In the event you’re the Los Angeles Rams, this recreation needs to be about stopping the run. Why? As a result of the final time the Eagles and Rams performed, this occurred:
And this:
…and this:
Poor Omar Speights, man. Couldn’t catch a break.
Rams’ DC Chris Shula comes from Buffalo, the place the physique composition of their defensive position is similar to these in Los Angeles. They’re extra reliant on capturing gaps than hole management, and wish to get fast-flowing linebackers downhill. The issue with that, is that the Eagles’ offensive line is MASSIVE and may blast groups in zone or hole scheme runs. Hole scheme runs like energy and counter have given the Rams issues—they gave up the third most yards per recreation on hole scheme runs, Eleventh-most speeding yards per carry, ninth-highest EPA per play and tenth-highest Optimistic Play Charge on these runs. The fast-flowing nature of the protection will get taken benefit of just because they don’t have any dimension. The place the Rams can borrow some concepts from Buffalo, is to easily promote out to cease the run. Spin secondary defenders down into the field, play greater up entrance so as to proceed enjoying with velocity and flowing quick downhill. Los Angeles carried out admirably in opposition to the Vikings’ run recreation, utilizing numbers and their defensive position merely successful up entrance. Watch the Rams’ entrance on this run rep, in a position to reset the road of scrimmage, whereas spinning secondary defenders into the field to provide them extra numbers. They need to prioritize stopping the run in the event that they wish to win the sport.
I really suppose this Rams group can maintain up within the passing recreation, particularly with a few of the seems they displayed in opposition to Minnesota. Their go rush dominated the sport, nevertheless it was a few of their protection work that I believe can play in opposition to Philadelphia. Jalen Hurts has been…okay as a passer this season, with highs and lows equal to the Rocky Mountain vary. The place he struggles is in opposition to stress. The stress numbers for Hurts this yr are…not nice! Amongst passers with not less than 100 performs underneath stress, Hurts has a -0.52 EPA per play (twenty first), a 29.9% Sack price when pressured (Third-highest), 26.8% Success Charge (twenty first), which at occasions can maintain the offense again. The place the stress actually begins to kick in isn’t when he’s blitzed (fourth in EPA per play, sixth in Success Charge), nevertheless it’s when he’s not that you must get after him. Simulated pressures and creepers are high quality on this state of affairs, however I’d advise in opposition to leaving AJ Brown and Devonta Smith in iso ball conditions. Towards the Packers, the Eagles’ passing recreation felt static, forcing Hurts to make reads that he wasn’t executing. Whereas I don’t suppose that recreation plan may be replicated, I do suppose the Rams can have success in working simulated pressures at him.
The Rams had plenty of success with sim pressures in opposition to Minnesota, mixing up who was blitzing and who wasn’t. They received’t have the identical success simply successful with 4 in opposition to Philly, so throwing in chaotic seems like this one ought to actually assist. The Rams solely carry 4, however a type of 4 is a nickel defender, and it makes the whole operation go haywire.
Regardless of being six-point underdogs, I really suppose the Rams have a legit shot on this recreation. It’ll require some Stafford heroics, sure, however the Rams’ protection has to place collectively one other pinnacle efficiency.
