NFL
By: George Lopez
The Los Angeles Rams look to bounce back from back to back losses when they take on the Carolina Panthers this Sunday at SoFi Stadium. The Rams are coming off 2 very unimpressive offensive performances against the 49ers and Cowboys scoring 9 and 10 points in those two contests. Going into the game against the Cowboys, the Rams were looking to have a more balanced offensive attack. They did not achieve that goal. Quarterback Matthew Stafford had 44 pass attempts while the running game only had 15 carries for 38 yards. Cam Akers was held to 33 yards on 13 carries. Akers has shown only flashes of the running back that excited fans.
Rams Offense vs Panthers Defense
The interior of the Rams offensive line has been hit by injuries. Starting center Brian Allen has been ruled out for Sunday’s game. Starting offensive guard David Edwards was placed on IR due to concussion and will be out a minimum 4 weeks. With the injuries to the offensive line, the Rams pass protection has not performed to the level seen last season. Through 5 games, Stafford has been sacked 21 times. To take pressure off the offensive line, look for the Rams to run the ball more against Carolina. Coach Sean McVay has said the Rams need to do better in the running game. Look for Darrell Henderson to be more involved this week. The Rams could also incorporate Malcom Brown to bring some physicality to the running game. Look for the Rams to have a more run dominant offensive attack this week.
The Rams are still struggling to get Allen Robinson more involved in the passing game. In the loss to the Cowboys, Robinson was targeted 5 times and had 3 receptions for only 12 yards. In 5 games, Robinson has 12 receptions. Without forcing the issue, Stafford needs to find a way to get Robinson more involved. Defensively, the Panthers have 8 team sacks through 5 games. The Rams should be able to protect Stafford to allow plays to develop down field and get Robinson more involved. Through 5 games, Cooper Kupp leads the team with 49 receptions for 527 yards and 4 touchdowns. Kupp was held out of Wednesday’s practice with a foot issue though he is expected to play Sunday. With Van Jefferson still recovering from knee surgery, the Rams have not had a receiver to stretch the defense. In the game against the Cowboys, Stafford did attempt deep passes to TuTu Atwell, completing one for 54 yards. Until Jefferson returns, look for the Rams to use Atwell more to stretch the defense.
Rams Defense vs Panthers Offense
The Rams defense struggled against the Cowboys running attack, allowing 163 yards on the ground. The Rams can expect to see a heavy amount of Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey. Through 5 games, McCaffrey has rushed for 324 yards. In the passing game, McCaffrey has also caught 26 passes. The Rams will need to be aware where McCaffrey is lined up at all times. Running back D’Onta Foreman has not been heavily used in the Panthers running game but could see significant playing time against the Rams.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield has been ruled of Sunday’s game with an ankle injury. PJ Walker will make his first start of the season for the Panthers. In limited playing time, Walker has completed 5-6 passes for 60 yards. With Mayfield out, look for the Panthers to use the running game more but they will not abandon their passing game. Receiver’s Robbie Anderson and DJ Moore lead the Panthers receiver corp with 13 and 17 receptions respectively. The Panthers offensive line has given up 17 sacks through 5 games. Look for Rams Defensive Coordinator Raheem Morris to be more aggressive in trying to put pressure on Walker. Aaron Donald was held out of practice on Wednesday with a foot injury but is expected to play Sunday. Look for edge rushers Leonard Floyd and Terrell Lewis to put more pressure on the outside.
Prediction
The Rams will not take the Panthers lightly, but this is a get right game for the Rams. Look for McVay to call more running plays and for Stafford to get Robinson more involved in the passing game. The Rams will look to put pressure on PJ Walker to force him into mistakes. The Rams defense will on Christian McCaffrey to contain the Panthers running game. The Rams will get back on track and back in the win column.
Rams 27
Panthers 13
