NFL
By: George Lopez
The Los Angeles Rams begin the defense of their Super Bowl championship when they take on the Buffalo Bills on Thursday, September 8th to kick off the 2022 NFL season in what many consider to be a Superbowl preview. The Bills and Rams met in the 2020 season with the Bills pulling out a 35-32 victory. Fans from both teams are expecting that same type of exciting game. We’ll take a look at some of the key matchups for this game.
When you talk with any football fan and bring up the Rams, the first name that comes to mind is Aaron Donald. The three-time defensive player of the year constantly faces double and triple teams blocks yet puts up MVP-worthy numbers year in and year out. The Bills will make containing Donald a focus of their game plan. The Rams have done a great job surrounding Donald with players on the defense the Bills can’t neglect. A’Shawn Robinson is one of the best defenders against the run and Leonard Floyd will bring pressure on the outside. The biggest acquisition the Rams made this offseason was signing free agent linebacker Bobby Wagner who provides an immediate upgrade to their middle linebacker room. The Rams will look for Wagner to take away running lanes to contain Devin Singletary and the Bills running attack.
A key matchup will be Jalen Ramsey locking up with Bills receiver Stephan Diggs. Last season, Diggs had 103 receptions for 1225 yards and 10 touchdowns. Ramsey is one of the elite cornerbacks in the NFL and should follow Diggs wherever he lines up for the Bills offense. Diggs will still see the pass attempts come his way. If the Rams decide to roll over a safety to bracket Diggs, this will open up opportunities for Bills tight end Dawson Knox and receivers Gabe Davis and Isiah McKenzie. The Rams secondary will have to be on top of their game facing a vaunted passing attack of the Bills offense.
When you talk about the Bills offense, you have to begin with Josh Allen. Last season, Allen threw for 4407 yards and 36 touchdowns. Allen was also the 2nd leading rusher for the Bills, running for 763 yards and 6 touchdowns. The Rams defense needs to contain Allen in the pocket. If their outside rush breaks down with their assignments, Allen will have no problem tucking the ball and gaining yards with his legs. Allen is a threat to run when he gets outside the pocket but the Rams secondary will need to stay disciplined when this happens. If they don’t, Allen will find the open receiver for big gains.
The Rams offense is led by quarterback Matthew Stafford. Last season, Stafford had a career year throwing for 4886 yards and 41 touchdowns in leading the Rams to a championship. He did his best in the 4th quarter, completing 71% of his passes with 14 touchdowns and zero interceptions. Entering this season, there is a concern with Stafford dealing with an injury to his throwing elbow which kept him from being a full participant in training camp. Head coach Sean McVay and Stafford both stated this past weekend that the elbow is fine and he has no limitations on the type of throws he can make. This will definitely be something the Rams will monitor.
With the Rams passing attack, you begin with Cooper Kupp. Last season, Kupp did it all leading the NFL with 145 receptions for 1947 yards and 16 touchdowns. Kupp is one of the elite route runners in the NFL. He doesn’t show you which way he is breaking on his route until the last possible moment which makes it difficult for defenders to try to cheat on his route for an easier attempt at an interception. The Rams brought in free agent receiver Allen Robinson to play opposite Kupp. Robinson has caught over 100 receptions in a season while with the Chicago Bears. If the Bills defense gives too much attention to Kupp, Robinson will put up huge numbers in his debut with the Rams. TE Tyler Higbee should have opportunities to put up good numbers running underneath routes for Stafford and the Rams offense.
The Rams rushing attack will be a one-two punch with Cam Ackers and Daryl Henderson getting a bulk of the carries. Ackers and Henderson complement each other with their different styles of running the ball. Both will be used in the Rams passing attack.
PREDICTION
The atmosphere at SoFi Stadium will be electric. The Rams fans will be at fever pitch as the Rams unveil their championship banner prior to kickoff. The NFL could not ask for a better matchup to kick off the 2022 season with a potential Superbowl preview. This game should have the excitement of their 2020 matchup with the Rams prevailing this time 31-27
