Kwik notes on the defense.

Weddle and Matthews were smart signings but it’s not just Weddle and Matthews. Though yeah to this point the other team has not scored a TD as long as Weddle is in the game.

But it’s other things too.

Talib and Peters both playing. Wade having a better handle on using Peters.

Johnson in his third year.

Fowler having been with the team through camp so a better him plus better use of him by the coaches.

Littleton in the “MO” LB spot where he belongs.

Brockers may have been banged up last week but he made up for it this week.

Crazy depth in the secondary which allows them to use all sorts of subpackages.

This defense fields 6 #1 picks. Only 2 of them were actually picked by the Rams but still it’s 6–Talib, Peters, Fowler, Matthews, Donald, Brockers.

Plus. After Carolina we rightfully worried about the run defense again, like last year. But here’s a thot…the Rams have played the Saints twice going back to last January, and in those 2 games combined New Orleans has 105 rushing yards on 42 attempts, and to single out Kamara, he has 60 yards on 24 attempts. I hope that’s a sign of things to come.

.

ProFootballTalk@ProFootballTalk
Simms uses “Pandora’s Box” again when discussing replay review of PI.
Me: “You don’t even know what Pandora’s Box is.”
Simms: “It’s a box with Pandora in it.”

LET'S KEEP IT ROLLIN' BOYS! pic.twitter.com/MkArUMQd5c

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) September 16, 2019

Column: Improved Rams KO Drew Brees, rout Saints in title game rematch

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/chargers-rams/story/2019-09-15/nfl-rams-saints-brees-super-bowl-eric-weddle-jared-goff-kamara-los-angeles

LOS ANGELES — In their first home game since playing in the Super Bowl, the Los Angeles Rams looked improved from last winter.

They knocked Drew Brees from the game Sunday and routed the New Orleans Saints, 27-9, in a rematch of the NFC Championship Game.

Newcomers Eric Weddle and Clay Matthews Jr. made big plays for the Rams defense and the NFL’s best player, Aaron Donald, ousted Brees with a first-quarter blow to the throwing hand.

Receiver Cooper Kupp, in his comeback from a knee injury that ended his 2018 season, made a spectacular play that earned him back slaps from Rams owner Stan Kroenke after the game.

So, one year after notching several entertaining victories at home, including a playoff decision over the Cowboys, the Rams (2-0) appear ready to build on their breakthrough in Greater L.A., where they returned in 2016 after a 20-year stay in St. Louis.

It’s doubtful, though, that the Rams are as improved as their home venue, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, is from a year ago.

Renovations provided new seats and a fresh concourse to the oval-shaped venue, lending comfort to an edifice that opened in 1923.

“Looks clean, modern and up to date,” said Matthews, who with USC played his collegiate home games in the Coliseum. “It looks like a venue worthy of a franchise like this and obviously the Trojans as well.”

It’s shame the Rams will leave the Coliseum after this year.

Not only does the place have a historical vibe, its field is grass.

Football is better on grass, but the Inglewood stadium to which the Rams and Chargers will move next year will have a fake-grass surface. Ugh.

For Weddle, the game Sunday was his first at the Coliseum, which is about 45 minutes from where he grew up in the Inland Empire.

“I know the history of this place and how many amazing moments have been in the Coliseum,” he said.

Weddle made a terrific play that led to a 3-0 lead, reading Brees from his center-field spot as two potential pass targets streaked up field.

Because of the astute read, Weddle’s geometry was perfect: The safety slammed into Saints tight end Jared Cook, dislodging the ball, which Rams safety John Johnson intercepted.

“Late in your career,” said Weddle, whose NFL start came 12 years ago in San Diego, “it’s always nice to make those impact plays to help your team win, especially a team that went out on a limb to bring you here and wants you.

“It won’t be the last big play I make this year.”

Most safeties are unable to get the jump on Brees on such a play when he can direct behind good blocking. Brees used his eyes and shoulders to try to fake Weddle.

Weddle said his film study of Brees paid off.

“It’s what makes me great,” he said.

Rams cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman said of Weddle: “He’s the quarterback of our defense, already. He established himself in the summer time. He put in overtime every single day. He was first one in, last one out. By 6:15 in the morning, he has already got his workout in.”

Several teammates made high-caliber plays.

Jared Goff and Brandin Cooks combined for a 57-yard pass play after the turnover created by Weddle and Johnson turnover.

Goff’s pass traveled more than 60 yards, and seemed to rise above the Coliseum’s rim. Cooks had to run fast without looking so he could maintain speed, before turning to spot the ball.

“Probably one of the tougher catches in football,” Cooks said.

Using his overwhelming blend of speed and power, Donald made quick work of guard Andrus Peat and wacked Brees after the quarterback had shuffled away from him.

Their hands collided as Brees let the ball loose.

Brees didn’t return to the game.

In a disappointing performance, Teddy Bridgewater was unable to lead the Saints to a touchdown over the final three-plus quarters.

Bridgewater, 26, quarterbacked the Vikings for two years and spent last year with the Saints backing up Brees. He turned down the Dolphins in March and returned to the Saints.

In fairness to Bridgewater, the Rams held star running back Alvin Kamara to 45 yards in 13 carries (3.5 average) and created a balanced pass rush that saw Matthews and Michael Brockers register sacks.

All but putting the game away, Kupp pulled down a crossing pass and eluded several Saints, good for 66 yards, to set up Goff’s 1-yard scoring plunge.

Kroenke had plenty of company in congratulating Kupp, but the burst and power showed by the slot receiver didn’t surprise Rams corner Aqib Talib, who said he knew Kupp was back to full health at the start of training camp, when he ran away from him on a “buster” route.

The game wasn’t nearly as contested as the two games between the teams last year in New Orleans, and though one officiating call went against the Saints on Sunday, it wasn’t in the same galaxy of importance as the pass interference call that wasn’t whistled against Robey-Coleman in the NFC title game.

“Every win is a big win, but today’s was a very important win,” said Robey-Coleman, who said he “over-prepared” for this one. “It closed all the chatter and naysay. It felt good to know that what happened last year didn’t happen by luck.”

While the interior of the Rams’ offensive line is in a questionable state, the defense looks capable of big things. This team is a Super Bowl contender.

Of the many New Orleans complaints I've gotten, this one's the best.

Since yanno…Superman without his cape is still Superman. https://t.co/0rjDTx0uu4

— TurfShowTimes (@TurfShowTimes) September 16, 2019

What it looks like when a mortal punches a God. https://t.co/GaRvGHZl0a

— SeattleRams (@seattlerams_nfl) September 16, 2019

from PFF ReFocused: Los Angeles Rams 27, New Orleans Saints 9

https://www.pff.com/news/pro-nfl-week-2-pff-refocused-los-angeles-rams-27-new-orleans-saints-9

LOS ANGELES RAMS

Cooper Kupp had himself an unbelievable game, as he led all receivers on either team. It seemed like he was always open for a first down whenever Goff and the Rams needed one. He capped it off with his massive 66-yard catch and run in which he broke three tackles.

Jared Goff was effective throwing the ball today as he looked good throwing it into tight windows as well as making smart choices with the football. Goff’s early deep pass to Brandin Cooks was one of the better-thrown deep balls that you’ll see all year. He also didn’t put the ball in danger at all in this game.

Aaron Donald came out of the gate firing and looked unstoppable in the first half. He was blowing up plays in the backfield and the Saints had no answer. Donald ended up leaving the game for a brief period due to an injury but did return. After he returned, he was fairly quiet for the rest of the game, which may be attributed to feeling the effects of his injury.

The Rams’ defense did not give up a lot of big plays and were sure-tackling throughout. The Rams’ coverage held up on the back-end, forcing the Saints to funnel passes underneath and to check-downs for a majority of the afternoon.

Rookie Takeaways

Taylor Rapp had one outstanding pass breakup in coverage against Jared Cook and made several strong plays in the run game.

Two games, two sacks?

We see ya, @ClayMatthews52! pic.twitter.com/fHwLHpvt9f

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) September 15, 2019

Just what we Cooked up!@brandincooks | #NOvsLA pic.twitter.com/0ApO8U5wTz

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) September 15, 2019

2-0, baby!
pic.twitter.com/kORxgGxeSg

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) September 16, 2019

Russell Wilson: QB1 and … lead blocker 😂#SEAvsPIT (via @thecheckdown) pic.twitter.com/HWxsXw3KAu

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) September 15, 2019

Kurt Warner@kurt13warner
Before my timeline fills up with History buffs telling me it wasn’t the Germans who bombed Pearl Harbor… this I already know, it was a line from “Animal House” – thought more of u would get it!!

Geoff Schwartz@geoffschwartz
The Cardinals defense is so bad. 😂. 3rd n 17 and they play a prevent defense which allows the Ravens to run a TE up the seam for a first down. 😂. Looks like a Big 12 defense

Jeff Howe@jeffphowe
Tom Brady just got hit after backup left tackle Marshall Newhouse got beat. Newhouse started at right tackle for Marcus Cannon. Joe Thuney got shaken up earlier. Wynn is in the locker room. Karras just got called for holding. James Develin is in the medical tent. This is dicey.

Adam Schefter@AdamSchefter
Rams and Chargers’ new 20-year naming rights deal to become SoFi Stadium was negotiated by Legends, which is owned by Jerry Jones, and it is expected to be the largest naming-rights deal in the NFL, passing the Cowboys’ AT&T deal.