Some Gonzalez Notes

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Alden Gonzalez
ESPN Staff Writer

You can't help but feel really good about where the Rams are right now. They're as healthy as a team can expect to be through 7 weeks, but everything is clicking. Defense has allowed only 39 points in the last 14 quarters, while settling in under Wade Phillips. Special teams continues to be a strength, as has been the case for a while now. And the offense, a decade-long hindrance, looks good. Todd Gurley looks like one of the NFL's best RBs again, and QB Jared Goff, with a much better offensive line and weapons all around him, is light years ahead of where he was as a rookie. Sean McVay may be running away with Coach of the Year honors.


Alden Gonzalez
ESPN Staff Writer

It's been a long time since Rams fans could feel this hopeful. They're coming off a dominant performance against the division-rival Cardinals and are 5-2 for the first time since 2003, with all three phases clicking. Todd Gurley is back to his dominant ways, on the ground and through the air, and Jared Goff looks significantly improved as a second-year quarterback. Their defense, meanwhile, has allowed only 39 points over the last 14 quarters, including zero on Sunday. They went 4-12 in 2016, their first year in L.A., but now they suddenly look like a legitimate playoff contender under Sean McVay.


Alden Gonzalez
ESPN Staff Writer

The Rams proved something, to the US and to Western Europe, on Sunday: They're a legitimate playoff contender. They dominated the Cardinals in every way possible, converting 28 first downs, holding the ball for more than 39 minutes, intercepting two passes and outgaining their opponent by 232 yards. First shutout since Dec. 7, 2014; first 5-2 start since 2003. Amazing what Sean McVay has already done in his first year.