The Los Angeles Rams made it back-to-back preseason victories on Saturday when they beat the New Orleans Saints in convincing fashion, 34-0. The backups and reserves did an excellent job after the starters performed well in Thursday’s joint practice, continuing their dominance this preseason.
Pro Football Focus graded every player who suited up in the game, and we’re analyzing those grades below. Bill Murray, Alex Cook and Wesley Bailey were among the best performers, as were Stetson Bennett and CJ Daniels.
Top 5 offense
Murray and the entire offensive line were excellent, allowing zero sacks as a group. Murray gave up zero pressures and was dominant in the run game.
Bennett shined in extended action, making two big-time throws with zero turnover-worthy plays.
McMahon also allowed zero pressures and had a 77.5 run-blocking grade.
Edwards and Daniels were two of the better receivers in this game, each catching one contested pass with zero drops.
Top 5 defense
Cook and Bailey were the two best defenders on the field. Cook had a 100-yard pick-six to go with one pressure, while Bailey recorded five tackles, one sack, four QB hits and a forced fumble near the goal line.
Fourqurean gave up 41 yards on two catches (three targets) but was still given a 90.2 coverage grade.
Rice and Hill-Green both stood out at inside linebacker, recording six and four tackles, respectively. They each had a pass defended, too.
Bottom 5 offense
Presley showed off his speed but had just 35 yards on four catches with one drop.
Villari struggled as a run blocker but had a 24-yard reception.
Simpson only played three series and attempted just 12 passes, completing eight for 73 yards with 10 yards rushing.
Klare had a drop in the flat, while Redman wasn’t targeted in the passing game.
Bottom 5 defense
Rickert and Thomas both left the game early with injuries but graded out fairly poorly before exiting. Thomas didn’t have any pressures, and Rickert had one.
Moi did well as a pass rusher, recording three pressures, but his 37.6 run defense grade weighed down his overall grade.
Murchison didn’t have any pressures and graded out at 48.9 against the run.
Keenan had the lowest run defense grade (34.4) on the team this week.
Other notables
Lampkin played the most snaps of anyone on defense and had six tackles to go with two pass breakups.
Hunter ran hard and put up 68 yards on 12 carries, with one impressive 12-yard touchdown run. He forced a whopping six missed tackles.
Andersen missed two tackles against the Saints and had one total tackle.
Connors was barely utilized in this one after getting a lot of work in the first preseason game, carrying it just twice for 5 yards with no receptions.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams PFF grades: Best, worst performers in win vs. Saints
Reporting by Cameron DaSilva, Rams Wire / Rams Wire
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By Cameron DaSilva, Rams Wire | USA TODAY Network
