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The Rams prepare to face the best defense in the NFL
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The Rams prepare to face the best defense in the NFL

The Los Angeles Rams (5-5) face a defense that allows an average of 273.1 yards per game, the fewest yards of any defense in the NFL. To defeat the Philadelphia Eagles (8-2), the Rams will need to focus on their passing game, as the Eagles’ biggest weakness is their pass defense.

Yet the Eagles’ pass defense still ranks second best in the league, allowing just 173.2 yards per game through the air. They’re all the best defense in the NFL and it’s not exactly close. The Rams will need to play a near-perfect game to score enough points to win.

To exploit the Eagles secondary, the Rams will need to do their best to protect quarterback Matthew Stafford. If the Rams offensive line can hold up against the Eagles’ powerful front four who have totaled 28 sacks this year, it could be a long day for defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s group.

Seventh-year linebacker Josh Sweat leads the Eagles with six sacks and has been a threat in the backfield all year with seven lost tackles. He will be the biggest priority of the Rams’ offensive four to keep Stafford off the field.

Stafford will frequently need to target receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua against the Eagles’ relatively young secondary. With veteran cornerback James Bradberry IV on injured reserve, several rookies must contend with a strong Rams passing attack that possesses several significant playmaking threats.

Rookie cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper Dejean have yet to intercept a pass this season, but have been heavily involved in tackling in the open field and competing with receivers when they are targets. Mitchell has a team-high eight pass deflections, while DeJean has 18 tackles and half a sack.

Fifth-year safety CJ Gardner-Johnson has played very well so far for the Eagles in his second stint with the team. He had seven pass deflections and two interceptions. Third-year guard Reed Blankenship leads the team with three interceptions, adding 38 tackles and five pass deflections.

Avoiding long-yardage situations will be key to the Rams’ success, as the Eagles’ pass rush has been potent this year. If the Rams find themselves in situations where they have to pass the ball, they will have a much harder time making those first downs.

The Rams need to avoid the second or third and long situations that were common in their home loss to the Miami Dolphins two weeks ago.

When it comes to red zone defense, the Eagles hold a red zone touchdown rate of 48.4%,
which is fifth best in the league. The Rams have shown their struggles running in the red zone, but have been very successful recently, coming off a 3-4 game against the Patriots in the red zone.

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