Quarterback
QB Jared Goff really missed WR Cooper Kupp on Super Bowl LIII Sunday. He looked frazzled with pressure coming through the inside and he took some bad sacks. He only had one turnover, so it wasn’t a disaster, but it wasn’t impressive.
Running Backs
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No matter how much smoke was being blown at the media by the Rams front office and coach Sean McVay. RB Todd Gurley II wasn’t right and it was clear by all the touches C.J. Anderson got. Regardless who was running the ball were stymied by the Patriots defense.
Tight Ends
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We needed TE Tyler Higbee and TE Gerald Everett and they didn’t show up.
Wide Receivers
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WR Brandin Cooks led the way with 120 yards and WR Robert Woods and WR Josh Reynolds were productive as well, even though there were some unfortunate drops. The guys couldn’t get open enough, but I feel that’s more about the play calling.
Offensive Line
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The offensive line got pushed around a bit were out-schemed by the Patriots. The run game never got in rhythm and Jared Goff was sacked 4 times for 31 yards. And that C John Sullivan penalty left a mark.
Defensive LIne
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DT Aaron Donald and company kept QB Tom Brady from going off by making him very uncomfortable. Michael Brockers was very active in the game, as well, getting himself 5 solo tackles. While the run game wasn’t shut down, they did an admirable job against an excellent New England offense.
Linebackers
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Hot damn, ILB Cory Littleton was a beacon of light and ILB Mark Barron was pretty good too! And OLB Dante Fowler Jr. was very active and disruptive. I really like this kid — hope the Rams find a way for him to stay with the team.
Defensive Backs
Overall, these guys were on point. CB Marcus Peters had some nice tackles and some pretty legit stops. All of the guys stepped up and did their thing.
Special Teams
Good punts, but you gotta make that field goal.
Coaching
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While Wade Phillips had a great game with his defense, Sean McVay’s chess match with Bill Belichick did not go over well. His play calling was ineffective and the way McVay handled the Gurley injury/non-injury seems ill-advised. This was a performance that McVay and his coaches will study and agonize over all winter and spring. And summer. And all next season.