The Chargers are set to meet the Rams in Week 8, and before kickoff, Rams Wire managing editor Cameron DaSilva laid out the matchup from the other side of the field with five key answers.
One of the biggest questions centers on how the Rams will handle life without Davante Adams, especially with Puka Nacua now carrying the passing game. DaSilva said the Rams keep Nacua moving all over the formation, using motion to keep corners from pressing him and creating mismatches against safeties and even linebackers.
That, he said, makes things easier for Matthew Stafford. He also noted that the other receivers have not really filled the void left by Adams, though Konata Mumpfield is a name to keep in mind.
More likely, the Rams will continue leaning on their tight ends and running backs as receiving options.
Up front, the Rams have also had to work through injuries in the trenches, including star edge defender Myles Garrett. DaSilva said Chris Shula has increased the blitzing, but the bigger reason for the defensive success has been solid coverage on the back end, which has forced quarterbacks to hold the ball longer and given the pass rush extra time to get home. Byron Young and Josaiah Stewart have both been effective off the edge, rookie Wesley Bailey has also contributed, and Aaron Donald remains the interior player opponents have to account for.
On offense, Stafford is coming off a game in which he threw for fewer than 200 yards, and the Rams leaned on the ground game to control the tempo. DaSilva expects that formula to continue.
He described the Rams as a team that can spread it out, but right now they are playing more like a physical, run-first group. In his view, the offense is at its best when it is balanced, and that starts with Kyren Williams and Blake Corum being efficient on first and second down.
He expects each back to get 10-15 carries this week, as long as the Chargers do not get out too far in front.
Asked for an under-the-radar player to know, DaSilva pointed to cornerback Josh Wallace. He said Wallace has been excellent this season, even if the attention has mostly gone to his two controversial penalties at the end of games. DaSilva added that even if Trent McDuffie is trending toward playing, Wallace should still see plenty of snaps on the outside and give the Rams strong cornerback depth.
As for the outcome, DaSilva thinks the Chargers will come out of the bye motivated and with some needed offensive adjustments, but he still picked the Rams to control the game. He expects the Rams’ defense to create a few turnovers, while the offense shortens the contest with the run and long drives. His prediction: Rams 24, Chargers 17.
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