NFL
By: George Lopez
The Los Angeles Rams look to bounce back this week as they take on the Atlanta Falcons at SoFi Stadium. The Rams had a lackluster performance in their 31-10 defeat to the Buffalo Bills opening week. Matthew Stafford threw 3 interceptions and was sacked 7 times. Their rushing attack only gained 52 yards on 18 carries. Defensively, the Rams allowed 121 yards rushing and Bills quarterback Josh Allen threw for 292 yards and 3 touchdowns. Rams coach Sean McVay took responsibility for the team’s performance stating that he needs to do a better job at having the team prepared.
Rams Offensive vs Falcons Defense
The Rams offensive line was manhandled by the Bills pass rush. They constantly put pressure on Stafford throughout the game. The pressure the Bills were able to get on Stafford came from the 4 defensive linemen. The Bills were able to sack Stafford 7 times and continually put pressure on him without having to blitz. This allowed the Bills defense to have more players defending the Rams passing attack. In their week 1 loss to the New Orleans Saints, the Falcons were able to sack James Winston 4 times. With Stafford not being as mobile as Winston, the Rams offensive line will need to do a much better job with their pass protection otherwise it will be another rough night for Stafford.
Cooper Kupp was able to account for 13 receptions for 128 yards and a touchdown. Allen Robinson had 1 reception for 12 but was only targeted 2 times the entire game. Stafford was able to connect with 7 different receivers for his 29 completions. Look for Robinson and TE Tyler Higbee to play a bigger role in the Rams passing attack this week.
The Saints were able to rush for 151 yards against the Falcons defense last week. The Rams offense has a better rhythm when they are able to get their running game going. Cam Ackers officially had 0 yards rushing on 3 carries. Darrell Henderson accounted for 47 yards on 13 carries. The offensive line will need to do a better job at opening running lanes for the Rams backs. Coach McVay also needs to do a better job at keeping the offense more balanced. The 41-pass attempts to 18 rushes needs to be better this week.
Rams Defense vs Falcons Offense
The Saints offense was able to rush for 201 yards against the Saints defense with Cordell Patterson rushing for 120 yards on 22 carries. Quarterback Marcus Mariota rushed for 72 yards on 12 carries. The Rams defense had a lot of missed tackles and were taking poor angles throughout the game against the Bills. Mariota is a threat to tuck the ball and run as well as the running more read-option plays. The Rams defense will need to contain Mariota in the pocket by maintaining discipline with their edge rushers and force Mariota up in the pocket toward Aaron Donald and their interior lineman.
Mariota completed 20 passes to 8 different receivers in the game against the Saints. Expect the Falcons to continue to spread the ball around. Rookie Drake London was their week 1 leading receiver with 5 receptions for 74 yards. London poses a matchup problem with his 6’4″ frame and ability to generate separation in his route running. Against the Bills, Jalen Ramsey gave was targeted 8 times by Josh Allen and gave up 7 receptions. While he was the closest defender, Ramsey allowed a perfect passer rating. Last year in the playoffs, Ramsey allowed receptions on passes he normally would not allow. Look for Mariota to attack Ramsey early to see if he can exploit poor technique by Ramsey.
To help the Rams secondary, their pass rush will need to put pressure on Mariota and make him uncomfortable when he drops back to pass. If they are able to make Mariota uncomfortable, they can force him into making mistakes and cause turnovers. Rams defensive coordinator Morris will need to get a feel on his defense early in the game. Against the Bills, Josh Allen took advantage of the Rams secondary playing off and attacked them underneath. Morris did not make much of an adjustment to what the Bills were doing. He will need to do much better this week for the Rams to win.
Prediction
Look for Coach McVay to have a more balanced offensive game plan this week against the Falcons. The Rams will be more in sync on both sides of the ball. Stafford will look to Robinson more in the Rams passing attack. The game will be tightly contested early. The Rams should pull away late in the game.
Score:
Rams 28
Falcons 13
