NFL
By: George Lopez
The Los Angeles Rams head to the Windy City to take on the Chicago Bears in a week 4 matchup. The Bears will look to bounce back following their 21-16 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. The Rams look to build on the momentum following their thrilling 27-24 come-from-behind win against San Francisco.
The Rams offense, led by quarterback Matthew Stafford, played with grit and determination against the 49ers. Leading a balanced offensive attack, Stafford completed 16-25 passes for 221 yards and 1 touchdown. Pass protection was an issue for the Rams offensive line, as Stafford was sacked 3 times against the 49ers. Stafford has done a good job taking care of the football in this early part of the season, throwing 1 interception through 3 games.
With Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua out with injuries, the Rams receiver group has adopted a next-man-up mentality. WR Tutu Atwell led the receivers against the 49ers, who had 4 receptions for 93 yards, including a huge 50-yard reception that helped set up the tying touchdown late in the 4th quarter. Throughout the game, Stafford connected with 6 different receivers. Look for Stafford to continue spreading the ball against the Bears’ defense.
An issue the Rams have faced in their first 2 games of the season has been the lack of a consistent running game. Entering the game against the 49ers, RB Kyren Williams had rushed for only 75 yards. Head Coach Sean McVay is known to like to use an offensive formation that uses 3 wide receivers and 1 running back. Against the 49ers, McVay used a 2 tight end formation and committed to the running game. Williams rushed for 89 hard-fought yards on 24 carries and accounted for 3 total touchdowns. Committing to the run allowed Stafford to use play action in the Rams passing game. Look for McVay to continue with the 2 tight-end formation and commit to the running game against the Bears.
Defensively, the Rams have struggled with outside pass rush containment. 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy was able to escape the Rams pass rush to extend plays. In Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, the Rams defense will be facing someone who is known for his ability to use his legs to escape the pass rush and extend plays. Against the Colts, Williams completed 33-52 passes for 363 yards and 2 touchdowns along with 2 interceptions. Williams was also sacked 4 times by the Colts defense. Rams edge rushers Byron Young and Jared Verse will need to do a better job of maintaining outside containment to prevent Williams from escaping the pocket. The interior defensive line, led by Kobie Turner and Bobby Brown will look to put pressure up the middle to prevent Williams from stepping up in the pocket.
Leading the Bears receivers is DJ Moore, who has 19 receptions for 167 yards. Williams has not made the connection with Moore and Keenan Allen, who has been held to 4 receptions for 29 yards in the Bears’ first 3 games. Both receivers are due for a breakout game. Look for the Rams defensive coordinator to devise a pass coverage scheme to minimize the impact Moore and Allen will have in the game.
The Bears will look to establish their running game early against the Rams defense. The Bears will use a running back by committee, led by D’Andre Swift. Through 3 games, Swift has been held to 68 total rushing yards. The Rams rush defense did a good job containing 49ers running back Jordan Mason, holding him to 77 rushing yards. The Rams defensive line will look to get off their blocks and close up the inside running lanes while the edge rushers and linebackers will need to maintain outside containment and good pursuit angles.
The Rams will look to build on their win against the 49ers to even their record. Look for McVay to stay committed to a balanced offensive attack and for Kyren Williams to have at least 23 touches in the game. The Rams defense will look to shut down the Bears running game and put pressure on Caleb Williams to force him into making mistakes and turning the ball over. The Rams will come away with a win and even their record.
Rams 27
Bears 20
