The St. Louis Rams opened the 2015 season with an exciting overtime win against the Seattle Seahawks, 34-31. I have to give this team the credit it deserves.
The Rams had more offensive yards than the Seahawks, even though the Rams ran 16 fewer plays. Nick Foles, making his debut as the Rams’ signal caller, had a very good game, completing 18 of 27 and coming up short just three passing yards of topping 300.
You can see an instant improvement in the Rams’ passing game. And even though it was the first game of the season and there is still a lot of football ahead, Foles did this against a team that won the NFC West division last year and competed in two straight Super Bowls.
The Rams also averaged nearly 11 yards per catch in the win last Sunday. They were led in the passing game by tight end Jared Cook, who had a great day catching the football, with 5 catches for 85 yards. The lone touchdown throw from Foles went to the other Rams tight end, Lance Kendricks, a 37-yard strike. It was Kendricks’ 14th career touchdown.
The Rams did struggle running the football. Running back Bennie Cunningham had the most carries with 16 and averaged a woeful 2.9 yards per carry. However, he did make up for that with 77 receiving yards, including a big 42-yard catch and run.
The Rams’ longest run of the day was from Tavon Austin, who ran a score in from 16 yards out. Nick Foles ran a touchdown in himself, showing off his blazing speed.
Austin also returned a punt 75 yards for a score. He tiptoed down the sideline, showing some incredible balance. You see why the Rams traded up to grab him in the 2013 draft. I saw a flag on the play, and of course I thought it was going against the Rams. Well, surprise, it wasn’t against the Rams. As a matter of fact, the Rams only had four penalties. Yes! Just four penalties for just 30 yards
The Rams’ defense was led by second year defensive tackle Aaron Donald, who led the defense with 2 sacks and 3 tackles for loss. How often do you hear about a defensive tackle leading a team in tackles in a game? Robert Quinn also chipped in with two sacks of his own as the Rams totaled 6 for the afternoon.
Often-overlooked Trumaine Johnson made a sizzling play, intercepting a pass from Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson. Johnson told me during training camp that what helps him play corner position was he was recruited out of high school as a receiver. In my opinion, he has the best instincts in the Rams’ secondary.
And how about the defense making the biggest play of the game, stuffing Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch on a 4th and 1 in overtime? Not bad. Maybe Wilson should’ve passed on that play.
Overall, this was a big character win for this young team. This was the type of game the Rams would normally lose. I was impressed by the resolve of this team. Can they do it again?
The next game is on the road against the Washington Redskins. On paper, the Rams should win, but you never know on any given Sunday.
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