NFL
By: George Lopez
The Los Angeles Rams return to SoFi Stadium this week to take on the 4-0 Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles are coming off a 34-31 overtime victory over division rivals Washington Commanders. The Rams snapped a 2-game losing streak with a 29-23 victory in overtime against the Indianapolis Colts. Both teams will look to build on their hard-fought victory in week 4. The Eagles have gained 400 yards or more in 3 straight games while the Rams have not allowed more than 400 yards this season, giving up an average of 295 yards per game.
Rams Offense
The Rams received a boost this week when head coach Sean McVay announced that WR Cooper Kupp will make his season debut this week. Kupp missed the first 4 games of the season after suffering a hamstring injury during training camp. Kupp returns at a good time, as the Eagles pass defense has struggled so far this season, allowing the 3rd most touchdown passes and the 6th most passing yards per game. Look for Coach McVay to exploit the pass coverage with Kupp on the field at the same time as rookie Puka Nacua. Through the first 4 games, Nacua has 39 receptions for 501 yards and 1 touchdown. In Kupp’s absence, Nacua has become quarterback Matthew Stafford’s go-to receiver. Against the Colts, Nacua had 9 receptions for 163 yards and the first touchdown of the season. If Kupp is able to play with no restrictions, the Rams passing attack will put pressure on the Eagles secondary in McVay’s multiple-receiver formation. The primary focus for the Eagles secondary is expected to be on Kupp and Nacua. This should give WR TuTu Atwell, Van Jefferson, and TE Tyler Higbee more opportunities in the passing game.
A key for the Rams offense under Coach McVay is balance. In their win against the Colts, the Rams had 40 pass attempts. The running game had 36 running attempts for 164 yards. Kyren Williams led the way with 103 yards on 25 carries and 2 touchdowns. Ronnie Williams accounted for 47 yards on 9 carries. The Rams running game has shown improvement due to a mixture of blocking schemes. Under Coach McVay, the Rams primarily use a zone blocking scheme. Against the Colts, the Rams incorporated man on man blocking. Look for the Rams to continue using both blocking schemes going forward. The Rams are expected to attack the Eagles struggling pass coverage, but coach McVay will look to continue with a balanced offensive attacked.
After struggling in their loss to the Cincinnati Bengals by allowing 6 quarterback sacks, the Rams offensive line did a better job against the Colts pass rush, limiting the Colts pass rush to 2 sacks. The health of the offensive line has been key, though starting LT Joe Noteboom as been ruled out this week. The Eagles interior defensive line did receive bad news as DT Fletcher Cox has been ruled this week. With Cox unavailable, look for the Rams to test the Eagles interior defensive line with Kyren Williams and the running attack.
Rams Defense
Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris is tasked with devising a game plan to contain Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. For the season, Hurts has passed for 959 yards with 5 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. Hurts is also a threat running the ball and has the ability to extend plays outside the pocket. Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson rushed for 56 yards on 10 attempts by being able to escape outside the pocket as well as on design runs. The Rams did not consistently maintain outside containment, allowing Richardson to escape the pocket numerous times. The Rams edge rushers Byron Young and Michael Hoecht will need to do a better job at outside containment and not allow Hurts to escape the pocket.
The Eagles have a good 1-2 punch at WR with A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. In the game against Washington, Brown and Smith combined for 16 receptions for 253 yards and 2 touchdowns. Brown and Smith are Hurts go to receivers. The Rams secondary will key on Brown and Smith but will need to be mindful of TE Dallas Goebert. Look for Hurts to go to Goebert on short routes underneath the Rams linebackers.
In the last 2 games, D’Andre Swift has become the primary running back for the Eagles offense. Swift has the speed to run outside the tackles and the power to run inside the tackles. To slow down the Eagles running game, the Rams defensive lineman and linebackers will need to get off their blocks quickly and maintain pursuit angles and force the Eagles back towards the Rams pursuit.
Prediction
This game has the makings to be an exciting back and forth contest. The outcome won’t be decided early as both teams will look to make adjustments throughout the game. In the end, look for the Eagles to improve to 5-0 in a close game.
Eagles 24
Rams. 20
