LOS ANGELES: Matthew Stafford has been each bit the improve Sean McVay predicted, and the Los Angeles Rams have been maybe the NFL’s most full group.
The first three video games of the brand new quarterback’s partnership with the Rams’ offensive mastermind couldn’t have gone a lot better, and Los Angeles (3-0) is rolling into October with no purpose to doubt its standing as a powerful Super Bowl contender.
The Rams have crushed three consecutive 2020 playoff groups to open the brand new season, and their 34-24 victory over defending champion Tampa Bay underlined every part that’s working so nicely. Not even Tom Brady might reveal any critical areas of concern for a group that rose to the problem in entrance of a raucous house crowd at SoFi Stadium, the place the followers understand they’re seeing one thing particular up to now.
The finest approach I can describe that environment is electrical, McVay mentioned Monday. I do know that (SoFi) was arrange in a way that was designed to have that noise be an element, and I feel that undoubtedly performed a hand.
McVay is already turning to the oldest phantom woes within the teaching handbook to maintain his Rams centered on the 14 video games forward earlier than any postseason journeys. Complacency and hype would be the enemies this week in Thousand Oaks whereas McVay and the Rams put together for an additional unbeaten opponent, the Arizona Cardinals a group to which McVay has by no means misplaced.
If you mentioned, Hey, who have been the groups who have been 3-0 final 12 months or earlier years? I guess you actually couldn’t keep in mind, McVay mentioned. Theres so many soccer video games to go forward. We need to have regular enchancment. Very happy with the way in which the fellows dealt with it.
The Rams are getting standout performances throughout their roster. Stafford has turned Cooper Kupp into the NFL’s chief in yards receiving (367) and landing catches (5) whereas getting loads of time to throw behind an offensive line that has been higher than most anticipated.
McVay praised Stafford’s really feel for the sport and unflappability on Monday, citing a number of situations through which he confirmed the veteran poise essential to make performs in tight spots, notably on lengthy third downs. The Rams are changing 54.3% of their third downs, and so they’ve scored on an NFL-best 58.6% of their drives.
“I feel we had plenty of guys contact the ball at the moment and make performs,” Stafford said Sunday. “So thats when were at our best. I keep saying it, but when we make defenses defend the entire field and everybody on our roster, thats going to be good for us.
WHAT’S WORKING
The offense is averaging more than 300 yards per game, and the Rams are third in the NFL in scoring despite facing three solid opponents while other teams near the top have piled up stats against rebuilding clubs. Stafford and his receivers have already built a bond, and it’s only likely to get stronger.
WHAT NEEDS HELP
The Rams’ defense is 20th in yards per game allowed after topping the league last season, and yards allowed after the catch remain an issue. Yet Los Angeles is still making big plays: Brady and the Bucs converted just four of their first 10 third downs before the final minutes.
STOCK UP
Linebacker Kenny Young rebounded splendidly from getting tossed out in Indianapolis for making contact with an official. The UCLA product had a team-leading 10 tackles, a sack and a forced fumble against Tampa Bay. I learned from it, Young said. People that know me know thats not my character at all. I just love ball, and doing it with a ton of passion.
STOCK DOWN
There’s been no room in the offense so far for rookie second-round pick Tutu Atwell, who didn’t get an offensive snap against Tampa Bay. He’s still looking for his first NFL reception, and he has returned just one punt.
INJURED
The Rams took their first major loss of the season when linebacker Justin Hollins tore his pectoral muscle. Hollins had been outstanding as a first-year starter, but surgery will keep him out for a significant stretch. … McVay hopes RB Darrell Henderson will return Sunday. Sony Michel was strong in his absence, rushing for 67 yards against Tampa Bay.
KEY NUMBER
129.8: Stafford’s passer rating through three games. Only Russell Wilson has a better number, and Stafford has thrown for more yards and more TDs than the Seahawks star on just eight more attempts.
NEXT STEPS
Another showdown with another perfect team when the Cardinals visit SoFi Stadium on Sunday. The Rams’ NFC West opener will be an early tone-setter in what’s likely to be a brutal division race.
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