Thursday Night Takeaways: Goff Shines While Rams Defense Struggles

Injuries, Troubles, & Implications

While one bad game doesn’t mean that the defense has taken a step down from last season, it was concerning when the 49ers successfully scored 39 points on them.

The defense struggled greatly tonight but while they didn’t perform up to par, and the special teams was even more horrific. The returners on two separate kickoffs for the Rams lost two fumbles that amounted to 10 points while also losing the onside kick attempt that gave the 49ers one last drive to potentially get into field goal range to win.

Fortunately for the Rams, the Niners got an offensive-pass-interference call and Hoyer missed a throw on third down to give them a 4th-and-20. There aren’t many games in which the Rams will have that comfortable of a lead so those turnovers could kill the team if the special teams doesn’t improve.

Even though the defense struggled, injuries to CB Kayvon Webster and S Lamarcus Joyner certainly contributed to the collapse. If both players can manage to return soon, the defense should continue to be dominant.

This win bodes well for the Rams in their scramble for a playoff spot as they are a team that looks good and now leads the division.

With their competition in the NFC West consisting of the 49ers, the Cardinals without David Johnson, and the Seahawks who struggled last week against SF, the Rams could win a majority of divisional match-ups.

If things go right for them and the Seahawks line continues to slow their offense, winning the division is not inconceivable. While this does not seem to be a Super Bowl roster yet, a talented Sean McVay offense with an equally talented Wade Philips defense could propel them into the playoffs.

Next: Antonio Gates Sets TD Record

For now, it is nice to enjoy an exciting win, on the road, against a division rival. Any Los Angeles fans should be absolutely pumped for the ability that the team showed and excited to see how it translates for 13 more games.