Los Angeles Rams: Grades for Week 1 against the Raiders

OAKLAND, CA – SEPTEMBER 10: Head coach Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams and head coach Jon Gruden of the Oakland Raiders speak following the Rams win over the Raiders at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 10, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Week 1 typically provokes a lot of overreaction one way or another. Are the Rams a bonafide Super Bowl contender? If last night is an indicator, they may be closer to that than they were last year at this time because of talent, and mostly because of McVay.

Los Angeles has 15 games to go over 16 weeks. In Week 2, simply by virtue of having one game under their belt, they should be better against NFC West rival Arizona.

They will be better.

Ultimately, the rusty look the Rams trotted out against the Raiders falls at the feet of McVay. He made the choice to keep everyone healthy and on the sidelines until the games had a significant outcome. If his theory holds, and the Rams have that magical run many believe they will have, the copycats will be numerous.

Fortunately, last night was not a Week 1 opponent that proved a significant contender. The Raiders are a middle of the road team with a coach who is equal parts celebrity and would be NFL offensive genius.

Last night, they were also very average in the second half of the Monday Night ESPN game.

The Los Angeles Rams are a really good team who needs more time on the field beyond one game.

Team: B

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