These are based on just this first game against the Panthers, of course, so please take them fwiw.
Mixed bag on Goff. Need more evidence of his reported “step up” in training camp. Looked rusty/jittery to me.
Gurley was another mixed bag today, but it wasn’t because of his knee. His knee looked just fine.
Boom and Allen looked fine today. This was the biggest concern of most pundits and fans but it’s looking like a non-issue. And they appeared to improve with every series today as evidenced by the improved Ram running game in the 2nd half. Kromer is a genius. Lol.
Matthews looked good to me. Heck, he looked like he had been in this system for years.
Fowler was a beast. Another concern by pundits, but if he can keep up anything close to today’s effort then he is a cinch for extension with the Rams.
Not enough data to make a call on Weddle because of his early departure, although I have zero doubts about him in this D.
A few observations about other than preseason concern matters:
There was a whole lot of rustiness today. Unfortunately, on both O and D. Tackling, coverage, fumbling, WR’s not getting open, uncharacteristic drops, Goff inaccuracy all too often, blocking by the punting team, etc. For the 2nd year in a row the Rams were able to come away with an opening day win, anyway. BTW, I understand and support the McVay policy of sitting starters in preseason. Just pointing out that there is a risk involved, especially when opening against a decent team away.
JoJo should have NEVER made the 53.
Peters needs to get a handle on his maturity level. I’m trying to keep an open mind on his possible Ram extension, but that stupid PF penalty doesn’t make it any easier.
Panthers found a way to pretty much take AD out of the game. A very rare thing, indeed.
I would love to see Gaines get a few snaps in a rotation vs the Saints.
Rams had no answer for McCaffery. Was it our LB’s? Gotta fix that inside run D. Or else...
Hopefully, McVay has a few tricks up his sleeve for the Saints, because a sloppy effort like this certainly won’t get the job done, that’s for sure.
Rams coaches have a lengthy “to do” list to get ready for the Saints. Then again, they’ve got all week and play at home, so we’ll see.
All are off the top of my head for now. Feel free to add things that I missed.
