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Not only did the LA Rams defeat the Dallas Cowboys 20-17 in their home opener at SoFi stadium – they displayed an offensive evolution and shut-down defense.
The Rams outgained the Cowboys on the ground and in the air. The Rams won the time of possession battle, 35 minutes to 24 minutes. In terms of third-down conversions, the Rams were 9-17 while the Cowboys were 3-12. If it wasn’t for an inefficient 2-5 in the Red Zone, the Rams would have run away with this game.
Rams Head Coach, Sean McVay finally implemented an offensive game plan that mitigated the Cowboys pass rush, gave Jared Goff a clean pocket and fused the pass and rush masterfully. Goff threw for more yards than Dak Prescott and was tenth-best QB in week one according to Pro Football Focus. This rating excuses the interception thrown as it was a clear penalty by Aldon Smith and should never have counted. Goff’s helmet nearly came off of his head.
Goff lookec comfortable all day with most of his targets going to Robert Woods. Woods had 119 all-purpose yards, with 90 of those yards after the catch (good for an average of 15 YAC). The strategy was to work outside with Woods and then run the ball up the middle with Malcom Brown and rookie Cam Akers.
Brown was great all day with 110 all-purpose yards and 4.4 YPC. The veteran running back looked great in his first real opportunity and led the Rams running backs in snaps while Akers did a great job breaking tackles and keeping the rushing attack flowing.
None of that would be possible had the offensive line failed to block. All linemen received glowing grades from PFF, with Andrew Whitworth, Austin Blythe and Austin Corbett getting top marks. It also helped that Goff got the ball out quickly making the oline’s job much easier.
On the other side of the ball, new Defensive Coordinator, Brandon Staley had a day as the Rams defense held the Cowboys to three second half points. Three. Rookie Jordan Fuller started in place of Taylor Rapp and had the play of the game. Aaron Donald was dominating and all levels of the defense played very well.
AgamemnonLA Rams vs Philadelphia Eagles Game Preview | LA Rams Talk
The surging LA Rams hope to break their six-game losing streak to the Philadelphia Eagles when they travel to Lincoln Financial in their week two matchup. The Rams haven’t beaten the Eagles since 2004 when Marc Bulger was under center and Tory Holt and Isaac Bruce were putting up hall of fame numbers.
Even though the Eagles lost to the lowly Washington Football Team last week, they were without starting running back Miles Sanders, starting right tackle Lane Johnson and starting defensive end Derek Barnett. In addition to getting reinforcements, the Eagles are 11-6 after a loss in their last 17 games. They are also 12-6 in their last 18 home games. However, their are not fans and the Rams have the best road winning percentage in the NFL since 2017. So, something has to give and let’s hope it’s in the Rams favor.
Aaron Donald will look to continue his reign of terror against second-year UDFA, Nate Herbig. Herbig, the Eagles right guard will face the ultimate test and the hopefully come out alive.
The key to this game will be the run game. Malcolm Brown, Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson combined for 153 yards on 40 carries against the Dallas Cowboys and will have to top the 100-yard mark against Philly if they have any shot at winning. Since Jim Schwartz joined the Eagles in 2016, his run defense has led the NFL in rushing yards allowed at 92.2.
Of course, this means that the Rams offensive line will have to assert their will. They played well against the Cowboys and will have to repeat that performance week-in and week-out.
Other key matchups to watch are the Eagles defensive backs versus the Rams wide receivers. Former Ram Nikell Roby-Coleman against Coopy Kupp. Darius Slay versus Robert Woods. The advantage might just be the Van Jefferson/Josh Reynolds combo versus Avonte Maddox and our tight end combo against the Eagles linebackers/secondary.
Agamemnon
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