Turf Show Times
The Los Angeles Rams (2-0) and Philadelphia Eagles (2-0) are set for a 1:00 pm kickoff at Lincoln Financial Field. The two teams last faced each other in the NFC divisional round where the Rams came up 13 yards short of knocking off the #2 seed. Since the meeting eight months ago, there have been a few changes to their respective rosters. Let’s look at how these two teams stack up before kickoff…
QB Breakdown: If Matthew Stafford isn’t an elite quarterback in the NFL, he’s as close as can be. After two weeks, he is still the No. 1 ranked quarterback according to PFF with a 91.5 overall grade. Stafford is still probably not getting enough praise for his ability considering he is one of the last remaining pure pocket passers. His overall grade takes a hit because of his inability to tuck the ball and run. He is second in the NFL with seven big time throws against two turnover worthy plays. On the opposite side, Jalen Hurts has been one of the most conservative quarterbacks in the NFL; rarely attempting to go down field. The Eagles offense is built completely around the run game; limiting Hurts from putting the ball in harm’s way. Hurts is purely a system quarterback and game manager. Eagles fans will argue about Hurts and his team’s W-L record. But if you were to make the offensive line just average, Jalen Hurts is as pedestrian as they come.
RB Breakdown: Through two weeks, neither Kyren Williams nor Saquon Barkley have stood out…
Williams: 35 rushes, 132 yards, 3.8 YPC, 1 TD
Barkley: 40 rushes, 148 yards, 3.7 YPC, 2 TD
It’ll be interesting to see how the Eagles manage Barkley’s workload because he is on pace for 340 rushing attempts. He had 345 such attempts in 16 regular season games last year and another 91 carries in the playoffs. Regardless, Barkley is an elite talent with the football in his hands and the Rams must neutralize him to win this game.
Kyren is producing at the clip you would expect. He still lacks breakaway speed and explosion. I expect LA to use Blake Corum occasionally if Williams isn’t generating much like he did in the first three quarters last Sunday.
WRs Breakdown: To some degree, you are only as good as your quarterback. However, AJ Brown and Devonta Smith are significantly hindered by Jalen Hurts. They are quality wideouts capable of stretching the field. LA’s defensive backs should only be concerned with five yard crossers and fly routes down the sideline because that is the majority of the passing tree for the Eagles.
Puka Nacua and Davante Adams are and will continue to be the best tandem in the NFL. However, I want to give Tutu Atwell praise here before I continue. The intermediate crossers in the middle of the field are open because opposing defenses are having to respect Tutu’s downfield speed. I know fans are not seeing box score production but...
