Turf Show Times
In case you haven’t heard by now, the Los Angeles Rams are 9-2 and lead both the NFC West division and NFC conference overall. LA is on a six-game win streak and peaking ahead of the final stretch of the season.
Their 34-7 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was dominant. It was a total team effort on all three sides of the ball.
Who stood out on an individual level according to the Pro Football Focus (PFF) game grades? Let’s dive in.
This was Stafford’s second “elite” grade from PFF on the season and ranks second behind the season opener against the Houston Texans. The veteran signal caller was credited with one big-time throw and did not put the ball in harm’s way for the duration of the game. After accounting for two drops and three throwaways, Stafford had an adjusted completion rate of 84.4%, also his second-best on the year behind only Week 1.
Nacua caught seven of nine targets for 97 yards with 39 yards coming after the catch point. He continues to be a highly efficient pass catcher in this offense. Sean McVay was able to get Nacua matched up with linebacker Lavonte David on three occasions, and Nacua caught all three targets for 35 yards and three first downs. Kindle Vildor held Nacua catchless on two targets.
Stafford targeted Adams eight times, and the veteran hauled in five catches for 62 yards and two scores. Adams went one for three on contested catch opportunities, something he’s struggled with outside of the red zone. He was credited with one drop (Terrance Ferguson had the other).
Adams primarily faced corner Zyon McCollum and handily won the matchup with four catches on five targets for 52 yards and both scores.
Parkinson hauled in all four of his targets for 41 yards and a touchdown. 35 of his yards (85%) came after the catch, which is an encouraging sign for the Rams in their replacement of Tyler Higbee. Higbee was often used on screens and catch and run plays, and Parkinson seems to be the primary beneficiary in the veteran’s absence. Two of Parkinson’s catches came against Lavonte David in coverage, including his touchdown.
The grades indicate that Jackson had a better night in the run game (84.4) than in pass protection (72.8 with two pressures and a penalty). He was still the highest graded lineman for LA on a night where the unit played very well and kept Stafford clean.
Warren McClendon continues to play well when given the opportunity. He drew a PFF grade of 74.4 with a 76.0 pass blocking grade and an effort in the run of 70.4. McClendon allowed one a single pressure in pass protection on a...
