Turf Show Times
On paper, the Los Angeles Rams (2-1) are a more complete team than the Indianapolis Colts (3-0). But you are what your record says you are. The last time these two teams squared off was in 2023 Week 4 (ironically) at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Rams jumped out to a quick lead but allowed the Colts to get back in the game behind some special teams blunders (of course…). The Rams were able to grab the win in overtime thanks to the connection between Stafford and Nacua. 2023 was Puka’s first year in the league but a lot has changed since then. Puka has become arguably the league’s best receiver and has a new running mate in Davante Adam. Here’s how these two squads stack up this time around.
QB Breakdown: Stafford’s game against the Eagles just showed how he is just off the list for elite quarterbacks like Josh Allen. Stafford missed some throws that he would like back on 3rd down that would have kept momentum going for Los Angeles. With all that being said, Stafford’s offensive line has been one of the worst in the league yet he is still rocking a 89.7 PFF grade.
Daniel Jones has seen a resurgence under Shane Steichen. He is PFF’s No. 5 quarterback. He has not turned the ball over through the air. Jones can’t be overlooked with three quality weapons in Pittman, Downs, and Pierce
RBs Breakdown: Kyren finally made more impact in the run game. He still wasn’t explosive; finishing with 94 yards on 20 rushing attempts and only manufacturing a longest run of 13 yards. It was actually Blake Corum who stood out; averaging almost 7.0 yards per carry. Despite the lack of explosives, the Rams still managed 11 first downs through the run game.
Jonathan Taylor is the better running back heading into this matchup. In 2021, the Rams Super Bowl season, Taylor was the game’s best running back. He battled injuries in 2022 and 2023, but posted a strong season last year. An area where Taylor has made his presence felt more is in the receiving game. The Rams will need to be on alert for any halfback screens.
WRs Breakdown: Puka is Puka. #1 wide receiver continues to get it done between the 20s. Every team knows that the offense runs through him yet defenses still can’t limit his production. As I mentioned, Stafford missed some throws. The connection with Davante still hasn’t been at optimum but at least the two have connected in the endzone twice. I’d like to see Davante be the focal point even more in the redzone to ease the offense’s redzone woes. As for the WR3 position, I think we will see Tutu Atwell and Jordan Whittington more involved in this game. Breathe easy Tutu commenters.
Pittman, Downs, and Pierce will be Jones’s targets. None of them are world beaters but they each have unique skill sets that could pose a problem. Downs is the receiver that scares me...
