What we learned from the Rams’ 27-9 win over the Saints

What we learned from the Rams’ 27-9 win over the New Orleans Saints

By Gary Klein

Staff Writer

Sept. 16, 2019 9:01 AM PT

Here are six things we learned from the Rams’ 27-9 victory over the New Orleans Saints:

Safety John Johnson is a playmaker, especially against the Saints

Johnson’s interception of Drew Brees’ second pass was the latest example of why Johnson is regarded as a rising star.

Johnson, a third-year pro, and veteran safety Eric Weddle hit Jared Cook as the Saints tight end attempted to catch a pass. Johnson came up with the ball despite having fallen to the turf.

He made six tackles, one for a loss.

Last season, Johnson intercepted a fluttering Brees pass in overtime of the NFC championship game to set up a game-winning field goal.

Aaron Donald appears much happier after he makes plays

Donald was frustrated after the season-opening victory over the Carolina Panthers because he thought he should have played better.

On Sunday, he made the game’s key play when he hit Brees’ hand and forced the future Hall of Famer to leave because of a thumb injury.

But the two-time NFL defensive player of the year has an influence on the game beyond his measurable statistics.

With so much attention on Donald, other pass rushers are making plays.

Don’t sleep on Michael Brockers

The Rams have plenty of high-profile pass rushers, including Donald, Dante Fowler and Clay Matthews, who has two sacks in two games.

Brockers, a seven-year veteran defensive lineman, does not get to quarterback as often as they do.

But he still can make impactful plays, as he did when he followed a sack by Matthews with one of his own. Brockers also helped stop Saints running back Alvin Kamara on a fourth-and-one play.

Brockers has 21 career sacks.

Brandin Cooks has an extra gear of speed

Cooks showed his acceleration late in a route that resulted in a 57-yard completion.

Quarterback Jared Goff, without play action, dropped back and arced a pass down the field. It initially appeared that it might be overthrown, but Cooks ran under the ball, kept his concentration and held on to it despite tight coverage.

Cooks also made a tough catch for a two-yard touchdown.