The Los Angeles Rams were having a great deal of success in recent weeks by utilizing more 12 personnel to get two tight ends on the field at a time. Tyler Higbee had two straight 100-yard games and Todd Gurley had rushed for 174 yards on 42 carries in the Rams’ last two wins.
In Sunday’s 44-21 loss to the Cowboys, Sean McVay went back to his roots and reverted to his heavy 11 personnel usage. The Rams leaned on their trio of starting receivers, as well as a dash of Josh Reynolds.
The result? Only 289 net yards and 20 yards rushing by Gurley. Needless to say, McVay’s game plan didn’t work the way he had hoped, partly because the execution was poor. He likely wanted to attack the Cowboys’ linebackers in the passing game, specifically Jaylon Smith, but it didn’t exactly go according to plan.
Here are the snap counts from Sunday’s drubbing in Dallas.
Offense
After only playing only 29% of the snaps last week against the Seahawks, Cooper Kupp returned to his more typical usage. He played 92% on Sunday, which was the second-most among Rams receivers. Robert Woods didn’t miss a snap, while Brandin Cooks played 71%. Reynolds chipped in 26 plays, catching two passes for 36 yards.
Johnny Mundt only played 11 snaps against Dallas, which was one of the bigger surprises. He’s a great blocking tight end and helps the ground game a lot. Tyler Higbee also only played 86%, too, so he came off the field more than expected.
Todd Gurley was rarely spelled in the backfield, playing all but three snaps. Malcolm Brown was out there for the three plays Gurley missed but did not receive a carry or target.
Defense
Just as it was somewhat surprising that the Rams leaned on 11 personnel offensively, they also went back to their base defense more often this week. Cory Littleton played 96% of the snaps, but Troy Reeder was out there for 53% and Travin Howard 11%, as well. Reeder hadn’t played more than 50% in a game since Week 6 prior to Sunday. The Rams tried to match Dallas’ personnel, which featured a lot of two-tight end sets.
Darious Williams had to replace Troy Hill, who left the game after only eight snaps due to a thumb injury. Williams played well in his 61 snaps, allowing very little from the Cowboys’ receivers. Nickell Robey-Coleman only played 33 snaps (47%).
Aaron Donald played 83% of the snaps to lead the defensive line, followed by 67% for Michael Brockers. Sebastian Joseph-Day was used frequently in an attempt to counter Dallas’ run game, playing 56% of the snaps. Morgan Fox, Greg Gaines and Tanzel Smart were on the field for 36%, 30% and 17%, respectively.
Samson Ebukam remains the No. 3 edge rusher, while Ogbonnia Okoronkwo struggles to get playing time with Clay Matthews back since the bye.
