Los Angeles Rams Week Four Takeaways
The Los Angeles Rams are first place in the NFC West and they now hold two divisional wins. They bested the Arizona Cardinals in the University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday by outplaying the reigning division champions in nearly every phase of the game. Los Angeles showed a lot of great things in their victory, but above all they proved that they are not to be underrated for any opponent and they have their sights firmly set on shocking the National Football League.
The NFC West is LA’s Division to Lose
After an embarrassing debut on Monday Night Football, the Rams have yet to lose a game. Two of those victories were against the favored Seattle Seahawks and the lauded Arizona Cardinals. Though not expected to do much in 2016, the Rams now sit in first place atop this highly competitive division.
Though no win has been without its errors, the defense has stood strong and the offense has produced when needed. As if this were not shocking enough, the Rams have done this without heavy help from stars Todd Gurley and Tavon Austin, not to mention without an appearance by number one draft pick Jared Goff.
As difficult as this may be for some to comprehend, respect has to be paid to head coach Jeff Fisher. As fans called for his head after week one, he has blocked out the noise and created game plans that lead to wins. Together with coordinators Rob Boras and Gregg Williams, he has proven to this division and this league that the Rams are a team that will score, take the ball away, and close a football game.
With success this early in the season, the game now becomes about staying level-headed and continuing to grow as a team every week. Though Gurley and Austin have yet to have major impacts, they are set for breakout games at any moment. This same can be said for Case Keenum, who has had solid outings, but is still looking for his career-defining performance.
Any way it is sliced, Los Angeles is in first place in their first year back in the Southland. Coach Fisher has done a fantastic job to start this first quarter of the season and the team has been playing disciplined and effective football, making their first loss nothing but an afterthought. As it stands right now, the NFC West is the Rams’ division to lose.
The Rams Will Produce Takeaways
Perhaps the most stand out statistic of week four’s win was the turnovers. Not only did the Rams have only one lost fumble, but they left Phoenix with five major takeaways.
Los Angeles has consistently displayed a defense that can stop touchdowns and give opposing quarterbacks hell in the pocket, both in pressure and coverage. Coordinator Gregg Williams has previously made his name with multiple squads of nasty defenders, but this Los Angeles group has been outstanding in their approach, shining brightest in their takeways. In four games, the Rams have taken possession from the opposing offense 11 times. The “Mob Squad” has been excellent in multiple defensive aspects, but their debilitating takeaways have made them a true threat to all opposing offensive coordinators.
Mark Barron, in his new position as weakside linebacker, has had a particular affinity for interceptions, leading the team with two. Cornerback Trumaine Johnson also picked up a momentum-shifting grab in the end zone this past week, with hands on a few other near picks, as well.
All-Pro lineman Aaron Donald had 4 quarterback hits against Arizona signal callers and his supporting cast has been relentless in their strip sacks. One brilliant example was Donald yanking the ball from Carson Palmer in week four’s game, with Eugene Sims recovering and quenching the fire of Arizona’s drive, thus bringing the tempo right back to LA’s offense.
There was a lot of talk about the Ram’s defensive line coming into the season, but even the highest of expectations could not have predicted such a greedy squad. Los Angeles is by no means afraid to take the ball away and all 11 players on the defensive side of the ball are happy to contribute to the thievery.
Case Keenum Can Play
Case Keenum may not be the fan favorite and he may not be a first-round pick, but he has won six games for the Rams since he has been asked to lead. His numbers have a tinge of the mediocre, but he gets the job done. He can pass for first downs, lead a solid drive, and as we discovered against the Cardinals, do a little work with his legs, as well.
Fans in Los Angeles want to see Jared Goff. That is understood. However, with Case Keenum putting up numbers in the win column, the one statistic that truly and emphatically counts, he is going to be the man until he fails.
It is well known that the organization is breeding Goff for the future and Keenum’s clock is very much ticking, but if it motivates him to lead this offense to wins, then he will continue to be the Rams quarterback. He may have difficulty connecting with Tavon Austin and some throws may be more crisp than others, but this journeyman can play professional football with the best of them.
At this point, Rams fan should be praying that they do not see Goff this season, because that means Keenum is doing so well that he is not being taken out. If the Rams do see the postseason, for the first time in 11 years mind you, it will most likely be under the offensive leadership of Case Keenum. Therefore, Los Angeles would do well to lay off their desire to see the rookie play and focus more on seeing the veteran continue to roll.
Conclusion
Los Angeles is here to compete. It is as simple as that. Already with two solid wins against talented teams and a strong road victory, they have the confidence and proof that they can win games in this league. Despite the rampant doubt from sources all around the NFL, they have managed to start this season as strongly as a team could hope and they look prepared to continue to rise in the face of those who said they would fall. With key focus and some weekly growth, this squad will be solid in 2016. Any team who had previously looked upon the Rams as a light opponent must now begin to reconsider their evaluation and be prepared to line up against a vicious defense, a productive offense, and a team that plays every contest with a major chip on their shoulder. Let the doubter beware, Los Angeles has an NFL football team and they are not used to losing this year.
