By Joe Torosian
Sunday, I like the Rams over the Indianapolis Colts—30-17.
We didn’t see much tempo last week. The Rams ran only 50 offensive snaps, and the Bears possessed the ball 12 minutes longer. That played a part, as did quick-strike touchdowns of 67 and 56 yards to minimize tempo.
The Colts’ defense last week gave up 28 to Seattle. And the Seahawks left scoring opportunities on the table. The Rams are better offensively and should match, if not exceed, 28 points.
The offense is sound. We’re going to see more of Sony Michel. The offensive line needs to be better on the road. The suspect spot? Center. Everyone’s saying nice things about Brian Allen…but… 
While Allen scored well run-blocking last week, Darrell Henderson only carried the ball 16 times. It was only after Matthew Stafford successfully went downfield (12-yds per attempt) that the running game found traction. In pass protection, Allen didn’t grade as well (18th among NFL centers).
Chiefs rookie center Creed Humphrey (Alabama—remember him?) ranked fourth in pass protection and seventh overall.
Indy’s offensive line struggled against Seattle, and the Rams defense is familiar with Carson Wentz. Week 2, a year ago, Wentz (then with Philly) was dreadful—throwing two picks—in a 37-19 loss. Darious Williams snared one of those INTs with an exceptional play in the end zone.
Colts’ running back Jonathan Taylor can cause problems. Wentz is more mobile and more aggressive than Andy Dalton. Adding that, along with travel and a hostile Lucas Oil Stadium Raheem Morris’ crew will get tested, but the Rams should come away with a win.
Keep an eye on?
1.) Darious Williams (5-9, 187) matching up against the taller, stronger Indy receivers. Williams always plays up, but Colts HC Frank Reich and Wentz would love to isolate him on Michael Pittman Jr.
2.) Indy all-everything guard Quenton Nelson going against Aaron Donald. Nelson and Donald won’t always match up because the Rams’ depth upfront enables them to move pieces around. If Nelson occupies Donald, I’m good with it because that will pair the rest of the Rams defense against Indy’s poor offensive line.
Last Adds: We did say keep an eye on Justin Hollins. After Arizona’s Chandler Jones, Las Vegas’ Maxx Crosby, and Dallas’ Demarcus Lawrence…Hollins (5-tackles, 2-sacks, forced fumble), against Chicago, graded out as the league’s fourth best edge defender.
The Colts lead the Rams head-to-head: 23-19-2
The Rams haven’t lost to the Colts since 2009, and they haven’t lost in Indy since 2005.
The Colts haven’t won in Los Angeles since December 21, 1969. That day they beat the Rams, 13-7. It was LA’s third consecutive loss after beginning the season 11-0. The Rams offense managed only 159 yards and registered their lone score on an 8-yard pass from Roman Gabriel (1969 NFL POY) to Jack Snow.
The Rams and Colts have a history of big trades. In 1982 the Rams sent the 4th and 34th overall picks to the Baltimore Colts for Bert Jones…who gave them four games. (Joe Namath gave the Rams four games in 1977.)
Eric Dickerson went from the Rams to the Colts in 1987. In 1999 Marshall Faulk came in a trade from Indy, and nine months later, the Rams were Super Bowl champs.
Riley “Snake” Matheson
Days & Numbers of Future Past:
Hollins #58—(Corey Littleton, Roman Phifer, Mel Owens, and none greater than Isiah Robertson.)
Allen #55—(James Laurinaitis, Carl Ekern, and HOFer Tom Fears.)
Williams #11—(A lot of prominent Ram QBs have worn #11, many receivers, but the last time it was worn by a defender was by Stan West in 1951. The last time somebody wearing #11 picked off a pass? It was five-time All Pro, linebacker Riley “Snake” Matheson in 1947.)
Giants at Washington: Notes
***Washington’s Taylor “Cold One” Heinicke and New York’s Daniel Jones were fantastic Thursday night.
***The contest made it very clear the Giants have bigger problems than Jones’ ball security issues. Jones—no matter what Colin Cowherd says—showed why he’s a quarterback in the NFL.
***What’s happened to the vaunted Washington defense? I was impressed by Justin Herbert’s performance against them last week, but I did not expect to be impressed by Jones’ performance Thursday. This tells me Washington has bigger issues than trying to find another quarterback.
Week-2 Picks
(Winners in Bold)
Raiders-Steelers—Everyone gets excited about the old rivalry, but…no. Blowout. George Atkinson and Jack Tatum aren’t coming through the locker room door.
49ers-Eagles—Philly looked great, but Frisco is supposed to be a contender. It will be interesting to see if the Birds can match the 33 the Lions put on the board in Week 1.
Texans-Browns—Houston, you got a win, thank you for participating, we have some lovely parting gifts for you.
Broncos-Jaguars—It won’t be stylish, but Denver goes to 2-0.
Saints-Panthers—Carolina merely dropping 19 on the Jets wasn’t impressive. Jameis & the Saints march all over him.
Rams-Colts—Los Angeles takes “The Bert Jones Trophy.”
Bills-Dolphins—This feels like a toss-up in south Florida. Buffalo needs this win more.
Patriots-Jets—MacMania breaks out in full force in blasting of the Jets.
Bengals-Bears—Toss-up. Chicago doesn’t look good, and you should never trust Cincy. Fear of lawsuit from Lori Lightfoot will inspire the Bruins.
Falcons-Buccaneers—Is it cliche to say, “We’re gonna need a clean-up on Aisle 5”?
Vikings-Cardinals—I don’t believe in the Cards, but I’m more apt to believe in Santa than the Vikes.
Titans-Seahawks—A team that can’t get pressure on the QB, and the QB they’re playing is Russell Wilson? Farewell and adieu to you sweet fancy Titans.
Cowboys-Chargers—Actually anxious about this game….but… “Show me your lightning bolt!”…
Sunday Night
Chiefs-Ravens—Lamar Jackson is very, very good. And he keeps improving, but he’s not Moses. And Baltimore is expecting him to be Moses. On the other hand, Patrick Mahomes—in football terms—is something akin to a Moses in cleats. He can provide miracles—regularly.
Monday Night
Lions-Packers—Green Bay wins, but it just delays the inevitable. This season is not going to play out well. This isn’t a “Last Dance” scenario. This is pushing a dead car uphill the last mile. I’m rooting for Jared Goff and the Lions to rip the bandaid off and move the Pack into the future.
Joe T. is the author of “Tangent Dreams: A High School Football Novel” … “Temple City & The Company of The Ages” … “The Dead Bug Tales” … “The Dark Norm” & “FaithViews for Storm Riders”…all five available through Amazon.com.
www.JoeTorosian.com
jtbank1964@yahoo.com
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