Golden Gate Sports
Fansided

NFC West Power Rankings: Week Nine

By Sean Bialaszek

facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next

3 – St. Louis Rams, 4-4 (Last week: 2)

Nov 8, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings kicker

Blair Walsh

(3) kicks a 40 yard field goal to defeat the St. Louis Rams in overtime 21-18. at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

So it turns out that Todd Gurley can’t carry the St. Louis Rams to a win every week. After an historic first four starts, during which he gained 566 yards on the ground, Gurley wasn’t spectacular in week eight against the Minnesota Vikings, and the Rams lost in overtime, 21-18.

Live Feed

Jacksonville Jaguars remain in top 10 of NFL Power Rankings despite Week 14 loss
Jacksonville Jaguars remain in top 10 of NFL Power Rankings despite Week 14 loss /

Black and Teal

  • 2023 NFL power rankings, Week 15: Showdown in Big D is disastrous for Eagles FanSided
  • NFL Power Rankings Ahead of Week 15 (Is Dallas for Real? Playoff Picture Sees Massive Shakeup) Betsided
  • NBA Awards Rankings: New No. 1 in MVP race FanSided
  • Latest NFL Power Rankings see Chiefs, Jaguars fall big time NFL Spin Zone
  • The Athletic's latest Oilers power ranking seems almost too generous Oil On Whyte

    • Gurley carried the ball 24 times, and gained only 89 yards, good for a career-low (for 15 carries or more) 3.7 yards per carry. All in all, it wasn’t an awful game for Gurley, but the rest of the offense couldn’t pick it up.

    Quarterback Nick Foles continued his run of being less than stellar, as he completed just 18 of his 33 attempts for 168 yards. While he didn’t throw an interception, he didn’t throw a touchdown either. Since throwing three touchdowns in the Rams’ week four win against the Arizona Cardinals, he’s thrown just two in the last four games, and is completing just 53 percent of his throws.

    The Rams’ defense was pretty strong, as they held a hot Vikings’ team to less than 300 total yards. On the downside, they recorded just one sack and forced just one turnover, which they were unable to convert into points.

    This game also wasn’t without controversy, as Rams’ DB Lamarcus Joyner is expected to be fined by the NFL after a hit on Bridgewater knocked the Vikings’ passer unconscious. Bridgewater was sliding, and Joyner came in low and hit Bridgewater’s head with his shoulder. The fact that the Rams’ defensive coordinator is Gregg Williams, who was in the middle of “Bountygate”, adds fuel to the fire.

    The Rams have the defense and run game to win, but the suspect quarterback play is really hurting them. Unless Foles figures something out quick, the Rams will have a tough time moving up in the division.

    In week 10, the Rams play host to the Chicago Bears, who are coming off a win on Monday Night Football.

    Next: The Runner Up

    Home/Blaine Gabbert