Turf Show Times
The Los Angeles Rams (11-5) will play their final regular season game of the year at SoFi Stadium against the Arizona Cardinals (3-13), as they hope to get back in the win column after dropping two games in a row to the Seattle Seahawks and Atlanta Falcons.
One of the major issues surrounding the Rams three losses in the past five games has been their tackling. Against the Atlanta Falcons, the Rams missed 19 tackles. Against the Seahawks, they had 12. You get the picture. All three of those teams were able to move the ball on the ground against the Rams defense which has been one of the best in the NFL this year until as of late… In their last three games (Falcons, Seahawks, and Lions), the Rams rank 27th in rushing yards allowed per game (153.3).
The run defense is not the only unit that needs to play better. Multiple position groups have declined in recent weeks. Here’s a look at my positional grades going into Week 18 against the Cardinals.
QBs: Stafford had an uncharacteristic performance in Week 17 against the Falcons, throwing 3 interceptions including a pick 6. For the MVP voters out there, this should not change his status as the frontrunner. He is still clearly above Drake Maye considering the difference in schedules each have faced.
Jacoby Brissett has able to fill in as a serviceable backup but the Cardinals roster is riddled with injuries leaving him short handed to conduct the offense.
RBs: Kyren Williams and Blake Corum both suffered ankle injuries in the loss to the Falcons. Corum’s appeared to be more significant than Kyren’s as Kyren was able to return in the second half. The Rams haven’t leaned into the run game nearly as much as they should have in recent weeks. They will need it in the playoffs so look for them to get back into that game flow against Arizona, a team they mauled in the trenches in Week 14.
Michael Carter and Emari Demarcado are expected to split the carries for Arizona with James Connor on IR. Neither have been effective in the ground game but Carter is targeted in the passing game on occasion.
WRs: Puka Nacua was held in check in the Week 17 loss. Nacua only caught 50% of the passes thrown his way and he only tallied 47 receiving yards. Davante Adams is still expected to miss Week 18 to continue resting his hamstring but should be in line to return for the first round of the playoffs. I looks like Sean McVay is trying to figure out who is third receiver between Xavier Smith, Konata Mumpfield, and Tutu Atwell. The snap share was: 51% : 66% : 20% respectively but Smith was routinely getting open in Atlanta’s secondary.
Arizona will be without Marvin Harrison Jr (heel) and Greg Dortsch. Michael Wilson will be their primary option along with Jalen Brooks.
TEs: Terrance Ferguson continues to be a downfield weapon for McVay’s 13...
