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theramswire.usatoday.com] PFF grades: Rams have 3rd-best defense, 8th-worst offense through 6 games
Cameron DaSilva
October 19, 2022 10:48 am PT
For the last five years, the Los Angeles Rams have primarily been built around an explosive offense that carries the team into the playoffs. That wasn’t the case in 2020 and it hasn’t been this year, but Sean McVay is an offensive genius who ranks among the best coaches in the NFL.
This season, the defense has been absolutely dominant, better than the team’s 3-3 record reflects. Statistically, the Rams rank sixth in yards allowed, first in first downs allowed and second in red zone defense. In the last four games, the defense has allowed 12 points, 17 points, 15 points and 3 points, excluding any points scored by the opponent’s defense.
Pro Football Focus has graded the Rams highly on defense, too. Based on their total defense grade of 77.9, the Rams rank third in the NFL, behind only the Broncos and 49ers. Their 83.6 run defense grade is the best of any team, as well.
It’s been a completely different story on offense. Their total offense grade is just 66.2, which is the eighth-worst in the league. As you would expect, that grade is weighed down heavily by their pass-blocking grade of 50.3, better than only two other teams. Their run grade (62.1) ranks third-to-last, showing how poorly they’ve run the ball through six weeks.
In no way can the Rams’ defense be blamed for the team’s struggles so far. It’s the offense that’s been abysmal, scoring more than 20 points just twice and putting up 29 points in three games against the Bills, 49ers and Cowboys.
For this team to have any chance in 2022, the offense must improve.
