Just three weeks shy from the finalization of the 2016-2017 regular season, the Los Angeles Rams find themselves in similar territory compared to previous years. The team currently stands with a record of 4-8; tied for third worst in the NFC and sixth worst in the entire league. Much of that can be credited towards the quarterback change implemented in mid-season, as well as the recent feuding between Eric Dickerson and Jeff Fisher. Off-the-field distractions have overwhelmed several team officials and players; leading to what seems to be another playoff-less season.
Despite the adversity, Los Angeles’ focus is on the Atlanta Falcons this week. The Falcons, leaders of the NFC South division, come into the Coliseum having only won three of their previous seven games. Common sense would suggest that this game holds a greater value for Atlanta, given their legitimate playoff aspirations. The Rams, on the other hand, will come into Sunday’s contest playing with pride, knowing they have nothing to lose. Here’s how Los Angeles can pull out the upset this week:
Los Angeles Rams Week 14 Keys To Victory
Matt Ryan to Julio Jones for a TOUCHDOWN!!!
It’d be impossible for anyone to state the number of times this phrase has been mentioned before. What is known, however, is the fact that this duo is one of the best in the NFL. Ryan and Jones alone have connected for almost 40 percent of the team’s passing attack. Ryan is second in the NFL in passing with 3,813 yards through the air; making it his best season through 14 weeks. Jones, on the other hand, is the league leader in receiving; accumulating over 1,200 yards along with five touchdowns. Setting their statistical numbers aside, both players have also set themselves on the NFL record books. Earlier in the season, Ryan and Jones became the first duo ever to exceed 500 passing yards and 300 receiving yards in a single game.
According to an article on NFL.com, Jones has been sidelined in practice due to a turf toe injury he suffered in last week’s 29-28 defeat against the Kansas City Chiefs. Despite his limitations, the belief is that he will be ready to hit the gridiron come Sunday afternoon.
The Rams secondary, especially Trumaine Johnson, will need to limit the aerial attack to a certain degree if they hope to pull out the upset. Jones has fared well against top cornerbacks this season. He’s posted 100-yards receiving in seven games; two of them coming against pro-bowl caliber players, including Richard Sherman and Marcus Peters.
Johnson, who the Rams franchised tagged during the offseason, hasn’t lived up to expectations following his breakout season last year. A solid game against one of the most lethal pass-catchers in the game will certainly help increment his chances of generating a bigger contract as well as awarding Los Angeles their second home win of the year.
Contain Vic Beasley
Following a disappointing rookie season, Vic Beasley has emerged as one of the most promising linebackers and pass rusher in the NFL. The 24-year-old Beasley finds himself with 10.5 sacks, trailing Von Miller for the league lead. Most surprisingly, he’s already forced five fumbles; ranking in first out of every other defensive player this season.
This spells huge trouble for Los Angeles, who boasts one of the worst offensive line units across the league. Opponents have brought extreme pressure against this phase all season long, which has influenced the nightmarish start of Jared Goff‘s career. Just last week, the New England Patriots toyed with the rookie quarterback; forcing Goff to a 43.9 passer rating along with two interceptions.
It’ll be mind-boggling to expect touchdowns from the Rams if the offensive line isn’t able to hold their ground against this stingy Atlanta Falcons defense, led by their defensive mastermind head coach, Dan Quinn.
Begin Showcasing the Rookies
There comes a time throughout the regular season that a non-playoff team begins experimenting their young talent for the following year. Given Los Angeles’ young roster along with their minimal chances of reaching the postseason, it’s finally time to pull the trigger. Despite the veteran presence on the defensive side of the ball, the offense is the most inexperienced of them both.
Dating back to the 2015 and 2016 NFL Draft’s, the Rams grabbed a total of 12 offensive players compared to only three defensive players. All of this years’ draftees, including Jared Goff, haven’t been given the opportunity to grow any type of chemistry on the field. Injuries have played a pivotal factor, including receivers such as Pharoh Cooper and preseason sensation, Nelson Spruce. Besides that, the remaining rookies have stayed stuck in the lower strings, with no consistent playing time.
The entire NFL knows that the Rams aren’t playoff material. Not that they don’t have the potential, it’s just that they haven’t proved it on the field. Jeff Fisher and company are all aware of what they have and what they expect from their veteran players. It’s important to start evaluating and giving the rookies the experience they need to help contribute to the teams’ success for the upcoming seasons.
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