Win Probability Added: +40.74
NEP: +10.79
It’s one of my goals to hike through the backcountry of Yellowstone National Park. Heading that far out of the heavily trafficked area can be dangerous, though, due to injury potential or wildlife encounters. Still, I’m not sure if I am more nervous about crossing paths with a grizzly bear or a Los Angeles Ram. At least I know what to expect with a bear; the defensive line of the Rams seems to keep its prey guessing on every snap, especially the defensive ends. Headed by Robert Quinn, the Rams’ rotation of William Hayes, Ethan Westbrooks, and Eugene Sims make for a pretty compelling reason to play it safe if you’re an NFL quarterback.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston decided to go off the beaten path in Week 3. Trailing by four in the fourth quarter, Winston took a third-down drop back and scanned his targets. While he took his sweet time, defensive end Quinn blew past the left tackle with ease, saw Winston rear his arm back to throw, and reached out to swat the ball out of the quarterback’s hand. The ball hit the turf and bounced, and Westbrooks scooped it up to return it. The entire Rams’ defense escorted him as blockers all the way back to the end zone for a 77-yard return, and this defensive masterwork put the game even further out of the Bucs’ grasp.