NFL
By George Lopez
The Los Angeles Rams return to prime time as they travel to Atlanta to take on the Falcons on Monday Night Football. The Rams are looking to rebound from a disappointing 38-37 overtime loss to the Seattle Seahawks that saw them blow a 30-14 4th quarter lead. The Falcons are looking to make it 3 straight victories following their 26-19 win over the Arizona Cardinals. The Rams are still fighting for first place in the NFC West as well as the top overall seed in the NFC, though they need help.
Offensively, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford led a prolific offensive attack against the Seahawks’ defense, with 581 yards of total offense and zero turnovers. Stafford passed for a season high 457 yards with 3 touchdowns. The offensive line protected Stafford the entire game, not allowing a sack against a good Seahawks pass rush. With Davante Adams out with an injury, containing Puka Nacua would be a primary focus of the Seahawks’ defense. Nacua responded with 12 receptions for a career high 225 yards and 2 touchdowns. Adams is expected to sit out the final two regular-season games to get as healthy for the playoffs as possible. Nacua will be Stafford’s top target against the Falcons’ secondary. Stafford will look to continue to spread the ball around to keep the Falcons’ pass coverage honest.
The Rams’ running game accounted for 124 yards against the Seahawks’ defense, though it was inconsistent as the Seahawks were able to disrupt the Rams’ 13 personnel offensive formations. RB Kyren Williams rushed for 70 yards on 23 carries with a long run of only 8 yards. The Rams are facing a Falcons defense that has allowed 128 rushing yards per game. Look for Rams head coach Sean McVay to establish his running game early. When the Rams get their running game going, Stafford can use play-action passing more effectively.
The Rams’ defense has been looking for consistent play all season. Against the Seahawks, the defense looked unstoppable in the first half, holding Seattle to 7 points. In the second half and overtime, the defense allowed 31 points. Defensive coordinator Chris Shula needs to be quicker with in-game adjustments. Kirk Cousins is expected to start at quarterback for the Falcons. In the 8 games he has played, Cousins has been sacked 9 times. The Rams will look to bring pressure on Cousins to get him off his spot when he drops back to pass. Edge rushers Jared Verse and Byron Young will look to bring outside pressure and force Cousins to step up in the pocket towards the Rams’ interior pass rush.
The Falcons will look to test a Rams secondary that has struggled at times this season. Falcons TE Kyle Pitts has quietly had a resurgence this season and looks like the Pitts from his rookie season. Pitts leads the Falcons with 80 receptions. The Rams expect Pitts to be the primary target for Cousins and will look to contain his productivity. The defense cannot sleep on WR Drake London. In the season, London has 63 receptions and 6 touchdowns while averaging 13 yards per reception. Darnell Mooney and David Sills V will play a factor in the Falcons’ passing game. Look for Coach Shula to mix up his pass coverage, mixing zone with a man coverage. With the man coverage, look for the Rams’ corners to press the Falcons’ receivers at the line of scrimmage to throw off the timing of the Falcons’ quick passing game.
Falcons RB Bijan Robinson is expected to play a primary role in their offensive attack. On the season, Robinson has rushed for 1250 yards with 6 touchdowns. Tyler Allgeier will see time in the Falcons backfield, spelling Robinson. The Rams are allowing 105 rushing yards on the season, but have allowed more in recent games. The Falcons will look to test the Rams’ run defense. The Rams’ interior defensive line needs to do a better job at getting off their blocks and not getting turned. When they do get turned, the running lanes are wide open. On the outside, the edge defenders will look to take away the exterior running lanes for the Falcons’ backs. While the Rams’ defense will focus on stopping the Falcons’ running game, they need to be mindful of Robinson in the passing game. Robinson has accounted for 71 receptions this season and will be a factor in the Falcons’ passing game. Look for the Rams to use their safeties and linebackers to cover Robinson in the passing game.
The Rams know they need outside help to win the NFC West as well as the overall #1 seed in the NFC. All the Rams can do is take care of what is in front of them, winning their final two regular-season games, starting with Atlanta Monday night. Following their disappointing loss the Seattle, the Rams will come into this game with a chip on their shoulder. Look for the Rams to come out swinging from the opening kickoff and come away with a decisive victory over the Falcons.
