Grading Each Position Group at the Bye (9 replies)
This article was originally published on Herd Message Board.
Here are my current grades:
Quarterback: A+
We’ve certainly come a long way from the preseason concerns regarding Matthew Stafford’s back. He is off to an incredible start, with 1,866 yards passing, 17 TDs and only 2 INTs. That’s league MVP level.
Running Backs: B
This is one of the tougher grades. On the plus side, the tandem of Kyren Williams and Blake Corum has combined for 665 yards and a 4.5 yards/carry average, along with 6 combined TDs. On the minus side, fumbles and dropped passes have marred their efforts, and our longest run thus far is only 20 yards. If they can continue to run they way they have been while keeping the ball secure, I’ll be satisfied.
Wide Receivers: A-
The Rams top two guys, Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, have been outstanding. My only ding is due to the lack of a clear No. 3 guy emerging as a consistent threat. Hoping to see Tutu Atwell or Jordan Whittington find more of a role as the season wears on.
Tight Ends: B
The overall production from the tight ends (30 receptions, 290 yards, 4 TDs) isn’t bad, but I feel like we need to settle on our best two. I think Terrance Ferguson really needs to be one of them, as he brings a big play potential that the others don’t really have.
Offensive Line: B+
In previous years, early injuries to the offensive line really killed our production. This year, despite missed time by Steve Avila and Rob Havenstein, the line has done a nice job, allowing the offense to perform well. I’m hopeful that we’ll see the full group of starters for the duration of the year, but I do feel better having credible backups available.
Defensive Line: A-
The addition of Poona Ford was designed to shore up our run defense, and it has worked very well, as we are allowing only 3.9 yards/carry. I’d like to see a bit more success rushing the passer from this group (Braden Fiske had a nice effort yesterday), but overall this is one of the team’s strength areas,
Edge Rushers: A+
Last year, our top three edge rushers (Byron Young, Jared Verse, Michael Hoecht) produced 15 total sacks. After seven games this year, our top 3 (Young, Verse and Josiah Stewart) have matched that number. This group is keeping opposing OCs up at night.
Linebackers: A
Nate Landman is battling Young for the team’s defensive MVP. What an amazing FA value. The rest (Omar Speights, Troy Reeder, Shaun Dolac) have been solid, and can share credit for the run defense’s improvement.
Cornerbacks: C+
Unquestionably the weak link on the defense, though they have played better in the past two weeks. We’ll need some help here, either from the trade market or, perhaps, the return of Akhello Witherspoon at the end of the year.
Safeties: B+
Overall I like what I’ve seen from this group, with the exception of a few penalties and some frustrating soft zones at times. Quentin Lake is having a very good year, as is Kamren Curl.
Special Teams: F
The only bright spots were a few effective knuckleballs on kickoffs and Ethan Evans’ punting. It goes without saying that we need to clean up the placekicking, and punt coverage has been shaky as well. If we can just be average in this part of the game, I’d be happy.
