Turf Show Times
It’s roughly 24 hours after the Los Angeles Rams Week 3 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles and it still stings. The Rams had Philly exactly where they wanted them but failed to hold a 26-7 lead. The Eagles came back to take the contest 33-26, and blocked the would-be game-winning field goal in the game’s final moments.
Let’s take a moment to point fingers while we feel deflated. Who should shoulder the blame for this loss?
The Rams have PFF’s top-graded receiver with more than five offensive snaps this season in Nacua. Through three games he’s caught 29 of 35 targets for 333 yards. He’s also been productive on the ground, where he’s scored his only touchdown.
It’s clear that Nacua is LA’s best offensive player and the engine of the offense. The third-year receiver is a much more efficient target than Davante Adams, who’s caught only 13 of 28 targets (46.4%) and is four of 11 in contested catch situations.
Let’s take Williams and Corum together. This was one of the first times we’ve seen this duo share the workload, even though Williams did get the majority of the work.
Both backs were effective in this game. Corum did give the offense a boost while spelling Williams to create production that wasn’t readily blocked for him.
Doston and Alaric Jackson were far and away LA’s most reliable linemen. Rob Havenstein had a rough outing at RT. While Dotson fared well, he did only play 58 of 66 offensive snaps and was replaced by Beaux Limmer. More to come on the offensive linemen not named Dotson, Jackson, or Havenstein.
While Stafford made the top five in offensive grading, this was easily he worst game of the young season. Stafford tossed a pick early to give the Eagles strong starting field position and gifted them their only offensive production of the entire first half. The veteran finished with one big-time throw, one turnover-worthy play, and an adjusted completion rate of just 64.5%. He left a lot of meat on the bone in this game.
Stafford entered Week 3 as PFF’s top graded starting QB. He’s now third behind Sam Darnold and Dak Prescott. It’s concerning to see Stafford’s best game so far come in the opener and watch his performances trail off with each coming week. Can he buck this pattern in Week 4?
