Rams Team Grades: Defense Saves The Day For LA
It wasn't pretty, but it goes down as a victory for the 2016 Los Angeles Rams. Unable to score a touchdown on offense, the Rams forced the game's only turnover inside the two-minute warning of the second half to claim a 9-6 road win over the New York Jets on Sunday. In the NFL, you take what you can get.
With the victory, the Rams move to 4-5 on the season. But, the offense, which gained 280 yards and held the ball for 33:53 of game time, is not going to help Los Angeles win many games like this when it cannot score a touchdown. Meanwhile, the defense did just enough to make sure the Jets couldn't score much, either.
Offense: C+
Running back Todd Gurley once again had little room to run, gaining just 64 yards on 21 carries. The Rams were just 6-for-17 on third-down conversions in the game and couldn't put together long drives for TDs on Sunday.
QB Case Keenum didn't make any major mistakes in this game, but his 30 pass attempts produced just 165 yards on the day. Even though Keenum completed throws to seven different receivers in this game, only wide receiver Kenny Britt had a good day (seven catches, 109 yards). Overall, the offense moved the ball just enough, but it was still a lackluster performance.
Defense: B+
The Jets ran for 139 yards on just 25 attempts, so the Rams run defense wasn't very good. However, the Los Angeles pass defense was the difference in the game against New York's first-time NFL starter Bryce Petty. The Jets QB did manage the only TD of the game on a trick play to running back Bilal Powell, but apart from this, he was just as mediocre as Keenum.
Petty completed 17 of 32 attempts for 163 yards, the one TD and the one key interception late that sealed the game for Los Angeles. Credit Rams linebacker Alec Ogletree for making that big play when L.A. needed it. The turnover was the only one of the game for both teams, and the Rams defense came out on top in that category, making the difference in the victory.
Special Teams: A
Johnny Hekker nailed seven punts for an average of 51.7 yards per kick, which was an underrated performance in a game like this with so little scoring. Meanwhile, Greg Zuerlein nailed all three of his field-goal attempts. Considering the Jets kicker missed an extra point, Zuerlein's reliability in this game was something the Rams really needed.
Coaching: B-
The L.A. offense still cannot get it going in either the running game or the passing game. The passive approach to fixing this issue by the coaching staff should not be ignored, even with the victory. The Rams have to make a change at QB, if for no other reason than to see what cards they're holding for 2017. The defense did its job well enough in this game, but the coaching staff really did not adapt to New York's success in running the ball.
Up Next
The Miami Dolphins come to the City of Angels in Week 11 to take on the Rams. The Dolphins have been inconsistent all season, just like the Jets. Los Angeles can benefit from playing at home next week, but again, the offense needs a major tune-up if the Rams expect to win more games in 2016. The defense just cannot be expected to pull victory from the jaws of defeat like this every time out.
Post Author: Sam McPherson.