Rams tape review: Trickeration from the Jets can’t beat L.A.’s defense in the long run

The Rams escaped from New York on Sunday with their fourth win of the year in a 9-6 victory over the Jets.

Each week we take a look at the tape to see what worked, what didn’t and what you might have missed.

What: Jets QB Bryce Petty throws a perfect 52-yard pass to WR Robby Anderson

Down: Second and nine

Time: 1:25 left in first quarter

Though Sunday’s game was Bryce Petty’s first career start, if he can make more throws like these, he’ll have a whole lot more of them in the future.

Rams cornerback E.J. Gaines (33) is playing off Jets receiver Robby Anderson (11), giving him room to accelerate, and boy, does he ever. Anderson beats Gaines in a footrace up the left sideline and makes a catch on Petty’s perfectly thrown ball. Gaines does his best to rip it away from the rookie but he holds on as he rolls out of bounds for the huge gain.

What: Jets WR Quincy Enunwa’s block on RB Bilal Powell’s touchdown

Down: Third and four

Time: 12:40 left in the second quarter

There are so many things to like about this play. From the creativity of using the hook-and-lateral to the perfect execution by Brandon Marshall (15), Bilal Powell (29) and Quincy Enunwa (81).

Here let’s focus on the rookie Enunwa’s block on Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson (22), which sealed the edge and kept four other L.A. defensive players from getting to Powell. Enunwa gets the outside position on Johnson as the corner comes in to make the play on Marshall. By the time the Rams defense realizes Powell is getting the ball, it’s already too late.

Rams Rams DE William Hayes’ sack of Jets QB Petty

Down: Second and eight

Time: 1:54 left in second quarter

You can often find the Rams’ defensive line wreaking havoc in their opponents backfield. But despite their ability to break through offensive lines, they have recorded just 16 total sacks — tied for 24th in the league — including this one by defensive end William Hayes (95). To put that in perspective, Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, who sat this game out, has been sacked 17 times alone.

Hayes is able to get to Petty because of the way defensive tackle Aaron Donald (99) opens a hole in the line with a stunt maneuver. Donald (99) goes over the top of Hayes (99), drawing guard Brian Winters (67) away from the middle — all while Hayes winds up and skirts to the inside of right tackle Breno Giacomini (68) on his way to Petty for a sack.

What: Todd Gurley’s longest run of the year gets called back for offensive holding

Down: First and 10

Time: 4:05 left in the fourth quarter

It was a shame to see Rams running back Todd Gurley’s longest run of the year get called back here, but the flag was warranted in that he probably wouldn’t have been able to escape if left tackle Greg Robinson (73) hadn’t held his man. It’s also a waste of a great block from tight end Lance Kendricks (88).

Gurley (30) sort of loses his balance after taking the handoff, but he’s saved by a block from Robinson on Sheldon Richardson (91); the tackle gets tossed to the side but holds on to the Jets defensive end just long enough for Gurley to get past. Meanwhile, Kendricks comes from the right side of the formation to the left and gets into Jets linebacker Julian Stanford, knocking him back and completely out of the play.

Gurley escapes, but then he has to come right back.

What: Rams LB Alec Ogletree’s game-sealing interception of Bryce Petty

Down: Second and seven

Time: 2:00 left in the fourth quarter

This is the defensive play of the game. Linebacker Alec Ogletree (52) drops back into a zone to play the receiver Enunwa (81). As soon as the ball gets to the receiver, Olgetree is all over him and it simply becomes a tug-of-war between two 6-foot-2 players, with the Rams veteran, carrying an extra 20 pounds on the rookie, walking away with the ball.

[email protected]

Follow Matt Wilhalme on Twitter @mattwilhalme