Sunday’s game against the 49ers didn’t go the way the Rams hoped it would, falling to their division rivals 23-20 at home. It was a disheartening and deflating loss, largely due to an inept offense and a defense that allowed field goals on San Francisco’s final two drives.
It wasn’t all bad for the Rams, though. They still got some quality individual performances from players such as Aaron Donald, John Johnson and Matt Gay.
Most of the standouts were predictably on defense, but two offensive linemen also shined. Rams play-by-play analyst J.B. Long shared some notable Pro Football Focus grades for L.A. and not surprisingly, Donald was at the top.
Notable PFF grades from the Rams loss to SF:
A.Donald 92.2+
J.Johnson 90.6*
D.Edwards 90.2^
S.Joseph-Day 88.8^
A.Blythe 77.7
T.Reeder 73.7*+5th game in the 90s this season
*season high
^career high pic.twitter.com/p4mP8jFykq— J.B. Long (@JB_Long) November 30, 2020
John Johnson has picked up right where he left off in 2018 after getting hurt last season. He’s played like a Pro Bowler all year as a leader of the defense, improving his stock before hitting free agency in 2021.
Austin Blythe and David Edwards have also had quietly good seasons up front, though they won’t be recognized for it with Pro Bowl selections.
The defense is clearly the strength of this team, but the offense – namely Jared Goff – has to be better if their Super Bowl aspirations are to be met.