Turf Show Times
The Los Angeles Rams routed the New Orleans Saints Sunday afternoon at SoFi Stadium. With a 34-10 win, LA advances to 6-2 on the season. While they do not have as many wins as others around the NFL because of bye week timing, they join the best teams in the NFL in the “two loss” category.
There may not be a team that has looked as strong as the Rams in their most recent two games. Both the offense and defense are playing at a high level.
Let’s dive into the individual performances that got the job done against the Saints:
I’ll admit I did not see a career year for Matthew Stafford coming, especially since he missed nearly all of the preseason while managing a back injury. I call it as I see it, and Stafford is turning in his best work that we’ve seen from him as a professional.
The veteran has tossed nine touchdowns over the last two weeks (four in this game), and it’s the first time a quarterback has done this in Rams franchise history. It all feels easy for Stafford right now and the offense is regaining health and coming together in time for their upcoming clashes against NFC West foes.
Stafford threw for 215 yards in the first half and finished with 281 on the day. The Rams spent most of the second half running the ball and milking the clock, though Stafford made a number of throws on late downs to keep the chains moving.
We can be honest that the start of Adams’ career with the Rams was somewhat disappointing. Through the team’s first six games or so, Adams was only able to haul in roughly 50% of the passes thrown his direction. Blame can be attributed to both the receiver being unable to separate and catch the ball, and some falls on the quarterback for missing him at times.
But the connection between Stafford and Adams looks corrected over the last two weeks, especially in the red zone. That’s bad news for the rest of the NFL.
By my eye Forbes was the most challenged corner on the day as it seemed the majority of Tyler Shough’s passes looked his direction. I also can’t remember Forbes giving up much in coverage, and more importantly he was able to intercept the rookie (his first as a Ram).
Forbes has fallen out of favor as a starter and ceded playing time to Cobie Durant and Darious Williams. LA also acquired Roger McCreary from the Tennessee Titans this week. Forbes only started because Williams missed the game due to injury, though this might have been the best he’s looked on the field all season.
Is the secondary perhaps starting to round into form?
These are the receiving totals from the Rams’ big guys on Sunday:
