NFL
By George Lopez
The Los Angeles Rams head to Philadelphia to take on the Eagles in an NFC Divisional round matchup. This will be the 2nd meeting between the two teams this season as the Eagles, led by a dominant running game, defeated the Rams 37-20 in their earlier matchup. The Rams will look to ride the momentum from their 27-9 victory over the Vikings in the Wild Card round. The Eagles are coming of an impressive 22-10 victory over the Packers.
The Rams rode a tremendous defensive effort against the Vikings, tying an NFL playoff record with 9 sacks and holding the Vikings high-powered offense to 9 points. Against the Eagles, the primary focus for the Rams defense will be to contain Saquon Barkley, who rushed for an Eagles record 255 yards on 26 carries with 2 touchdowns. Barkley’s effort was part of the Eagles 314 rushing yards. The Eagles offensive line was able to consistently open running lanes for the Eagles running backs. The Eagles will look to establish their running early in this game. The Rams defensive line will need to do a better job getting off their blocks and closing running lanes or the Eagles running game will have a big game.
Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula cannot just focus on the Eagles running game. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts will attack the Rams with their passing game. WR A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith are a top 1-2 WR combination that Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore will look to use in the Eagles offensive attack. TE Dallas Goedert figures to play a significant role in the Eagles offensive with matchups against the Rams linebackers and safeties. Outside of the passing game, Hurts is a threat to run the ball and escape pressure. Rams edge rushers will need to maintain outside containment or Hurts will run to the outside to extend pass plays or run for positive yardage.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford leads the Rams offense. In the Wild Card game against the Vikings, Stafford led a balanced offensive attack, completing 19-27 passes for 209 yards and 2 touchdowns. Stafford spread the ball around, completing passes to 8 different receivers, with TE Tyler Higbee and WR Puka Nacua leading the team with 5 receptions each. Cooper Kupp was only targeted once in the game against the Vikings. Look for the Rams to get Kupp more involved in the passing game as the Eagles secondary will make limiting the production of Nacua a priority. Higbee was knocked out of the Vikings game with a chest contusion. The Rams did receive good news this week as the team announced Higbee will play against the Eagles. Higbee and the TE’s figure to play a big role in the Rams passing game.
With snow projected on Sunday, the Rams establishing their running game will be a key for their offensive success. Kyren Williams rushed for 76 yards on 16 carries against the Vikings. In their earlier matchup against the Eagles, Williams rushed for 72 yards on 16 carries with 1 touchdown. In that game, the Rams got away from a balanced offensive attack, with 36 pass attempts compared to only 18 rushes. The Rams offense has played better when they are balanced. Look for Head Coach Sean McVay to use a balanced offensive attack this weekend with Williams getting around 25 touches.
The Rams offensive line struggled in their earlier matchup against the Eagles, allowing 5 sacks and Stafford was pressured numerous times. With the Rams establishing their running game, McVay will use play-action passing that is a staple in McVay’s offense. Look for McVay to have Stafford roll-out, which will help the Rams offensive line with pass protection.
The Rams-Eagles Divisional round matchup features 2 defense’s that are playing exceptional football at the right time. Both teams will look to establish their running game early. This game will come down to which team will be able to gain the tough yards and extend drives. In the end, look for the Eagles to advance to the NFC Championship game.
Eagles 21
