NFL
By: George Lopez
The Los Angeles Rams travel to the Big Easy to take on the New Orleans Saints this Sunday at 1:00pm EST. The Rams suffered their 3rd straight loss, losing to the Arizona Cardinals 27-17. The Rams currently sit in last place in the NFC West with a 3-6 record. The Saints record sits at 3-7 following their 20-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Both teams have had a disappointing season up to this point and will look to this game to salvage their season. During the week, the Rams received bad news as it was announced that WR Cooper Kupp would be placed on IR and be out a minimum 4 weeks following surgery on his ankle. The Rams will need to look elsewhere for production at the receiver position.
Rams Offense vs Saints Defense
In their loss to the Cardinals, quarterback Matthew Stafford was forced to sit out as he did not clear concussion protocol. Outside of the opening drive where the Rams marched downfield for a field goal, the Rams offense was out of sync. The offense was only able to generate 256 yards of total offense. With Stafford unavailable, the thought was the Rams would use the opportunity to call read options for quarterback John Wolford as well as having a heavy commitment to their running game. The Rams were held to 66 yards rushing on 20 carries. The lack of a consistent running game is been an issue for the Rams all season. The offensive line has not been able to sustain their blocks and open lanes for the running backs. The offensive line did get some encouraging news this week as starting guard David Edwards was designated to return from IR and did practice on Wednesday. Center Brian Allen is listed as questionable for this weeks game. If both Edwards and Allen are able to play, the right side of the offensive line from last year’s Superbowl winning team would be back on the field. With these 3 linemen back, the Rams can look to find a consistent rushing attack. Look for Coach Sean McVay to call most running plays to the right side of the offensive line.
With Cooper Kupp out for at least 4 weeks, the Rams lose a player who accounted for 34% of their offensive production. This will give other receivers the opportunity to increase their production in the Rams offense. WR Allen Robinson has not had the season Rams fans expected when he was signed as a free agent in the offseason. Through 9 games, Robinson has 29 receptions for 292 yards and 2 touchdowns. In the past few games, Stafford has begun to look more in Robinson’s direction. With Kupp on IR, look for Stafford to look for Robinson more in the passing game. Look for the Saints defense to bracket both Robinson and TE Tyler Higbee in an attempt to take away 2 big weapons in the Rams passing attack this week. This will give WR Van Jefferson and Ben Skowronek the opportunity to have big games for the Rams. Look for Stafford to spread the ball out to his receivers, TE, and running backs in this game.
Rams Defense vs Saints Offense
This week, the Saints announced that Andy Dalton with be the starting quarterback against the Rams. Saints head coach, Dennis Allen had weighed the option of starting Jameis Winston at quarterback but elected to stay with Dalton. In 7 games, Dalton has thrown for 1559 yards with 11 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. Though not as mobile as Winston at quarterback, Dalton has the veteran experience of knowing when to get rid of the football. Dalton will not take as many risks as Winston would. The Rams pass rush will need to put constant pressure on Dalton in an attempt to force him to make a mistake. Dalton will use shorter passes to try to negate the Rams pass rush. Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris will need to play his defensive backs a little closer to the line of scrimmage to take away the quick slants and out routes, Dalton will look to use. WR Micheal Thomas is on IR following toe surgery. Receiver Jarvis Landry was limited in practice this week and is listed as questionable on the Saints injury report. Look for Dalton to use short passes in an attempt to bring the Rams secondary closer to the line of scrimmage which would allow the Saints offense to take shots downfield. Look for the Rams pass rush to be more aggressive in their attempt to put pressure on Dalton and not give time to take shots downfield.
The Saints will look to get RB Alvin Kamara heavily involved in their offensive attack. Kamara leads the team with 469 yards rushing. Kamara has also contributed 39 receptions for 338 yards in the Saints passing game. Kamara figures to play a big role in the Saints offensive game plan. Look for Coach Morris to devise a game plan to limit Kamara’s production. LB Bobby Wagner and Ernest Jones will need to play huge in taking away running lanes for Kamara and the Saints running attack. The Rams will look to make the Saints one-dimensional and put the game on Dalton’s shoulders.
Prediction
This game has the makings for a get-right game for the Rams. The Rams have not been able to get right this season. This is a team that lacks an identity and has struggled all season to find any consistent rhythm. Look for that to continue this week as the Saints will hand the Rams their 4th consecutive loss.
Saints 20
Rams. 13
