Game Thread: Miami Dolphins @ Los Angeles Rams, 11/20/16, 4:00 PM EST; FOX

[27mtrcougar]

Reports are Gurley and Donald didn't talk to the media after the game. Wonder if this is when the players turn on Fisher?


Dolphins drive chart today:

Punt
Punt
Punt
Punt
Punt
Punt
Punt
Interception
Punt
Punt
Punt
TD
TD

 

[27mtrcougar]

Quarterback grade: Jared Goff, 50.2

Wet conditions hamper Goff in QB’s debut

A combination of the conditions and conservative play-calling contributed to a mediocre debut for first-overall pick Jared Goff. Goff only attempted four passes of 20 yards or more downfield, and was zero-for-four on those attempts. The offensive line struggled to hold up in pass protection, which led to designed quick throws, as 24 of his 31 attempts traveled less than 10 yards. Under rainy conditions, Goff did a nice job of not turning the ball over, although there were a few occasions where he forced some throws into close coverage. In the coming weeks, one would like to see the Rams push the ball downfield more in the passing game, as Goff finished with just 4.4 yards per attempt.

Top offensive grades:

G Roger Saffold, 82.2

T Rob Havenstein, 71.7

G Cody Wichmann, 70.7

WR Tavon Austin, 69.7

HB Todd Gurley, 58.9

Offensive line struggles in pass protection

The offensive line had a tough day against the Dolphins’ front, surrendering 12 quarterback hurries and two sacks. LT Greg Robinson was accountable for five of those hurries, on his way to a 47.3 pass-protection grade; Robinson has now allowed 21 QB hurries on the year, which ties his total from a season ago. The Rams did make a concerted effort to get the ground game going, and early on, it looked as though it might, as Todd Gurley burst through for a 24-yard touchdown in the first quarter. The production dropped off steeply from there, though, as Gurley had only 51 yards on 19 carries apart from the touchdown run. Running lanes closed up quickly on him, as G Roger Saffold and C Tim Barnes were the only linemen to earn above a 67.0 run-blocking grade. WR Kenny Britt was Goff’s favorite target on the day, as he threw his way seven times, none of which resulted in explosive plays, as Britt averaged 8.6 yards per reception.

Top defensive grades:

DT Aaron Donald, 85.2

LB Mark Barron, 84.9

DT Michael Brockers, 82.8

S T.J. McDonald, 81.7

S Maurice Alexander, 79.6

Rams’ defense falters down the stretch

Los Angeles’ defense completely smothered Miami’s offense for about three and a half quarters in the game, forcing 10 punts and an interception on the Dolphins’ first 11 drives. DT Aaron Donald and DT Michael Brockers completely took away the inside zone runs that Miami favors, earning 85.4 and 84.2 run-defense grades, respectively. LB Mark Barron was also a force in the run game, finishing with 11 tackles, five run stops, and a team-best 86.8 run-defense grade. Things fell apart for the Rams on the final drive however, and discipline continues to be a major issue for the team. DE Robert Quinn was flagged for three offsides penalties, and Donald gave the Dolphins 15 free yards with a roughing the passer penalty on the game-winning drive. The pass-rush also disappeared at the worst possible time, as Tannehill was pressured just once on the final two drives.

 

[27mtrcougar]

"He did a really good job. No delay of games. He was in complete control in the huddle. He did a nice job on the line of scrimmage. I was disappointed in the outcome of the game, but you could see the light -- there's light there for him. So we'll continue to allow him to get ready and continue to progress."

Rams coach Jeff Fisher on Jared Goff



Wow. No delay of games. That's the first thing Fisher has to say about the #1 pick first game. Great job Jeff on getting him ready lol. He even remembered to put his helmet on everytime too!

 

[Retroram52]

Typical Jeff Fisher. More 7-9 bullshit from the Drama Queen in over his head.

 

[ANGELAKERAMS]

"He didn't lose it. Had the defense made a stop, we'd be in here smiling, and the story would have been, 'Jared won the game for us.' And up until the end, he thought he was gonna win this game, and so did I."

what the hell is wrong with Fisher?

he does know the only reason they even had a chance to win that game was because of the defense, right?

he does know a QB is expected to generate more than 10 pts in a game, right?

he does know that his defense does get tired as the game wears on when the offense can't manage to generate sustained drives and keep the defense off the field, right?

this guy really has lost it.

 

[LongtimeRamsFan42]

"He didn't lose it. Had the defense made a stop, we'd be in here smiling, and the story would have been, 'Jared won the game for us.' And up until the end, he thought he was gonna win this game, and so did I."

what the hell is wrong with Fisher?

he does know the only reason they even had a chance to win that game was because of the defense, right?

he does know a QB is expected to generate more than 10 pts in a game, right?

he does know that his defense does get tired as the game wears on when the offense can't manage to generate sustained drives and keep the defense off the field, right?

this guy really has lost it.

Agreed, however the D had some VERY undisciplined penalties at the end which are completely unacceptable...

 

[Smed55]

This team could easily be 8-2 or 7-3 if the offense was just mediocre. Hell, even with how bad they've played, they should have 6 or 7 wins.

Absolutely, I also said our division is down and we "should" be in control of the division and our own destiny at this point. You don't get that many opportunities in this division and we (Fisher) have blown it

 

[Smed55]

They actually played the Pats tough today only down by 3 going into the 4th quarter. Kaepernick is playing good too. Not sure if we could even beat them right now.

We lost to them in week one, why would things be different now?

 

[27mtrcougar]

We lost to them in week one, why would things be different now?

A lot happens in 11 weeks. Both teams will have different QB's for one.

 

[ANGELAKERAMS]

memo to Fisher

your offense is the lowest scoring in the league. even the 0-11 Browns have scored more points than your team.

the only reason your team has 4 wins is BECAUSE of the defense. you can't keep blaming losses on your defense when they spend the majority of games on the field trying to maintain slim leads or keep the deficit to a minimum and then don't have the energy at the end of games when it matters most.

you can't expect to keep winning games when your offense scores 9-10 pts every week.

if you knew how to draft offensive players and quit giving valuable picks away for a QB that may not be better than a guy that was drafted in the 4th round, this offense would be able to score more than 10 pts a game and your team would have a winning record.

 

[ANGELAKERAMS]

#Rams since 2012:

Scored 10 points or less in 19 games. 26% of games played

Scored 13 points or less in 26 games. 36% of games played.


enough said!

 

[27mtrcougar]

memo to Fisher

your offense is the lowest scoring in the league. even the 0-11 Browns have scored more points than your team.

the only reason your team has 4 wins is BECAUSE of the defense. you can't keep blaming losses on your defense when they spend the majority of games on the field trying to maintain slim leads or keep the deficit to a minimum and then don't have the energy at the end of games when it matters most.

you can't expect to keep winning games when your offense scores 9-10 pts every week.

if you knew how to draft offensive players and quit giving valuable picks away for a QB that may not be better than a guy that was drafted in the 4th round, this offense would be able to score more than 10 pts a game and your team would have a winning record.

I agree it amazes me how many people are putting this loss on the defense when the offense has scored 12.5 avg points the last 4 games.

 

[SJ76]

did anybody see the row of rams fans that had watermelons on their heads?

That's racist

 

[Smed55]

A lot happens in 11 weeks. Both teams will have different QB's for one.

Ya, I was being sarcastic Coug! I think we "should" beat them, but losing to them wouldn't surprise me the way this team plays! The way this season is going I can see SF having 2 wins, both against us!

 

[Smed55]

I agree it amazes me how many people are putting this loss on the defense when the offense has scored 12.5 avg points the last 4 games.

Sorry Coug it's even worse than that, we have scored 10-10-9-10 in last four games, that's less than 10 points a game over the last four!

 

[shopson67]

"He didn't lose it. Had the defense made a stop, we'd be in here smiling, and the story would have been, 'Jared won the game for us.' And up until the end, he thought he was gonna win this game, and so did I."

what the hell is wrong with Fisher?

he does know the only reason they even had a chance to win that game was because of the defense, right?

he does know a QB is expected to generate more than 10 pts in a game, right?

he does know that his defense does get tired as the game wears on when the offense can't manage to generate sustained drives and keep the defense off the field, right?

this guy really has lost it.

That's what he wants out of the offense. No turnovers, no penalties, score a little bit and eat up clock to protect the defense. Fisherball at it's best/worst. It's beyond the OC at this point, since Fisher has him under his thumb (as he has with past OCs). Fisher absolutely has to go.