The Los Angeles Rams have been dominant so far this season. Their 3-0 record is an indication of that. Outside of their first half in Week 1 against the Oakland Raiders, the Rams have been the better team in each quarter of football they have played.
It is no surprise for many since they got so much talent on their roster coming into this year. Some of their offseason additions included Aqib Talib, Marcus Peters, Ndamukong Suh and Brandin Cooks. Each player making an impact early on in the season.
However, the injuries to both Talib and Peters will affect their defense. Talib and Peters have been welcome additions to a pass defense that was 12th in the league last year.
Their pass defense is fifth in yards and second in points allowed this season. Their depth at the corner back position will be on full display in next few weeks with Talib and Peters set to possibly miss weeks.
Rams’ CB Aqib Talib suffered a high-ankle sprain Sunday that will sideline him at least one month, and Rams CB Marcus Peters strained his calf and is considered day to day, though with a Thursday night game this week, it will be tough for him to play, per league sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 24, 2018
Head coach Sean McVay did note that others will have to be ready to go in the absence of two key pieces:
“Obviously Nickell Robey has played excellent for us this year. Then I think guys like Sam Shields and Troy Hill will be asked to step up”
One thing the Rams do have in their favor is that they are one of the more balanced teams in the NFL. Which means they do not rely too much on either side of the ball.
Their offense is one of the best in the NFL They are third in scoring and first in total yards. As a result, they are in a better position than most to deal with losses on defense.
Quarterback Jared Goff is doing his part in putting the offense in positions to win each week. Goff has thrown for 941 yards, six touchdowns and two interceptions on 70.3 completion percentage.
Week by week it shows that Goff is becoming more comfortable with the looks he gets. He spoke on this in regards to the tighter windows he is throwing into post-game:
“I think I’m getting more comfortable with anticipating stuff and anticipating windows and that may be part of it. That just happens as you grow and get better.”
This team gets better in line with Goff’s growth. Talent is key to a great team but it all starts with the quarterback. However, weapons like running back Todd Gurley or Cooks does not hurt either.
This team was a Super Bowl favorite with good reason coming into the season. Their talent sets them apart from the pack and lends them to being a threat in all facets.
As a result, they are now the lone favorites with a 4-1 chance to win the Super Bowl per OddsShark. Despite the high level of play by Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the Rams are the total package.
That is why they are currently the best team in the league and the favorites to win it all.
Brendan Abban is the owner/creator of brendanabban.com and hosts the KBR Sports podcast. Follow him on Twitter @AbbanBrendan or email him via [email protected].
