Even though the Los Angeles Rams gave up 27 points to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, the defense played extremely well. They only allowed 261 total yards, a 30% conversion rate on third down, 17 first downs and forced three turnovers.
The problem is, the Rams offense and special teams played a part in a bunch of Atlanta’s points. The Falcons blocked a punt and returned it for a touchdown and only had to go 20 yards on their first touchdown of the game following Matthew Stafford’s second pick.
Pro Football Focus’ grades reflect how well the Rams defense played, highlighting performances by Aaron Donald, Terrell Lewis, Bobby Wagner and Jalen Ramsey. All four of them graded higher than 75.0, with Donald leading the way at 91.7.
Despite his high grade, Donald’s presence wasn’t felt all that often in the win – he had just two tackles – but he came through late with a pressure on Marcus Mariota, forcing him into a high pass that was intercepted by Ramsey to seal the game.
Handful of notable PFF grades from the Rams Week 2 win over Atlanta.
Aaron Donald 91.7
Cooper Kupp 83.2
Terrell Lewis 81.5*
Bobby Wagner 79.2
Jalen Ramsey 76.7
A.J. Jackson 71.1
Rob Havenstein 70.3*Career-best pic.twitter.com/2udkiLmWGp
— J.B. Long (@JB_Long) September 19, 2022
It’s good to see A.J. Jackson and Rob Havenstein grading out well, too, after the offensive line was an utter disaster in Week 1. Jackson replaced Tremayne Anchrum Jr. and did an excellent job in pass protection, as well as in run blocking.
Havenstein had a false start, but that was one of his only missteps. The Falcons only landed two hits on Stafford as a team, a clear indication of how well the offensive line played.
Cooper Kupp was predictably graded highly after catching 11 passes for 108 yards and two touchdowns. He did lose a fumble that nearly cost the Rams a win, but otherwise, he was as good as always.
