7 winners and 5 losers in Rams 2nd consecutive win over tumbling 49ers

(7) - Winner: Troy Reeder

As much as I was dissatisfied with listing IOL Logan Bruss as one of the team's losers in Week 3, I am just as dissatisfied with listing ILB Troy Reeder as one of the Week 3 winners. But I cannot allow the deficiencies of past performances to place the thumb of bias on this week objectivity scale. After all, Reeder did finally record his fist tackle for a loss of the season.

And it came at a superb moment in the game.

He had his best game of the season in Week 3. Not only did he put up a tackle for a loss, but he put up 10 tackles. And for the season, he has allowed just six of nine passes to find their mark. If he plays alongside a 'thumper,' Reeder could be a solid starter. But he has similar skillsets, and weaknesses, as that of teammate Christian Rozeboom.

Reeder had a pretty solid game in Week 3. But I'm not convinced more of the same are coming. I'm simply acknowledging a better than typical performance from him, and acknowledging that he can be a positive contributor if the trend continues.

(6) - Winner: DT Tyler Davis

Hey, how about rookie defensive tackle Tyler Davis. In just his second game, and playing just 21 defensive snaps, he managed to put up two tackles and one tackle for a loss. Why celebrate a two tackle performance? For openers, his presence allowed the Rams to play far better defense against the run.

One of the key contributions from defensive tackles is their ability to take on multiple blockers. So what? Well, those blocker-gobblers free up other players to make tackles. It's no mere coincidence that ILB Troy Reeder had his best game of the season playing behind Davis.

Another seldom celebrated effort from defensive tackles is their ability to disrupt a play. Even without making the tackle, a solid DT can reroute the running back to take another path, hopefully into the arms of another defender. Great defenses need those chaos creators who may not record many tackles, but set up teammates to ravage opposing offenses.