NFL News & Analysis

Refocused: Washington Redskins 27, Los Angeles Rams 20

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 17: Morgan Moses #76 and Spencer Long #61 of the Washington Redskins congratulate Chris Thompson #25 of the Washington Redskins after he scored a touchdown during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 17, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Washington opened the scoring, going up 13 points on the strength of a RB Chris Thompson touchdown run, but the Rams would respond with a RB Todd Gurley touchdown run and a field goal, which drew them close to the tie until Thompson broke off a second long touchdown run.

The Rams would tie the game with another Gurley touchdown and a field goal, but Washington would win 27-20 due to a WR Ryan Grant touchdown pass from QB Kirk Cousins. With that, we give you our PFF exclusive takeaways from the contest for each team.

 

Top 5 Grades:

T Morgan Moses, 85.4 overall grade

DI Matt Ioannidis, 81.5 overall grade

CB Josh Norman, 78.7 overall grade

T Trent Williams, 78.2 overall grade

TE Vernon Davis, 78.2 overall grade

Performances of Note:

Morgan Moses, 85.4 overall grade

Moses set the tone for an impressive rushing performance by Washington, as his 88.3 run-blocking grade was the best of the game. He did give up a hit and a hurry in pass protection, but against the Rams' impressive front he still put together an impressive all-around effort.

TE Vernon Davis, 78.2 overall grade

Davis is worth mentioning because of his strong play on run blocks, as he consistently held the point of attack or collapsed his man down the line of scrimmage on runs to his side. He had just one reception on the day, but with Washington's emphasis on the run his play (84.1 run-blocking grade) was critical to the team's win.

CB Josh Norman, 99.9 run defense grade

Josh Norman is mentioned not because of his coverage, which he only allowed 2 catches, but for his work in the run game. Norman perfected the peanut punch by forcing 2 fumbles against Gurley with strong punches on the ball.

DI Matt Ioannidis, 81.5 overall grade

The second-year defensive lineman was a force against the Rams with 4 total pressures on just 19 pass rush attempts, as his quickest moves were too much for the interior offensive line.

 

Top 5 Grades:

TE Gerald Everett, 83.2 overall grade

DI Ethan Westbrooks, 81.3 overall grade

HB Todd Gurley, 80.8 overall grade

LB Mark Barron, 77.5 overall grade

TE Derek Carrier, 77.4 overall grade

Performances of Note:

QB Jared Goff, 43.1 overall grade

After a big turn around last week, Goff looked as he did as rookie. When Goff was pressured he struggled, while he did complete a touchdown pass under pressure, there were many bad decisions, as he struggles to break everything down under pressure

HB Todd Gurley, 80.8 overall grade

Gurley supporters have been waiting a long time to see the promise he showed in a five week span as a rookie, this week he looked better than he has in recent games. Against Washington he showed his skill set as a receiver, which is surprising given his reputation, however when he is in space he is able to use his quickness and strength to gain some big yards after the catch.

LB Mark Barron, 77.5 overall grade

For better or worse, Barron was a constant participant at the point of attack on runs (63.3 run defense grade), but he was more effective in coverage. The two receptions he allowed went for a total of just nine yards, and his seven total defensive stops led the Rams today.

LB Alec Ogletree, 27.9 overall grade

There's no sugar-coating it – it was a miserable day for Ogletree. While he did notch a sack on a well-timed blitz, he struggles to defeat blockers at the second level (37.5 run defense grade), and had numerous mishaps in coverage as well (28.3 coverage grade).

PFF Game Ball: Josh Norman, CB

*Grades are subject to change upon review

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