Rams tape review: Touchdowns, a pick six and a failed fake punt
The Rams’ win streak came to an end Sunday with a loss to the Buffalo Bills, 30-19.
Each week, we take a look at what worked, what didn’t and what you might have missed.
What: Rams RB Todd Gurley catches a pass for 24 yards
Down: Third and two
Time: 14:00 left in first quarter
It’s rare for a single player to be able to tackle Todd Gurley (30). Here, safety Corey Graham (20) makes a desperate dive at the running back’s jersey. Gurley stays upright and keeps moving downfield.
Gurley has also been more involved in the passing game as of late, with eight catches over the last two games after having just one reception in each of the first three games.
What: Bills WR Justin Hunter catches a four-yard touchdown pass
Down: Third and goal
Time: 2:22 left in first quarter
At this point in the game, Tyrod Taylor (5) had already ripped the Rams for 22 yards on a quarterback keeper. So when he starts to get antsy in the pocket and scrambles to extend the play, the coverage breaks down and E.J. Gaines (33), playing with his back to the quarterback, surrenders the touchdown catch to receiver Justin Hunter (17).
What: Gurley’s one-yard touchdown run
Down: First and goal
Time: 1:56 left in second quarter
Here the Rams roll out their heavy run formation with tackle Andrew Donnal (64) reporting as an eligible receiver and tight ends Corey Harkey (46) and Tyler Higbee (89) looking to make blocks, but the best part of this play is how fast left guard Rodger Saffold (76) pulls and gets to the right side of the line to help give Gurley (30) an easy lane into the end zone.
What: Bills S Nickell Robey-Coleman picks of Case Keenum for a TD
Down: Second and 14
Time: 4:26 left in third quarter
Robey-Coleman (21) finished with two interceptions of Keenum passes, but this one was the back-breaker. If Pharoh Cooper (10) gets off the line a touch faster, this play almost looks like a rub route designed to knock Robey-Coleman off the receiver. Only, the defender smoothly transitions from over the top to underneath coverage and gets a better jump on the ball resulting in the game-winning score.
What: Rams try fake punt, turn ball over on downs
Down: Fourth and five
Time: 3:47 left in fourth quarter
Running back Chase Reynolds (34) makes a valiant effort to lead block for receiver Bradley Marquez (10), but there are just too many Bills plays converging on the runner, so he never has a chance to convert the fourth down.
Follow Matt Wilhalme on Twitter @mattwilhalme
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