NFL
By George Lopez
The Los Angeles Rams take on the Pittsburgh Steelers at SoFI Stadium. The Rams are coming off a 26-9 victory over the Arizona Cardinals that evened their record to 3-3 on the season. The Steelers return from their bye week after a 17-10-week 5 victory over the Baltimore Ravens that improved their record to 3-2. Both teams will look to build off their victory in their last game.
Rams Offense
In their victory against the Cardinals, Coach Sean McVay did a complete 180 in the 2nd off with his play calling. In the first half, Coach McVay called a total of 3 running plays and the Rams offense was sputtering. In the 2nd half, McVay went to his running game more, calling 25 running plays. For the game, the Rams rushed for 179 yards on 28 carries. Leading the way was RB Kyren Williams, who rushed for a career-high 158 yards on 20 carries and 1 touchdown. Going to the running game in the 2nd half allowed the Rams offense to be more balanced and forced the Cardinals’ defense to play honest. The Steelers defense allows an average of 143 rushing yards per game. Look for Coach McVay to establish the running game early.
The Rams did receive bad news this week as the team announced that RB Kyren Williams and Ronnie Rivers will be lost for multiple weeks. Williams was placed on the IR with an ankle injury while Rivers will be out due to a PCL injury to his knee. Due to the injuries, the Rams resigned RB Darrell Henderson as well as signing Myles Gaskin from the Minnesota Vikings practice squad. Rookie Zach Evans is expected to see considerable action against the Steelers with both Henderson and Gaskin expected to play.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford passed for 226 yards and 1 touchdown against the Cardinals. Stafford only attempted 24 passes in the game. Leading the receiving corp was Cooper Kupp, who had 7 receptions for 148 yards and 1 touchdown. Rookie Puka Nacua was held to 26 yards on 4 receptions, though he did have a couple of dropped passes he would normally catch. With Kupp and Nacua working the medium to underneath routes, Tutu Atwell has the opportunity to stretch the field as a deep threat. The Steelers defense must also contend with TE Tyler Higbee.
The matchup to keep an eye on is the Rams pass protection vs the Steelers pass rush. TJ Watt has 8 sacks through the first 5 games for Pittsburgh and will present a problem for the Rams. RT Rob Havenstein will be tasked with prevented Watt from getting to Stafford. Look for the Rams to provide Havenstein help in pass protection by double teaming Watt or having a back or TE chip Watt when going out on a pass route.
Rams Defense
The Rams defense is facing a Steelers offense that has struggled this season. The Steelers are averaging less than 16 points per game. Leading the Steelers offense is quarterback Kenny Pickett. On the season, Pickett has passed for 1027 yards with 5 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. Pickett’s go to receiver is George Pickens, who leads the team with 22 receptions for 393 yards and 2 touchdowns. RB Jaylen Warren is 2nd on the team with 21 receptions, though he is usually a check down option for Pickett. Look for the Rams to use safety help on Pickens to bracket him both underneath his route and over the top to prevent a long completion. Due to an off-field situation, the availability of CB Derion Kendrick is in doubt. If Kendrick is not able to play, look for rookie Tre Tomlinson to get the start at corner.
The running game, once a huge staple in the Steelers offensive attack is led by RB Najee Harris. Through 5 games, Harris has rushed for 247 yards. On the season, the Steelers are averaging an uncharacteristic 80 yards rushing per game. The Rams defense gives up an average 122 yards rushing per game. Look for the Steelers to go to Najee Harris early to establish the running game. The Rams interior defense led by Aaron Donald on the line and Ernest Jones at linebacker will need to get off their blocks quickly and close up inside running lanes.
The Steelers allow just under 3 sacks per game. The Steelers offensive line will key on Aaron Donald, who will line up at different spots on the defensive line. Look for the Steelers to double team Donald throughout the game to limit his pass rush. Look for Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris to bring pressure from the outside with rookie Byron Young and Michael Hoecht. Expect the Rams to also bring pressure up the middle with linebacker blitzes.
Prediction
Both teams should be expected to go to their running game early in this contest. The Rams will look to stay with a balanced offense and keep the pass attempts under 35. The Steelers will look to get Najee Harris going early, which will open their passing game. In the end, look for the Rams to win their 2nd consecutive game and improve to 4-3.
Rams 27
Steelers. 17
