Turf Show Times
The Los Angeles Rams finished in the win column over the Houston Texans in their 2025 season opener. They defeated Houston and CJ Stroud 14-9.
These are the Pro Football Focus (PFF) snap counts, grades, and advanced metrics that explain how LA was able to takedown the Texans.
WR Xavier Smith drew the top offensive grade at 95.1. He played only a single snap and caught a 36-yard pass from Stafford. I only include players in this list who play more than five snaps.
Stafford’s health was a major question coming into this game. Despite LA finishing with a 33.3 team grade in pass blocking and the veteran being under consistent pressure, he turned in an “elite” performance and managed the Rams to a win.
Stafford tossed five big-time throws—more than any individual game from last season—without a single turnover-worthy play. Receivers were credited with three drops, bolstering his adjusted completion percentage to 88.9%.
More concerning is the fact that Stafford was pressured 13 times (41%) and sacked on three occasions. Stafford seemed to throw the ball away or take sacks with pressure in his face, though he was more aggressive late in the game with the outcome hanging in the balance. The Rams must protect their quarterback better if they are going to keep him healthy this offseason. A string of injuries along the interior offensive line on Sunday didn’t help matters.
Nacua was the focal point of the Rams’ offense in the first half, accounting for 60% of their total production. He sealed the game with a 20-yard catch and run that allowed LA to run out the remainder of the clock. Nacua finished with 10 receptions on 11 targets for 130 yards. 47 of those yards came after the catch point.
The highest pass blocking grade for the Rams goes to Dotson. He played only 45 of 60 snaps after leaving with an injury. The veteran did not return, and his health is in question heading into Week 2 against the Tennessee Titans.
Limmer filled in first for Steve Avila at left guard until he returned. The second-year lineman then moved to the right side to fill in for Dotson.
Limmer earned a near-elite grade in the run game at 89.9; however, he struggled mightily in pass protection with a mark of 27.6. He allowed two pressures and was flagged for one penalty. Limmer played 44 snaps with 29 coming on the left side and the other 15 on the right.
Avila played 31 snaps and overall missed more time than Dotson. His performance was equally balanced in the run and pass games. The third-year guard did not allow a single pressure in pass protection.
Colby Parkinson—who almost cost the Rams...
