Turf Show Times
Sunday’s matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and Detroit Lions was always going to be an offensive shootout. Both teams are within the top five of the NFL in terms of scoring production.
The Rams were able to withstand a fiery first half from Detroit and trailed by seven after two quarters. The defense tightened the strings and allowed only 10 fourth quarter points after the outcome felt safe. Los Angeles held on to a 41-34 victory and notched their 11th win of the year.
Matthew Stafford earned an important win over his former team. LA dealt a tough blow to Detroit, who remains outside of the NFC playoff picture and face an uphill climb to earn a postseason berth.
Who stood out on an individual level? Let’s take a look at the “winners & losers”.
Has any player in the NFL had a better last two weeks than Puka Nacua? He’s amassed over 350 total yards over the last two weeks with 189 against the Lions on Sunday alone. Nacua went blow for blow with Amon-Ra St. Brown who caught 13 passes for 164 yards and two scores for the Lions, though Nacua wins the contest because his team took home the victory.
Davante Adams re-aggravated his hamstring injury in this game. The Rams have a quick turnaround and face the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday. Nacua may need to somehow carry even more of the offensive burden short-term if Adams misses time.
Up until about a month ago, Colby Parkinson was considered a failed free agent signing and someone fans wanted to include in trade packages to other teams. Parkinson has flipped the script in Tyler Higbee’s absence and is effectively LA’s third pass catching option.
Against the Lions, Parkinson caught five of seven targets for 75 yards and two scores. He’s a featured part of the offense in the red zone and in the screen game.
Parkinson’s contract runs through the 2026 season and there’s no reason at this point he shouldn’t return as the team’s TE#1.
It wasn’t a great day in terms of pressure for the Rams’ talented defensive line. If there was one player who consistently made an impact, it was probably Kobie Turner.
Turner made a big hit on Goff that caused just enough disruption to spoil a long pass attempt to Jameson Williams. He also earned an important sack on Goff that put Detroit in a third and long situation and bought time for the Rams to add to their lead.
The Rams’ rushing attack is hitting its stride just in time for the two most important games of the final regular season stretch and into the playoffs. It’s a true shared backfield between Kyren Williams and Blake Corum. Both players get touches on important third downs and red zone possessions. The coaching staff clearly has confidence that the offense can function...
