What a difference a few touchdowns make. The Rams, who did not reach the end zone in the first two games, scored 37 points last Sunday in an exciting win over Tampa Bay.
Tied for first place with Seattle in the NFC Western Division at 2-1, the Rams are in Arizona on Sunday at 1:25.
Their next home game is a week from Sunday, against Buffalo at 1:25.
The Rams found their offense and the defense made plays when they had to against Tampa Bay.
Can they keep the momentum going to stay in first place, ahead of the Cardinals and San Francisco?
The Rams need to get their running game going. Against Tampa Bay, running back Todd Gurley gained 85 yards on 27 carries and Benny Cunningham had 29 yards on two carries. Gurley’s yards were tough ones.
“Sometimes it looks like the other team has 12 defensive players on the field when I run the ball,” said Gurley.
“They know we are going to run the ball.”
If the running backs can break long gains that will open up the field for the passing game. Quarterback Case Keenum threw for 190 yards against Tampa Bay.
Keenum seems more relaxed. He appears to be in control of the offense right now.
The defense continues to make plays when they have to. End Robert Quinn is one of the quickest linemen in the NFL. Linebacker Alec Ogletree is coming up with big plays. So is the secondary.
In Arizona, the Rams must continue to stay focused. “You have to approach roads games the same way you do home games,” said defensive back Troy Hill a second-year player from Oregon. “On the road you really have to concentrate but once you get on the field at the end of the day football is football.”
Mr. Finley may be contacted at sfinley50@aol.com
