NFL
By George Lopez
The Los Angeles Rams return to SoFi Stadium as they take on the Los Angeles Chargers. The Rams look to build on their 35-21 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. It snapped a two-game losing streak. The Chargers haven’t gotten off to the start they envisioned. They come off their bye week seeking their first win of the season.
Rams head coach Sean McVay returned to a balanced offensive attack against the Raiders, calling 29 passes against 38 rushing attempts. With Davante Adams injured, Coach McVay has shown what the Los Angeles Rams’ offense will look like going forward.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford completed 23 of 29 passes for 195 yards and 3 touchdowns. What stood out in Stafford’s performance was that he didn’t stretch the defense downfield as much as his pass distribution suggested. WR Puka Nacua led the team with 8 receptions for 68 yards. The only other receiver who had a reception and was targeted was Konata Mumpfield. Stafford used his running backs and tight ends in the passing game. The Chargers will look to limit Nacua’s opportunities and force Stafford to target other receivers. Stafford will continue to use his tight ends and running backs in the passing game. The running game will be a key part of the Rams’ offensive attack.
Against the Raiders, the Rams rushed for 199 yards on their 38 carries. All season, the Rams have used RB Kyren Williams and Blake Corum as a 1-2 punch, and they had one of their best games. Williams got 99 yards on 16 carries and 1 touchdown. Corum added 93 yards on 17 carries and 1 touchdown. Williams and Corum bring in different running styles, but both are very effective in the running schemes Coach McVay likes to use. Look for the Rams to continue using the Williams-Corum tandem in their running game.
Defensively, the Rams played with a fire the team has not shown for most of the season. Defensive coordinator Chris Shula will look to build on the performance. The Chargers offense has struggled to find any consistent rhythm this season under first-year offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. Pass protection for quarterback Justin Herbert has been an issue. Herbert has been sacked 21 times this season. The Rams will look to bring pressure on Herbert. Unlike Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins, Herbert can use his legs and scramble out of the pocket to avoid pressure. The Rams’ edge rushers, led by Byron Young and Josiah Stewart, will aim to maintain outside containment and keep Herbert in the pocket.
The Chargers average 119 rushing yards per game. RB Omarion Hampton leads the charge with 289 yards on the season. The Rams defensive front will look to contain the Chargers’ running game and make the Chargers’ offense one-dimensional. The Rams coaching staff believes they can put pressure on Herbert with their pass rush and force Herbert into rushing throws. Look for Coach Shula to use different blitz schemes to pressure Herbert and trust his secondary to play tight pass defense.
The Los Angeles Rams, hit with injuries to key players, have adopted the next-man-up mantra. It showed in their game against the Raiders. The Rams will look to build on their win over the Raiders. Look for the Rams to use a similar offensive attack, one that relies more on the running game. Stafford will stretch the Chargers’ secondary if the opportunity arises. However, he will not force the issue. Expect Stafford to take the same approach. In the end, look for the Rams to even their record to 4-4 with a dominating performance against the Chargers.
Rams 31
Chargers 20
