It was a tale of 2 halves.  The Rams were clearly outplayed in the first half, but despite the Cowboys dropping 3 TDs on the Rams in the 2nd quarter, the score going into halftime was only Rams 16 – Cowboys 24.  In the second half a different Rams squad came onto the field.  In the second half the Rams defense rose up and controlled the Cowboys offense.  With a little more than 9 minutes remaining in the game the Rams had scored 19 unanswered points.  The Rams then got conservation right at the end of the 4th which could have been costly.  In the last 3 minutes they had a decision to play for the win or play it safe and settle for a  FG.  They played it safe which in my book was the wrong call.  Luckily, the Rams defense did their jobs and forced the Cowboys to give up the ball on downs.  Game over baby.

Main contributors in Rams victory:

1 Special teams play – Pharoh Cooper had 4 returns for a total of 123 yards.   Good field position makes a difference in both moral and the pace of the game. And kicker Greg Zuerlein had a record setting performance kicking 7 field goals in a single game.  3 of those field goals were over 40 yards.

2 The Rams defense came up big.  In the 4th quarter ILB Mark Barron came up with a clutch interception keeping the Cowboys from building momentum.  The Rams defense put a lot of pressure on Cowboys QB Prescott and sacked him 3 times on the day.

3 Todd Gurley and Todd Gurley – Why 2 Todd Gurley’s?  Because Gurley had a major impact on both the running game and the receiving game.  On the ground he rushed 23 times for 121 yards.  In the air he went 7 for 94 and a wicked 53 yard TD reception in the 3rd quarter.

The Rams continue to receive strong contributions from rookie WR Cooper Kupp who today chipped in another 5 receptions for 60 yards and a TD.

Not only are the Rams proving for the first time in many years they have a competent offense, they’re also starting to show signs of character.  Signs of a winning character.  Today’s victory gives us a 3-1 record and puts us at the top of the NFC West.  Next week the Rams go back home and take on the vulnerable Seahawks.  That should be an exciting contest.  Have a great week Rams fans.  Go Rams!!!

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A very tough loss for the Rams.  All day long it felt like the Redskins wanted to win a little bit more than we did.  In the first half Redskins running backs with a lot of help from their offensive line wrecked havoc on the Rams defense, but in the 3rd quarter the Rams were able to make adjustments bringing the Skin’s running game to a near halt.  During this time Rams RB Gurley showed glimpses of greatness reminiscent of his rookie year.  Gurley finished the game with 85 yards rushing and another 48 receiving.  He also scored 2 TDs including a 18 yard scoring reception in the middle of the 3rd quarter.

The Rams defense regressed in the 4th quarter where Skins running backs (primarily Perine) had there way with them again.  Late in the 4th quarter the Skins ate up 5 and half minutes of clock as they drove from their own 30 yard line all the way to the Rams end zone.  The drive culminated with a 11 yard pass from QB Cousins to WR Grant.  With just under 2 minutes remaining the score was Redskins 27-Rams 20.  So with everything said in done… our fate was still in our own hands.  We had possession, almost 2 minutes of playing time, and a time out.

For the great teams this is all you could really ask for at the end of the game, but for a rebuilding team and our 2nd year QB (Jared Goff) the moment was too big.  Goff takes the snap and literally telegraphs his pass for an easy interception by Skins defender Foster.  With 1:37 remaining this game is over.  No loss really comes down to a single play, but nobody likes going down like this.

So… the Rams go to 1-1 for the season.  Next week we take on the struggling SF 49ers in SF.  Every week we have an opportunity.  Do we learn from our mistakes and become a better team or do we take a step backwards?  Recent Jeff Fischer Rams lead efforts fell short.  I’m sure we’re all looking forward to seeing what Sean McVay and the new coaching regime are able to accomplish.  Have a great week and go Rams!!!

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The Rams come out flat against the Redskins and then close the half playing in an equally lack luster fashion.  In between it comes down to the Rams defensive line being totally manhandled by the Redskins.  For the half, the Redskins averaged 8.4 yards per rushing carry.  Most of that damage was done by the Skins #1 running back Kelley who went 12 for 79.  Luckily for the Rams Kelley was injured shortly after the start of the 2nd quarter.  Unfortunately, his backup Thompson went nearly untouched on an explosive 61 yard touch down run.

The only thing keeping the Rams within striking distance was a 69 yard reception by receiver Everett leading to a Gurley goal line TD run.  At the half the score is Skins 20 – Rams 10.  If the Rams are going to make this a competitive outing the run defense has got to pull it together.  We need more offensive productions as well.  The Rams netted 20 yards of rushing yards in the first half.  Take out Everett’s reception and the Rams are only looking at another 70 yards receiving.  That kind of output is simply  insufficient to give the Rams a ‘W’ in this game.

Lots of game time left.  Let’s go Rams!

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It’s been a long time since I could say this, but the Rams dominated their (2017) opening day opponent.  The Rams scored more today than in all of 2016.  Ok not literally, but the Rams scored points from almost every direction.  We scored points on field goals, we scored points on interceptions, we scored points on pass receptions, we scored points rushing the ball, heck we even scored points on a safety.  I’m recording this game, making duplicates, and the next time we have a bad day… I’m breaking it out to keep the hope alive.

I’ll say it once, because all of our haters are thinking it… We beat an Andrew Luck-less Colts team today so it means nothing.  You know what I have to say to that?  When a good team plays a bad team they’re expected to beat the crap out of them.  And that’s exactly what we did today.  Now go away haters and Colts fans.

We won’t talk much about Colts QB Scott Tolzien because as I mentioned earlier, he’s not Andrew Luck.  But our QB Jared Goff had a career pro day.  Goff completed 21 of 29 passes for 306 yards, 1 TD, and no interceptions.  I’ve been a Goff critic, but if the Rams continue to get such powerful contributions from all sides of the ball, he’s got a great chance for a phenomenal season.  Goff received some help from rookie WR and late round draft pick Cooper Kupp.  Kupp, out of Eastern Washington College,  produced 4 receptions for 76 yards and a TD.  Let’s be clear that the MVP of this game would have to be Rams new head coach Sean McVay who engineered a solid performance from the entire team.

Next week the Rams take on the Redskins for a consecutive home game.  The Skins dropped their home opener today against the Eagles.  They’ll come into LA looking for redemption, but none will be found.  Look for the Rams to go up 2-0.  Have a great week Rams fans.  Go Rams!!!

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