On the sideline: Rams offense running like greats of past

Ryan Lam and Johnny Wang|November 14, 2018

Despite their first loss to the Saints two weeks ago, the Rams are still performing at a  high level  and has one of the best Rams lineups they’ve had since Kurt Warner and Marshall Faulk ruled the league. Currently dominating NFC West, the Rams’ lineup has everything they need to finish the season with a Super Bowl ring and many individual Pro-Bowl appearances.

In his third year in the NFL, quarterback Jared Goff commands the offense with veteran Todd Gurley in the backfield, one of the most efficient running backs in the league. Gurley  has 12 rushing touchdowns and 4 receiving touchdowns — the most overall in the league—and 868 rushing yards in the first  9 games of the season. As one of the best running backs in the league, he is able to ease the pressure on Goff due to his presence in the backfield and his ability to make the most out of every carry he gets.

With the passing prowess of Goff (second in passing yards), the Rams look to be a first seed NFC contender. Goff has plenty of passing options with the addition of Brandin Cooks, previously a Patriots receiver, who accumulated 1082 yards in his 2017 season with Tom Brady. Alongside Cooks is Robert Woods, a five-year veteran who played four seasons with the Buffalo Bills. He has already had 832 yards received, only 25 yards behind Cooks and averages 15.1 yards per catch. Both receivers contributed 3 touchdowns for the team. With these receivers, both whom are tremendous threats to any defense, any passing play that the Rams make will be deadly.

This team not only has an intimidating offense, but also have solid individuals on defense. With Aaron Donald and Ndamukong Suh on the line, opposing quarterbacks are already pressured with their 284 and 307 pound frames, regardless of whoever the opposing offensive blockers are. Donald has already recorded 23 tackles, more than 50 percent of those being sacks, and a forced fumble. Suh on the other hand has 20 tackles and 3.5 sacks.

Inside linebacker Cory Littleton is another notable player– he has the fourth most combined tackles at 75, and 53 individual tackles. He is all over the opposing players on defense, with 8 passes deflected, along with an interception and a safety. The Rams’ corners and safeties are all young and growing, yet they have shown promise when defending against big names like Russell Wilson and covering fast veterans like Jared Cook.

John Johnson III has been performing exceptionally well despite it being his second season in the NFL. With 3 interceptions, 8 passes defended and 35 tackles, he is someone to watch out for, a star in the making.

Another key contributing factor to their strong performance in the season is the minimum risk the team takes regarding health issues. The team has stayed completely injury-free, allowing their superstar lineup to stay consistent and strong.

The Rams have the potential to be a long-time playoff contender and even make the Super Bowl this season. With all the superstars and rising stars they have, this Rams team is one of the Top 30 lineups in the history of football.