From SI · · 2m
Rams' Season Start Concerns
Rams' defense struggles despite strong talent additions.
In brief
Rams' defense struggles despite strong talent additions. Rams' run defense and offensive depth concerns after rough start against 49ers. Originally reported by SI.
Rams' Season Start
The Rams opened the season in Australia with a Thursday game against the 49ers after a long flight and time difference challenges.
“It's that they were in Australia. So they were opening on a Thursday.”
Rams' Defense Concerns
The Rams run defense allowed 174 yards on 30 carries from the 49ers despite strong defensive additions.
“The 49ers rushed for 174 yards on 30 carries.”
Rams' Offensive Depth
The Rams struggled to threaten defenses downfield with only two plays over 16 yards in the game.
“The Rams only had two plays in the entire game of over 16 yards.”
Rams' Pass Rush
Miles Garrett played hurt but the Rams' pass rush remains a concern with his bulky knee.
“Miles Garrett was really good in Cleveland, but if he's got this bulky knee, how's it gonna affect him?”
Rams' Rivalry Context
The Rams and 49ers rivalry has a history of the 49ers controlling the game tempo.
“The 49ers believe that they are the more physical team when they play against the Rams, and that's always been their edge.”
Joey Porter Jr. Contract
Joey Porter Jr. is seen as a good but not great player with a significant gap in contract market expectations.
“Joey Porter is seen as a good, not great player.”
Contract Market Gap
The top corner market has moved slowly while the second tier players have a significant gap in contract values.
“Joey Porter Junior was probably anticipating the top of the move of the market moving, moving faster.”
Broncos' Play Calling
Davis Webb's offense struggled with only 17 to 28 passes and 61 yards on 15 carries.
“Bo Nix, 17 to 28, 131 yards, a touchdown, a pick.”
Broncos' Future
Sean Payton believes in Davis Webb and the Broncos' potential to become Super Bowl contenders.
“Sean Payton really believes in Davis Webb.”
Rams' Long-Term Outlook
The Rams have concerns about their run defense but are expected to improve with time.
“I think they're gonna be just fine.”
Rams' Defense Strength
The Rams defense has added talent including Miles Garrett and Aaron Donald.
“They had Trent McDuffie, they had Jalen Watson, they had Miles Garrett, they've got Aaron Donald coming back.”
Rams' Offensive Strategy
The Rams' offense uses a 13-personnel strategy to counter physical defenses.
“Going 13 personnel and investing in tight ends and being able to roll that personnel grouping out there was in so many ways, a counter to what we've seen from those sorts of defenses playing that style.”
Rams' Speed Concerns
The Rams' offense lacks speed to take the top off defenses.
“The one thing that I heard people from opposing teams talk about with the Rams was team speed on offense.”
Broncos' Play Calling
Davis Webb's play calling is expected to improve with experience and time.
“I think Davis Webb as a coach will take a lot from having had to face Spagnolo in his first game as a play caller.”
Rams' Future Concerns
The Rams need to address run defense and offensive depth concerns.
“The run defense with the group that they put together, I think you at least have a little bit of concern on that.”
Broncos' Potential
The Broncos have potential to become Super Bowl contenders with Davis Webb.
“The Broncos are gonna get it.”
The short version
Rams' run defense and offensive depth concerns after rough start against 49ers.
