4 takeaways from Rams’ week 7 win over 49ers...

4 takeaways from Rams' Week 7 win vs. 49ers

Andrew Ortenberg

[theramswire.usatoday.com]

The Los Angeles Rams remained unbeaten, soundly defeating the 49ers 39-10 on Sunday. The game was lopsided from the start, and the Rams dominated every phase from start to finish.

Here are four takeaways following the victory:

1. Aaron Donald is the best defensive player in the game


2018 hasn’t necessarily been quiet for Aaron Donald, but at least statistically he hadn’t been racking up the kind of numbers you might normally expect. Until today. Donald was an absolute monster, wrecking the 49ers’ offensive game plan and making his impact felt on seemingly every play.

There aren’t many non-quarterbacks who can truly take over a game, but Donald certainly can. Donald had nine tackles, an insane four sacks and six tackles for loss, and five hits on the quarterback. He’s put to rest any debate about who the league’s best defensive player is, and is now well on his way to winning a second consecutive Defensive Player of the Year Award.

2. The Rams have the best special teams in the league


Aaron Donald and Todd Gurley will likely dominate the conversation surrounding the game, but John Fassel’s unit may have been the real star of the game. The Rams’ special teams were making plays left and right, on returns as well as coverage.

Early in the game, the Rams got a safety off a blocked punt, and the unit didn’t stop there. JoJo Natson had a huge 36-yard punt return, and Greg Zuerlein made all seven kicks he attempted. On the two kicks they covered, one kickoff and one punt, the Rams didn’t allow any real returns.

The Rams almost certainly have the best punter-kicker duo in the league, and may have one of the NFL’s best returners in Natson. The special teams tends to give the Rams an added edge in almost every single game and can be huge if the offense or defense are lacking in any game.

3. The young EDGEs came to play today


The Rams haven’t gotten much from their youngsters this season, but that changed today. Second-year EDGE Samson Ebukam had a huge strip-sack, only his second sack of the season in a year where the Rams are counting on him in a big way. Ebukam was a steady presence throughout the game, and if he can build on this performance it would be huge for the Rams moving forward.

Trevon Young, the sparsely used sixth-round pick, was the one who recovered the fumble forced by Ebukam. It was only the second time Young has been active all year, and he ended up making a huge play. The Rams are desperate for outside linebacker help, and it wouldn’t be surprising if Young got more run moving forward.

No matter what happens, it’s a great sign to see Ebukam and Young show up. Outside pass-rush is pretty much the only major weakness this team has, and if the young guys can continue to step up it would be huge.

4. Todd Gurley may set a record


After Sunday, Todd Gurley is officially on pace to set the all-time NFL single-season touchdown record. If Gurley keeps up his current pace, he’ll finish with 32 touchdowns, breaking LaDainian Tomlinson’s 2006 record.

It’s a testament to what a well-oiled machine the Rams’ offense is that Gurley can continue to rack up touchdowns, even on days where he struggles from an efficiency standpoint. If Gurley is still close to breaking the record towards the end of the regular season, the chase will be incredibly entertaining.