You will never guess who got the Rams game ball after a gutsy Week 2 win
By Bret Stuter
This win had Rams Assistant HC Aubrey Pleasants fingerprints all over it
In the first preseason game, the LA Rams passed 38 times and ran 28 times. In the second preseason game, the Rams passed 31 times and ran 30 times. Hmmm, before the game, we asked How different will preseason play-calling be under Coach Pleasant, So it seems that the team was more willing to run the football in Game 2. And that is how we initially had guessed this game might turn out:
". . . he (Coach Aubrey Pleasant) will try to ground and pound the football in this one. More rushing means game clock management, and a much better scenario for the defense"
-Β Bret Stuter
The Rams ran a balanced offense and kept feeding them the ball with a swarming defense that created turnovers in three different ways. One interception, one fumble recovery, and one turnover on downs. That felt like a pre-game expectation of Coach Pleasant. Turnovers for this defense are one of the key foundations of success, and the group was certainly very opportunistic in Game 2.
And you can see the thrill in Coach Pleasant's face after the game:
In his post-game press conference, Assistant HC Aubrey Pleasant seemed to cherish the opportunity to serve in the capacity of acting head coach for this game. And it was a tribute to his mentorship and coaching abilities that his players, particularly from the defensive secondary, seemed to up their game for their coach.
NFL secondaries, like NFL offensive lines, are vitally dependant upon group chemistry, coordination, trust, and communication. So it's no surprise that Coach Pleasant exhibited the prinicple of 'We not me,' at the podium. That is his mantra, and you could see it from the players throughout the game.