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John Hefti / Associated Press
The Los Angeles Rams' quest for a second consecutive victory in NFC West is on an ideal start.
Los Angeles opened its 2018 season with a 33-13 win over the Oakland Raiders on Monday at Oakland Alameda Coliseum. Jared Goff (17 of 32 for 229 yards and two touchdowns) and Todd Gurley (108 rushing yards, 39 receiving yards and a touchdown) combined Jon Gruden's first game as head coach since 2008.
The Raiders had a 13-10 lead in the second half, but the Rams finally found their place and scored the last 23 points of the match.
The attack of the rams can only improve when Goff shakes the rust
Gurley played alone in the first period, which prevented the Rams from being outclassed.
The attack counts monster numbers this season with Goff, Gurley and a group of talented receivers, but it started slowly. Goff is eager to pitch some throws, and Gurley has not been a major factor in the first period, with questionable interceptions.
Cian @Cianaf
Goff had no reason to rush. Large opening in the pocket and wide open on the course. Make the throw.
Lindsey Thiry @LindseyThiry
Running back Rams Todd Gurley had five touchdowns in the first half, the least before half-time since 2015, according to @ESPNStatsInfo.
A bit of rust was to be expected, however, considering that Goff did not play during the pre-season, as suggested by former Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon. Gary Klein of Los Angeles Times.
"In practice, nothing can be done to assimilate the speed, tempo and pressure of the quarterback in the NFL on the day of the match." I will not suggest [Goff’s] is not going to go play and that he's not ready to play … I'm just saying, from a quarterback point of view, a guy who played 17 years, it would put me very much uncomfortable. "
It took half a time to solve the problems, but Goff unleashed the chip and allowed his receivers to play field games. That, in turn, softened the defense and opened race halls for Gurley, and he put the game to the test with some races that made the clock tick.
Liz Habib @LizHabib
When the attack #LARams clicks … it is a machine. It was 4 games, 58 yards in 1:42. Drive to Q1 was 4 games, 50 yards, 1:14
Los Angeles scored two offensive touchdowns on Monday, but that total will improve as Goff continues to get rid of the expected rust in the pre-season. The rest of the NFC is officially notified.
The Raiders' defense seems able even without Khalil Mack
The Raiders' defense will be in the spotlight all season after the team traded Khalil Mack to Chicago Bears.
That spotlight got even better when Pro Bowler of the Year and 2016 Defensive Player of the Year won a bag, a forced fumble, a breakaway and an interception.
Anyone waiting for a disastrous demonstration of the Oakland Defense immediately after the trade is cheated.
Despite a difficult first round in a Rams team of playmakers and potential MVP candidates at Gurley and Goff, the defense showed potential and limited the Rams to 10 points in the second half.
Christopher Hansen @ChrisHansenNFL
I think #Raiders' defense did more games tonight than last year, except for Mack.
Sean Wagner-McGough @seanjwagner
Even if the Raiders lose, I'm not sure it could hurt Gruden, the coach. Gruden, the front-office guy, can still be criticized. But there is no shame in what the Raiders do on the pitch against the Rams.
Only Brandin Cooks (87) had more than 52 receiving yards against the secondary combination of Leon Hall, Rashaan Melvin, Gareon Conley and Marcus Gilchrist, while the top seven prevented Gurley from scoring on the ground.
The defense was finally on the court too long, since the Oakland attack did not serve him, and Los Angeles took advantage in the third quarter capitalizing on a favorable field position following a bad kick. The Rams' attack can only be contained so long, especially when she was on the field both in the second half.
The Raiders defense presented for the first half has the potential to flourish in its next three games against the Broncos from Denver, Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns. These last three were an 11-37 combined last season and are not exactly stacked with difference makers, so expect good things in the immediate future thanks to Oakland's defense.
Raiders' Ceiling Limited if Amari Cooper does not find her old form
It seemed that the Raiders' offense would dominate Monday when Marshawn Lynch started a 75-yard run with a 10-yard touchdown on the first possession.
Dominance quickly faded and it was clear that the group ceiling was limited if Amari Cooper did not regain its old form. Receiver # 1 finished with a nine-yard clash, continuing the disappointing game that defined her 2017 campaign.
Oakland had the opportunity to grab a two-point lead before half-time, when Derek Carr's run to Jared Cook was intercepted by John Johnson III in the end zone. Cook is a talented shooter with 180 yards, but these are the types of pitches designed for the Cooper 6 "1" to become the best receiver of this team.
ESPN Stats & Info @ESPNStatsInfo
Derek Carr led the NFL with 7 interceptions on passes over 20 yards.
Carr's interception on his pass attempt at Jared Cook was started at 21 yards. https://t.co/NnYpacfxk3
Jerry McDonald @Jerrymcd
Plan to make sure that the focal point of Amari Cooper's offense has not materialized yet. At this point, he is a lure. No targets.
Paul Gutierrez @PGutierrezESPN
Derek Carr gives Amari Cooper his hand at the two-minute warning, so yes, he knows Cooper is in the field …
Alabama's product has exceeded 1,000 yards and has won the Pro Bowl in each of its first two seasons, but it has disappeared in 2017 with 680 yards, 48% of which in two games.
The 2018 Raiders will need a consistent option on the outside to get the defenders out of the box, especially if Gruden sometimes wants to mix a foul of the old school with Lynch and Doug Martin. Cooper's presence was such a threat that the defenses could not afford to stack the box completely, as he could change the game with one game.
A return to the old Cooper would also be beneficial for Cook, as Oakland can create situations where he is confronted with linebackers rather than safety zones, if the back of high school has to worry about the receiver.
And after?
Both teams face divisional foes in the second week, as the Raiders take the road against the Denver Broncos, while the Rams return home to face the Arizona Cardinals.
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