LA Rams punch list after first four games of 2020 NFL season

Surprises

What have you been pleasantly surprised by with the Rams so far? Is it the offensive line? The quality of quarterback Jared Goff’s plays? The number of receivers who are within reach of a 1000 yard season? Or the running game after releasing longtime star runner Todd Gurley? Let’s pull apart the pieces and hold some up to the light for discussion.

Let’s start with a good update on the Rams defense. The team has four interceptions so far, and two from cornerback Darious Williams. The Rams had 13 interceptions in 2019, so they are a bit ahead of that pace this year. Added to that is the Rams sack total so far this season at 12, which is nearly on pace for last year’s 50 sacks. The Rams have had a pretty brutal schedule so far and will continue to at a difficult pace through the bye week.

Goff back?

Quarterback Jared Goff finished 2019 having completed 62.9 percent of his passes  4,638 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions. So far in 2020, he’s completed 72.1 percent of his passes for 1,063 yards, six touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. To be fair, one interception resulted from an unpenalized hands-to=the-helmet by Cowboys defensive end Aldon Smith. While Goff’s numbers are solid, they are not going to headline anywhere. But Goff’s completion rate is the fifth-best in the NFL, and he’s showing complete command of the offense.

Perhaps one of the most pleasant surprises is the fact that the Rams can run the ball this year. After a 2019 season of rushing over 400 attempts for 1,499 yards and 20 touchdowns, the Rams cut starting RB Todd Gurley.  While many expected a setback, the Rams have rushed 134 times for 569 yards and seven touchdowns, a far cry better pace than a year ago.  While that is a clear indication that the offensive line is playing well, it’s also the evidence of the Rams committing to running the ball once more. Perhaps the fact that the Rams going back to what the Rams do best is the best surprise of all.