Storyline: This game was less about the NY Giants, more about the LA Rams. Why? LA QB Case Keenum threw four interceptions. ‘Nuff said. Written by Luke Stapleton, Newcastle Upon Tyne, England
Courtesy: Stadium Events
Twickenham is the birthplace of English rugby. But last Sunday English sports fans set their eyes on a different game–American pro football.
The newly moved Los Angeles Rams, led by freaky athlete Aaron Donald at Defensive Tackle, took on the New York Giants, spearheaded by Eli Manning and that dynamic, but unpredictable talent, Wide Receiver Odell Beckham, Jr.
It set up an intriguing battle because of what happened the last time these teams met (in 2014)–a player’ brawl with three ejections.
The Rams’ defensive task this time was the same as last time: stop Eli and NY’s short passing game. In Baltimore last week Manning’s consistency on short passes helped keep the Giants’ offense ticking in a game where the NY ground attack could only muster 38 yards on 17 carries.
The Giants have a different challenge: block Aaron Donald, who’s a one man wrecking crew, at 6′ 1′, 280 lbs. Donald is rated 86.9 by Pro Football Focus.
Game Summary
The Giants opening possession ending in a fumble by TE Larry Donnell and the Rams took over at midfield. LA took the ball down the field, scoring on a Case Keenum-to-Tavon Austin 10-yard pass. Gregg Zuerlein added a field goal later in the quarter and LA led 10-0 after the first.
LA’s Aaron Donald (photo, ESPN)
Then Victor Cruz and the Giants got hot. Cruz caught three passes in a row and his efforts led to a Robbie Gould field goal. The Rams ensuing possession signalled the start of an LA car crash. Keenum throw to Austin bounced into the waiting arms of Landon Collins who took it to the house for a Pick 6, making it 10-10 at the half.
In the second half Eli took to the no huddle. He should have been picked off at least once, perhaps more. Odell baled him out on one play with an unreal catch that gave the Giants 1st and Goal at the Rams’ 6. Rashad Jennings ran it in for a TD. That was all the Giants needed to seal a 17-10 win.
The game wasn’t over, but Keenum kept giving the ball back to NY. Despite LA’s offensive proficiency on the day–the team gained 345 yards, 113 more than the Giants–Keenum’s four interceptions were too much for the Rams to overcome.
Game Takeaways
My main takeaway is the chronic ineptitude of Case Keenum. And No.1 overall pick Jared Goff clearly isn’t ready to take over. The Rams are in trouble at QB.
The good news is that Aaron Donald continues to shine. He’s following up an outstanding 2015 season. Last year he was First Team All Pro. He had 11 sacks, which topped the league–the most by a defensive tackle. Donald also won 2015’s Pro Football Focus’ Dwight Stephenson Award for the best overall player in the NFL. This year Donald has the highest PFF grade of any player with a score of 95.3–comfortably clear of the next-best player. He’s one of only six players to currently sit above 90 in the ratings.
Odell is, well, Odell (photo, The Sun)
Is Odell Beckham Jr. just another diva Wide Receiver? The phrase, “No love at first sight.” has taken new meaning to fans of the Giants and the NFL, respectively. After his impromptu collision with the kicking net, Odell decided to respond in an equally interesting manner.
Amidst claims he wasn’t having fun anymore, Beckham Jr came back to form against the Rams with 5 catches for 49 yards and a TD.
It looks like he’s back.
