targeted in coverage twice, allowing two catches for 30 yards (long of 23). He also drew a positive run defense grade of 82.0 that led LA’s defense.
Landman was against credited with a forced fumble. That brings his total to four on the year—a new career high.
3 – Omar Speights, LB: 81.2
One of the most reliable tacklers on the day was Omar Speights. He was involved in bringing the ball carrier down seven times on the day and did not miss a single attempt. He also fared well in coverage with a grade of 82.2 and allowed two catches on three targets for 13 yards (long of seven).
4 – Cobie Durant: 78.7
Durant was second in coverage grade (89.0) to Kinchens, though his overall grade is lower because of run defense (33.5) and tackling (28.7, one miss on five attempts). These will always be areas where Durant struggles because of his lack of size.
5 – Larrell Murchison, DT: 78.4
Murchison played 12 snaps with nine coming against the run, which is wise utilization for the big man. The defensive tackle performed admirably against the run with a mark of 76.4 (second behind Landman).
Other notes on defense
The Rams interception Darnold four times and did not allow a touchdown through the air.
Jared Verse led the defense in pressures with seven, though overall they only affected Darnold on 20 of 46 drop backs. These are the remaining pressure totals from Sunday:
- Byron Young: 4
- Kobie Turner: 3
- Braden Fiske: 2
- Kinchens / T Davis / N Hampton / P Ford: 1 each
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