What PFF grades reveal Rams’ playoff rematch adjustments?
PFF grades: Revisiting Rams versus Panthers
The Rams suffered a stunning loss to the Carolina Panthers in Week 13. They entered the game as 10 point favorites, yet the scoreboard told a different story. PFF grades give us a clear lens to examine why the favorite faltered and where adjustments must come before the playoff rematch.
By digging into player grades and unit evaluations, we can isolate the decisive moments. For example, pass protection and blitz outcomes swung momentum, and run defense failed to limit chunk gains. Because film study and grading pair numbers with context, the picture becomes actionable rather than just frustrating.
This piece will use those PFF grades to outline what went wrong and what the Rams can fix. We will point to specific matchup problems, schematic leaks, and individual performances that need correcting. Therefore, readers should expect a focused, analytical and cautiously optimistic road map heading into the rematch.
PFF grades analysis of key Rams and Panthers players
- Poona Ford impact
Poona Ford was brought in to shore up the Rams run defense, and his presence mattered in gap control. However, the Rams still conceded several chunk runs. Because Chubba Hubbard gained 54 yards after contact, the front seven missed tackles and fit responsibilities at times. As a result, Ford cannot carry the entire unit alone. Rotate and reinforce run fits to limit second level yards.
- Chubba Hubbard and Rico Dowdle rushing grades and influence
Chubba Hubbard ran 17 times for 83 yards and averaged 4.9 yards per carry. He produced 54 yards after contact. Meanwhile, Rico Dowdle had 18 carries for 58 yards and added 62 receiving yards combined with Hubbard. Therefore the Panthers attacked with diversified rushers and created consistent pressure on the Rams defense.
- Emmanuel Forbes coverage failures
Emmanuel Forbes allowed five targets for 110 yards and two touchdowns. His coverage led to a 158.3 passer rating when targeted. Consequently, those mismatches forced schematic adjustments and targeted safety help. For the rematch, the Rams must plan different matchups to avoid Forbes beating them deep again.
- Jared Verse and Bryon Young pass rush production
Jared Verse and Bryon Young each recorded three pressures and finished with mid 50s PFF grades. However, pressure without consistent hurry or sack leaves quarterbacks time to extend plays. Therefore defensive line play needs improved leverage and sustained pressure packages.
- Ty Hamilton and Tyler Davis run defense grades
Ty Hamilton played 10 run defense snaps and graded 30.1. Tyler Davis graded 46.8. Because those marks sit below acceptable levels, interior run defense struggled. As a result, the Rams should consider rotation tweaks and clearer responsibility reads at the point of attack.
- Bryce Young extending plays and downfield impact
Bryce Young added five carries for 23 yards and repeatedly extended plays. He helped Tetairoa McMillan beat the Rams downfield. Therefore the Rams must account for scramble lanes and send delayed pressure to reduce Young’s time to throw.
- Stafford split stats vs blitz and non blitz
Matthew Stafford thrived against the blitz, going 7 for 9 for 143 yards and two touchdowns with an 85.5 PFF grade. Against non blitz looks he went 11 for 19 for 100 yards and two interceptions with a 34.0 grade. This split shows the value of disguised looks and quick game plans. For the rematch, the Panthers may adjust. As a result, the Rams need more consistent quick reads and better protection calls.
Implications for strategy
Because several Panthers earned positive PFF grades in clutch moments, the Rams must limit chunk plays through improved tackling and tighter coverage. Adjust the rotation on the defensive front and shore up interior run fits to reduce yards after contact. Meanwhile disguise coverages and prioritize matchups to prevent Forbes from getting single coverage. Finally attack weaknesses in pressure conversion with clearer rush assignments and mixed blitz packages.
Related reads on RamsNews
PFF grades offer a clear snapshot of who won the matchups. Below is a compact table comparing PFF grades and key game stats for both teams. Use this for quick reference before the rematch.
| Player | Team | Position | PFF grades | Key stats (game) | Impact / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poona Ford | Rams | Defensive tackle | Not listed in dataset | Signed to shore up run defense | Helped interior gap control, but unit still allowed chunk runs |
| Chubba Hubbard | Panthers | Running back | Not listed in dataset | 17 carries, 83 yards, 4.9 avg, 54 YAC | High yards after contact forced tackling and fit corrections |
| Rico Dowdle | Panthers | Running back | Not listed in dataset | 18 carries, 58 yards (3.2), 62 receiving yards (combined) | Balanced rushing and receiving attack stressed Rams front and linebackers |
| Bryce Young | Panthers | Quarterback | Not listed in dataset | 5 carries, 23 yards; extended plays, targeted deep shots | Extended plays led to big plays to Tetairoa McMillan |
| Emmanuel Forbes | Panthers | Cornerback | Not listed; allowed 158.3 passer rating when targeted | 5 targets, 110 yards, 2 TDs | Coverage breakdowns produced two explosive touchdowns |
| Jared Verse | Panthers | Edge | Mid 50s (PFF grade) | 3 pressures | Produced pressure but lacked consistent sacks or sustained rushes |
| Bryon Young | Panthers | Edge | Mid 50s (PFF grade) | 3 pressures | Similar to Verse; pressure present but not game changing |
| Ty Hamilton | Rams | Defensive back / run defense snaps | 30.1 (run snaps) | 10 run-defense snaps | Low run-defense grade highlights missed run fit opportunities |
| Tyler Davis | Rams | Defensive lineman | 46.8 | — | Subpar interior grade contributed to run success against Rams |
| Matthew Stafford | Rams | Quarterback | 85.5 vs blitz; 34.0 vs non-blitz | Vs blitz 7/9, 143 yards, 2 TDs; vs non-blitz 11/19, 100 yards, 2 INTs | Shows extreme split; blitz looks boosted offense, clean pockets hurt timing |
Because these PFF grades reveal clear mismatches, coaches can target fixes. Improve tackling and interior run reads. Meanwhile disguise coverages and adjust protection calls. Therefore the Rams can make targeted changes before the playoff rematch.
PFF grades and defensive adjustments
The Rams must tighten run fits and tackling after Week 13. PFF grades showed interior defenders underperformed. As a result, Poona Ford should hold the point while others improve angles and pursuit.
First, contain Bryce Young. He extended plays and created downfield chances. Therefore the Rams should add a spy on clear passing downs. Also funnel scrambles by squeezing rush lanes and forcing Young sideline. Moreover use delayed pressure to collapse lanes after Young extends.
Second, shore up perimeter coverage. Emmanuel Forbes beat single coverage for big plays. So bracket him with safety support on key routes. In addition rotate slot matchups to deny Tetairoa McMillan easy releases. Finally disguise coverages to bait Young into earlier reads.
Third, fix interior run defense. Ty Hamilton and Tyler Davis grades were low. Hence increase rotation and assignment clarity at the point. Coach tackling technique in practice and emphasize downhill flow. As a result the Rams can reduce yards after contact from ballcarriers like Chubba Hubbard.
PFF grades and offensive adjustments
Offense needs quicker rhythm and protection fixes. Stafford excelled versus blitz looks, but struggled against clean pockets. Therefore stress quick game concepts and get the ball out fast on non blitz downs. Use screens and designed rollouts to counter Evero’s defensive looks.
Also exploit matchups. If Panthers bring mid level pressure from Verse and Bryon Young, use max protect then hit intermediate throws. Meanwhile run the ball with variations to set up play action. With focused tweaks, the Rams can both limit Panthers strengths and take advantage of schematic edges. Cautiously, these adjustments offer a realistic path to a better rematch showing.
CONCLUSION
PFF grades made clear where the Rams lost control in Week 13. The interior run defense graded poorly, perimeter coverage allowed explosive plays, and Matthew Stafford showed a stark split between blitz and non-blitz reps. Because of that, the game plan failed to contain chunk plays and extended pocket time.
For the rematch, tighten run fits, rotate interior personnel, and coach tackling technique. Also bracket Emmanuel Forbes with safety help and force Bryce Young to win in tight pockets. On offense, prioritize quick reads, use play action, and exploit the success Stafford had versus blitz looks. Therefore these tactical changes create a realistic path to a better outcome.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What do PFF grades reveal about the Rams’ Week 13 loss?
PFF grades isolate who won matchups and why. They show weak interior run grades, perimeter coverage lapses, and Stafford’s stark blitz versus non blitz split. Because of that, coaches get clear priorities.
How can the Rams limit Bryce Young’s play extensions?
Add a clear spy on passing downs and squeeze scramble lanes. Also use delayed pressure and force Young sideline. These steps reduce time to throw and limit downfield chances.
Can Poona Ford alone fix the run defense?
No. Ford helps at the point, but rotation and technique matter. Improve assignment clarity, tackle fundamentals, and rotate interior defenders to lower yards after contact.
How should the offense exploit Stafford’s blitz success?
Stress quick passing concepts and play action. Use screens and rollouts, and mix max protect looks to bait pressure. Therefore Stafford can maintain rhythm versus varied looks.
Will these changes improve playoff outlook?
Cautiously yes. Targeted schematic fixes can limit big plays, improve consistency, and swing a tight rematch in the Rams’ favor.