reporters on the Chargers game (articles, tweets, vids)

Rams put up 521 yards in 35-23 win

Rams put up 521 yards in 35-23 win
https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/09/23/rams-put-up-523-yards-in-35-23-win/

The Rams offense impressed in the first two weeks of the regular season and they outdid themselves in Week Three against the Chargers.

Jared Goff threw for 354 yards, Todd Gurley ran for 105 and the team piled up 521 yards while beating the Chargers 35-23 in the NFL’s first Battle of Los Angeles since 1994. That moves the Rams to 3-0 ahead of Thursday night’s game against the Vikings, who will be coming to L.A. off the back of getting their teeth kicked in by the previously winless Bills.

Goff and Gurley both had turnovers in the first half and it looked for a time like the game might develop into a shootout, but the Chargers opted to kick a field goal down 15 points in the fourth quarter and then failed to convert a fourth down after forcing the first Johnny Hekker punt of the game on the ensuing drive.

That made the result academic, but all the feelings won’t be ecstatic in the locker room after the game. Cornerbacks Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib both left the win with injuries and any extended absences would leave the Chargers vulnerable at a particularly important spot on their defense.

Word on the severity of those injuries will come in time. Answers to the Rams offense may be harder to find for opposing teams in the weeks and months to come.

Joe Curley@vcsjoecurley
Director of Strength and Performance Ted Rath marching around the Rams locker room managing the recovery process for Thursday, “Let’s go. Minnesota starts now.”

Rams have more than 10 massage tables in locker room as players begin recovery process for TNF

Sean McVay’s postgame presser halted by a fire alarm. How’s that for a metaphor for today at the Coliseum.

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Ryan Kartje@Ryan_Kartje
Chargers cornerback Casey Hayward on Rams QB Jared Goff: “He’s the engine that makes it go.”

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J.B. Long@JB_Long
Jared Goff with another red zone pick in Week Three, but otherwise sensational.

29/36 for 354 yds, 3TD

#LARams improve to 7-0 when QB1 throws for 300+.

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Gary Klein@LATimesklein
Ndamukong Suh with his first sack for the Rams.

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J.B. Long@JB_Long
The #LARams have three double-digit wins, a +66 scoring differential.

First time scoring 30+ points in first 3 games since 2000.

Vincent Bonsignore@VinnyBonsignore
#Rams QB Jared Goff said he sensed a rivalry atmosphere on Sunday against the #Chargers in how the fans of both teams made their presence felt and heard at the Coliseum. (And I agree. It was a cool environment today. A good day for L.A. football)

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Just a System QB throw… 🤷🏻‍♂️ https://t.co/9LS4xKEtaR

— Andrew Whitworth (@awhitworth77) September 24, 2018

Seven Stats: Rams Best Chargers 35-23 in First L.A. Meeting

https://www.therams.com/news/seven-stats-rams-best-chargers-35-23-in-first-l-a-meeting

Near-career day for Jared Goff and another high-flying, 30-point game

http://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles-rams/post/_/id/38990/near-career-day-for-jared-goff-and-another-high-flying-30-point-game

Rams Outlast Chargers With 35-23 Win, Improve to 3-0

https://www.therams.com/news/rams-outlast-chargers-with-35-23-win-improve-to-3-0
Rams Overcome Injuries, but Depth Will be Tested vs. Minnesota

https://www.therams.com/news/rams-overcome-injuries-but-depth-will-be-tested-vs-minnesota

Refocused, NFL Week 3: Los Angeles Rams 35, Los Angeles Chargers 23

https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/pro-refocused-nfl-week-3-los-angeles-rams-35-los-angeles-chargers-23

RAMS

Quarterback Jared Goff found success throwing the ball down the field Sunday. On 11 attempts, Goff completed 9 for 187 yards, a touchdown, and an interception.

The Rams offensive line continued to dominate. They opened up gaping holes all game long in the run game and only allowed pressure on four of Jared Goff’s 38 dropbacks.

Aaron Donald and Ndamukong Suh continue to be a handful. They may have combined for only one sack, but both were in Philip Rivers’ lap all day. Both interior defensive linemen registered at least five quarterback pressures.

Sam Shields looked solid filling in for the injured Marcus Peters. His pass breakup in the end zone in the fourth quarter was an incredibly intelligent play, as he peeled off his coverage to help safety Lamarcus Joyner.

CHARGERS

Second-year wide receiver Mike Williams looked every bit worthy of the first round pick the Chargers used on him. Williams looked physically imposing on both of his touchdowns, and he hauled in four of his six targets for 81 receiving yards.

As soon as the Chargers got into obvious passing situations, they were toast with the holes on their offensive line. Left guard Dan Feeney and right tackle Sam Tevi both gave up five-plus pressures on the day, and quarterback Philip Rivers was given little to no time to orchestrate the offense effectively.

The Chargers desperately miss Joey Bosa‘s pass-rushing ability up front. No player in the Chargers front seven recorded multiple pressures, and they struggled to get in Jared Goff‘s face.

Derwin James continues to be the bright spot in the Chargers secondary. He showed cornerback like skills by breaking on an out route in the end zone and by picking off the pass in the first half.

Keys to the game

Los Angeles Rams: The Rams offensive line put on another stellar performance and gave Jared Goff and the high-powered Rams offense the required time to effectively move the ball.

Los Angeles Chargers: The Chargers’ offensive line struggled every bit as much as the Rams’ line succeeded. With little to no time in the pocket, Rivers struggled to get the ball into the hands of his playmakers.

Goff, Offense Fires on All Cylinders to Beat the Bolts

https://www.therams.com/news/goff-offense-fires-on-all-cylinders-to-beat-the-bolts

#Rams move to 3-0, but pay a steep price with injuries. Jared Goff debunks system QB talk, as if that was ever really a thing. Robert Woods takes his turn to shine. All that and more from a great football day in L.A. My story in ⁦@TheAthletic 👇👇 https://t.co/iB5spQZVeV

— Vincent Bonsignore (@VinnyBonsignore) September 24, 2018

Five Takeaways: All Three Phases Contribute in Week 3 Win

📰 » https://t.co/yVqB8MzKJp pic.twitter.com/DoHZu80g7n

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) September 24, 2018