Rams Film Review: Tyler Higbee has impact in season debut

Rams tight end Tyler Higbee made big impact in debut against the Jets

The Los Angeles Rams found a way to defeat the New York Jets on Sunday, 19-9. While it wasn’t the most impressive win, they did enough to get the job done. Tyler Higbee impressed in his debut as linebacker Omar Speights made an impact on defense. Here is this week’s film review.

TE Tyler Higbee has big return

In last season’s wild card round loss to the Detroit Lions, tight end Tyler Higbee tore his ACL following a hit to the knee by safety Kerby Joseph. Higbee had been activated the last two weeks, but hadn’t been elevated to the gameday roster. The Rams tight end finally made his debut on Sunday against the Jets.

While many had low expectations for the impact that he would have in his return and this season, Higbee made his presence felt. However, Higbee was involved in both Rams offensive touchdowns. On the first touchdown of the afternoon, Higbee had the block to open up the hole for Kyren Williams to run through to get into the end zone.

Later in the game, Higbee got into the end zone himself. The Rams ran a play fake to Williams. Higbee sold himself as a blocker before sneaking out to the flat. Throughout the game, the Rams rolled Matthew Stafford out on a bootleg. That’s what they did on the play below and Stafford found Higbee, who dove into the end zone from the five-yard line. Higbee scoring the game-winning touchdown in his debut after being out of football for almost a year is a story that couldn’t be written any better. We’ll see what Higbee does the rest of the season and into the playoffs, but Sunday afternoon was special for the Rams tight end.

LB Omar Speights continues to be a steal

Ever since Omar Speights took over for Troy Reeder early in the season, the Rams have gotten much better play from their linebackers. It hasn’t been perfect, but there have been several times since Speights took over and has made an impact play. Two of the biggest plays on defense in the first half were arguably made by Speights.

The first play came on the Jets’ second possession of the game. With the Rams trailing 6-0, the Jets had an opportunity to take an early two-score lead. Facing a 4th-and-1 and in Rams territory, the Jets opted to go for it. Speights shot into the backfield at the snap and wrapped up Breece Hall in the backfield.

Later in the first half, Speights made another game-changing play. The Jets were driving in the final few minutes of the half and looking to score a touchdown. On 2nd-and-goal from the three-yard line, it was looking promising that the Jets would take a touchdown lead into the half. Rodgers dropped back to throw with wide receiver Davante Adams coming across. Adams got behind Speights and the Rams undrafted free agent linebacker displayed awareness to follow Adams. Speights got his arm between Adams and the ball, played through the wide receiver’s hands, and got the pass breakup. The Jets ended up having to settle for a field goal.

Jared Verse showing improvements in run game

Earlier this season, Jared Verse struggled in the run game. The rookie would miss tackles or over-pursue. Verse hasn’t missed a tackle in two weeks and has shown growth as a run defender on the edge. On the play below, he shifts inside, but manages to earn outside leverage and still fill the gap to make the stop.

While Verse hasn’t been as effective as a pass rusher recently, he has taken a step forward as a run defender. Later in the game, The Jets were looking to chip Verse with a tight end, but the Rams rookie immediately shed the block and caught Jeremy Ruckert leaning. Verse was then there and able to make the stop. Over the last two weeks, Verse has the fifth-most run stops among edge rushers.

A great play design from Sean McVay

Early in the game against the Jets, the Rams kept going to the play action bootleg to get Stafford on the move. As they did it a few times, the Jets caught on and were all over it. McVay got them looking for it as the Rams were in position to score. The Rams ran play action to Kyren Williams, sucking the Jets linebackers five yards out of position. Matthew Stafford then rolled out to the right and the linebackers over-pursued after being caught out of position. Stafford then hit wide receiver Puka Nacua on the backside screen. Nacua took the ball inside the five and the Rams scored on the next play.

It was a prime example of Sean McVay tying things together and using a certain play concept to set up something else later. The early screens and rollouts were frustrating and to a point got predictable. However, when McVay needed to catch the Jets defense off-balance, it paid off with a big play.