1. OH YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2. A funny thing happened on the way to a blowout win...
3. Okay, let's start with the superlatives... I'm going with co-MVPs on the offensive side of the ball this week.
4. First, Matthew Stafford. He is one tough SOB. I'm sure his hip is going to be sore tomorrow, and throughout the week. There was never any indication, though, that he was going to sit out the end of the game. He was amazing on that final drive, reminding us once again why we traded for him.
5. You can't overlook Puka Nacua, though. Unbelievable performance once again, with 163 yards and the game winner in OT (not to mention being Johnny on the spot recovering a Kyren Williams fumble). He is no fluke. He's a real find.
6. It was also amazing seeing a parade of Colts players going over to Puka to congratulate him after the game (including Anthony Richardson). He has really found his place in the NFL fraternity, and his rivals are taking notice. Puka is loving it!
7. On defense, Ankhello Witherspoon and Ernest Jones get honorable mentions, but it was Aaron Donald who made his presence felt throughout the game. He's my defensive MVP of the week.
8. You have to love the way the Rams started the game. Unlike last week at Cincinnati, the Rams cashed in on two consecutive TD drives that set the tone early. The run/balance pass was exactly what we wanted to see.
9. Overall, you have to be happy with the running game, which produced 150 yards on 34 carries (plus 14 yards on two Stafford scrambles). It wasn't an even performance, but it was a big key overall. Williams had his first 100 yard game, and it was nice to see Ronnie Rivers spelling him and contributing.
10. You also have to give high grades to the offensive line. With A.J. Jackson out, Joe Noteboom to LT, and Kevin Dotson in at RG, the line kept Stafford clean and opened holes for the running game.
11. So how did the Colts get back into this one? I'd say it was several factors.
12. I wouldn't say the Rams took their foot off the gas, but I do think they decelerated a bit after building the big lead.
13. Of course, it didn't help that Stafford was hobbled, making us a little more predictable (and contributing to the one INT, thrown one play after the injury).
14. It also didn't help that Brett Maher missed two field goals. He's a marginally adequate stopgap, but I think its fair to say that the Rams will need to look at a long term solution at PK next year.
15. The defense had some lapses too. While I hate to pile on one guy, I do feel like defensive breakdowns too often involve Michael Hoecht, who either gives up the edge or gets beat in coverage.
16. You have to give some credit to the Colts, though. They made some big plays and fought hard. Sometimes, you just have to tip your hat.
17. There was a lot of emotion from the Rams at the end of the game, including Donald bear-hugging Sean McVay. As much as I would have liked a nice, relaxing blowout, I think the team, particularly a young team, can really benefit from a win like this one.
18. So, here we are, 2-2 after four games, and looking at a three game home stand ahead of us. We could be getting a key reinforcement in Cooper Kupp (can't wait to see him with Puka), and our young core continues to gain experience. I'm really looking forward to seeing what's ahead.
19. Will the Rams look to add more to the roster? On the offensive side, I do feel like there were some runs that a better RB would have broken for more yards, but I have to say I doubt we'll see a move there. On the defensive side, upgrading Hoecht's spot would be an obvious way of improving the unit. Again, though, I'm not really expecting a move.
20. Time to celebrate!
Seriously though, AD was unstoppable today. I'm reminded of Jason Kelce's description of trying too block him: "it's like wrestling a Liger coated in baby oil."
