Rams/Eagles Divisional Preview

    Written by: William Petersen •

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    After losing star wide receiver Puka Nacua in Week 1 for nine weeks many NFL fans thought the Rams would be out of playoff contention after starting the season 1-4. Sean McVay continues to keep Los Angeles relevant and secured another playoff berth after winning five out of their last six games to close the regular season and clinching the NFC West. The Rams showed why they were considered the hottest team in the NFL after beating the then 14-2 Minnesota Vikings on the road 27-9. Many believed the Vikings had a legitimate chance of contending for an NFC Championship after quarterback Sam Darnold threw for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions with a 66.2% completion rate, but his lack of playoff experience was exacerbated by the Rams pass rush. Darnold should no doubt win NFL Comeback Player of the Year but his lackluster performance in the Wildcard game has given major doubt as to whether he is worth a contract extension this offseason. The Rams got to Darnold nine times and secured ten tackles for loss in a dominant performance by a defense that averaged 331.4 in the regular season but held the Vikings to 292.

    LA now has the biggest test of their season as they head to Philadelphia to play the two seeded Eagles who have the best defense in the NFL. Philadelphia continues their dream season after dismantling the Green Bay Packers 22-10 in the Wildcard round thanks to a strong defensive effort and a balanced offensive attack even though star wideout A.J. Brown only had one reception for 10 yards. Saquon Barkley continued to make his case for Offensive Player of the Year after having 25 carries for 119 yards. Philadelphia seemed ready to part ways with Head Coach Nick Sirianni after the Eagles started the season 1-2 but quickly rattled off ten-straight wins to eventually win the NFC East and secure the second seed in the NFC. The Eagles success on offense has stemmed from Saquon Barkley’s dream regular season, 325 carries for 2,005 yards and 13 rushing touchdowns while their defense leads the NFL in yards allowed per game at 278.4. If the Eagles are to move onto the NFC Championship they will need to rely on this stout defense against a Rams offense that averaged 331.4 yards per game in the regular season.

    The Rams have had a different reason to play hard for the city of LA this year after the devastating fires that ripped through California days before their Wildcard matchup with the Vikings. Sean McVay spoke on what it meant playing for the city and how important that win was for their fans. They will have another opportunity to make the city of Los Angeles proud as they now have to find a way to hang up points on the best defense in the NFL. If Matthew Stafford can play like he did against the Vikings; poised, deliberate, and efficient, LA could certainly pull off the upset against an Eagles team that has struggled in the passing game this season. It will be interesting to see how the Rams cover A.J. Brown, given that he should can an increased amount of targets giving his disappointing output against the Packers. If the Rams defense can somehow neutralize Barkley and force Jalen Hurts into more throws, the Rams pass rush could cause serious problems for this Eagles offense.

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