The Rams travel to Green Bay this weekend, as we preview this matchup of two offenses capable of putting up points. The Rams are coming off a bye after two straight losses. The Packers are coming off a loss at the hands of division rival Minnesota. There’s a lot to talk about for both teams so lets get into it.
The Rams
The Rams are coming off two straight losses, before their much needed bye last week. In two games versus the Titans, and 49ers, the Rams scored an abysmal 26 points combined in those contests. While the Rams seemed to be rolling, the past two games have made us question who they really are. In recent weeks the Rams let us all know that, they’re all in. With the addition of Von Miller on defense and Odell Beckham Jr. from the Browns on offense the Rams are in win now mode.
The Rams defense has been a strong point in recent years. Aaron Donald has been a top three player for the last five years. In the secondary Jalen Ramsey has been as good as anyone. The Packers faced the Rams last year in the playoffs at Lambeau and took home the win. But this is a different Rams team with Matthew Stafford coming from Detroit in the offseason. The Packers and Matthew Stafford are very familiar, as they saw each other twice a year.
The Rams have had a lot off success with Cooper Kupp leading the league in the Wide Receiver position at almost every category thus far. Between Kupp and the Rams front seven, it will be a battle. Those two battles will likely be the determining factors coming away from this contest. We will talk about those later.
The Packers
The Packers have faced adversity all season long. Whether it be the Covid issue with Rodgers, or the multitude of injuries across the Offense and Defense. They’re allowing only 11 points per game at home. The Packers have a bye in week 13 but they must first get past a Rams team that needs to win to stay in playoff contention.
The injury bug has bitten the Packers all season long. Even through that, the Packers are 8-3. The Packers defense has been a bright spot carrying the team, as it’s been next man up through most of this season. A huge reason the defense is moving in the right direction is because of De’Vondre Campbell who the Packers picked up in the offseason. He’s been a clear leader and he’s a large part of the Packers defensive success.
The Packers Remain Focused
As the Packers hobble into this matchup they know how important this matchup is. The Rams are at the top of the NFC class, and this could be another potential playoff matchup. While the Packers beat the Cardinals a few short weeks ago, the Cardinals still have a game up on the Packers. For the Packers to get home seed throughout the playoffs, this game is important to add in the win column.
While Aaron Rodgers deals with a toe injury, he has very minimal practice for the second straight week. Aaron Jones is questionable with a knee injury. Rashan Gary is also questionable after his elbow injury. Across the offensive line three of the presumed five starters are out. David Bakhtiari has yet to return after ACL surgery in the offseason. It was reported that he had a minor Arthroscopic surgery in recent weeks.
Throughout all this the Packers know how to win. They’ve done it time, and time again. Beating the Rams should be no different. The Packers hope to have Bakhtiari and Jaire Alexander back at some point this season. As Alexander has been out since injuring his shoulder he’s been able to practice more in recent weeks. The hope is the two All-Pros return for the late season stretch, and into the playoffs.
The Two Matchups To Watch
This game will come down to two matchups that will determine the winner. The Packers Offensive Line Vs. The Rams Defensive Front. With the injuries across the Offensive Line, this game will be a challenge for Matt Lafleur to keep Rodgers in a rhythm and upright for that matter. The Packers faced a tough defensive front in week four without Elgton Jenkins and Bakhtiari so the Offensive Line has to play a near perfect game.
Cooper Kupp Vs. The Packers Secondary. Cooper Kupp has been likely the best Wide Receiver in the game to this point so far this season. With Jaire still out, and Kevin King likely missing this contest it’s up to Rasul Douglas and Eric Stokes to keep him in check. This is no easy task but Joe Barry surely has to come up with a way to get pressure, and help out his secondary that will have a tough challenge on Sunday.
If the Packers can get in a rhythm and play smart football I believe they can win this game. It will certainly help if Aaron Jones plays, so Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon can wear down the front seven. I believe between that and the two matchups I discussed this is a winnable game for the Packers even with all the injuries. Winning this game and going into the bye with a win will do wonders for everyone in Green Bay.
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As always Go Pack Go!
