NFL
By George Lopez
The Los Angeles Rams begin the 2024 season on the road as they face the Detroit Lions in a rematch of last year’s NFC Wild Card game. The Rams are looking to build on their 2023 season that saw a 5-gameimprovement from the 2022 season. The Lions are coming off an appearance in the NFC Championship game and are looking to build on the success the team displayed last season.
Heading into his 16th season, quarterback Matthew Stafford returns to lead the Rams offense. After an injury-plagued 2022 season, Stafford was relatively healthy last season and his production on the field showed, as he passed for 3965 yards and 24 touchdowns. Having a heathy Stafford for the entire season will be a key for the Rams success. To help ensure his health, the Rams made changes to the offensive line.
Jonah Jackson was signed as a free agent in the off season to play left guard. Jackson missed significant time in training camp dealing with a shoulder injury and his status for week 1 was in question. The possibility of Jackson playing week one looks promising as he was a full participant in practice on Wednesday. If Jackson is available, the Rams will be able to keep Steve Avila at center. Kevin Dotson is slotted in as the starting right guard. Jackson, Avila and Dotson will be looked to provide inside pass protection for Stafford that will give him the ability to step up in the pocket if needed. With Alaric Jackson serving a 2-game suspension, Joe Noteboom is expected to start at left tackle and provide blindside pass protection.
Last season, Puka Nacua took the league by storm, setting records for receptions and receiving yards by a rookie. As the season progressed, Nacua proved to be a trusted receiver for Stafford. Cooper Kupp returns this season healthy after an injury riddled 2023 season limited his productivity. Having a healthy Kupp and Nacua on the field will present opportunities for Stafford to attack the Lions secondary. Demarcus Robinson and Tutu Atwell figure to be very involved in the Rams passing attack.
Kyren Williams returns to lead the Rams rushing attack. Williams will look to improve on his 2023 season where he led the league in rushing yards per game. Blake Corum was drafted out of Michigan and is expected to be the primary back up to Williams. Look for Corum to see playing time in short yardage situations and near the goal line.
On the defensive line, the Rams will be without future first ballot Hall of Famer Aaron Donald, as he announced his retirement following last season. Braden Fiske was drafted out of Florida St. and is slated to start on the defensive line alongside Kobie Turner and Bobby Brown III. Rookie Jared Verse is expected to start opposite edge rusher Byron Young to provide an outside pass rush.
The Rams made changes to their secondary, signing free agents Kamren Curl, Tre’Davious White and Darious Williams. The Rams will be without Williams as he was placed on IR this week. Cobie Durant is expected to play for Williams. Look for Quinten Lake and Russ Yeast to see playing time in the Rams secondary.
Leading the Lions offense is quarterback Jared Goff. Last season, Goff passed for 4575 yards and 30 touchdowns. Goff did a good job protecting the ball, as he threw only 12 interceptions in 17 games. Goff was sacked 30 times last season and the Rams expect to be able to put pressure on Goff to get him off his mark and disrupt his passing rhythm.
Amon-Ra St. Brown will be a focal point in the Rams pass coverage. Last season, St. Brown had 119 receptions for 1515 yards and 10 touchdowns. If the Rams play man coverage, look for Tre’Davious White to follow St. Brown across the field. The Rams will need to focus on TE Sam LaPorta as well. Last season. LaPorta was Goff’s 2nd favorite target as he had 86 receptions for 889 yards 10 touchdowns.
David Montgomery enters the season as the starting running back and is expected to get the bulk of the carries. Montgomery rushed for 1015 yards to go along with 13 touchdowns. Jahmyr Gibbs is expected to see playing time for the Lions. The Rams defensive lineman will look to get off their blocks and close up the inside running lanes with linebackers Omar Speights and Christian Rozeboom looking to fill the inside running gaps. Bryon Young and Jared Verse will look to keep outside run containment to force the Lions running backs inside.
Last season’s Wild Card matchup was hard fought close where the Lions were victorious. This week’s promises to be another exciting matchup. Look for both teams to surprise each other during the game. The game will be close but look for the Lions to emerge victorious.
Lions. 27
Rams. 24
