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The playoffs are in sight for the Los Angeles Rams after a dominant performance at the Seattle Seahawks last Sunday. Now the years of frustration are near an end for the Rams as they attempt to clinch the NFC West against the Tennessee Titans on Christmas Eve.
Many experts will point to the Titans defense, led by legendary defensive coordinator Dick Lebeau, as the thorn in the Rams side this weekend. But it really comes down to the Titans scoring enough points to keep up with the Rams. The Titans run a complicated yet throwback offense that features two solid running backs in Derrick Henry and DeMarco Murray. Stopping the “Exotic Smashmouth” offense, as it’s dubbed, will be the biggest factor in the Rams success on Sunday.
The running game
The dynamic duo has ripped off Todd Gurley-like numbers this season. With over 1,700 yards rushing and ten touchdowns between them, they are one of the league’s best combos. The offensive line, led by young stud Taylor Lewan, is also one of the most ferocious units in the league. The Titans run more misdirection and counter runs than any team the Rams have faced this year. This game will put the Rams’ improving, yet still below average run defense, to the test. Henry may be the back to focus on. Henry is the younger back, and with Murray a possible cap casualty, look for Tennessee to try and ride Henry into the playoffs.
The passing game
The receiving corps of the Titans leaves a lot to be desired. They lack a true No. 1 receiver (sorry Rishard Matthews), and their best pass receiver is 33-year-old tight end Delanie Walker. Don’t get me wrong, Walker is a dynamic talent, but he is more of a complimentary option at this stage in his career. The Titans would be better off if they could get rookie receiver Corey Davis involved a bit more.
Davis is an exceptional athlete with good ball skills. But rookie receivers often struggle, and Davis is no exception. The receiving corps of the Titans going against the Rams secondary is a matchup Los Angeles must exploit. Expect the Rams to dedicate their front seven to “the box.” That would mean leaving corners Trumaine Johnson, Nickell Robey-Coleman, and Troy Hill out on a proverbial “island”.
Overall viewpoint
Playing a grind-it-out, ball-possession type of game has worked for previous Rams opponents such as the Washington Redskins and Minnesota Vikings. Look for Tennessee to try the same approach this week. Keeping the ball away from Goff and the electrifying Rams offense not only limits the Rams possessions, it keeps the Rams defense on the field. The Titans have a chance in this one, but the odds are slim. The Rams are going to stack the box, cover one-on-one outside, and still defend Walker with safety LaMarcus Joyner. It could be a long day for the Titans.
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The playoffs are in sight for the Los Angeles Rams after a dominant performance at the Seattle Seahawks last Sunday. Now the years of frustration are near an end for the Rams as they attempt to clinch the NFC West against the Tennessee Titans on Christmas Eve.
Many experts will point to the Titans defense, led by legendary defensive coordinator Dick Lebeau, as the thorn in the Rams side this weekend. But it really comes down to the Titans scoring enough points to keep up with the Rams. The Titans run a complicated yet throwback offense that features two solid running backs in Derrick Henry and DeMarco Murray. Stopping the “Exotic Smashmouth” offense, as it’s dubbed, will be the biggest factor in the Rams success on Sunday.
The running game
The dynamic duo has ripped off Todd Gurley-like numbers this season. With over 1,700 yards rushing and ten touchdowns between them, they are one of the league’s best combos. The offensive line, led by young stud Taylor Lewan, is also one of the most ferocious units in the league. The Titans run more misdirection and counter runs than any team the Rams have faced this year. This game will put the Rams’ improving, yet still below average run defense, to the test. Henry may be the back to focus on. Henry is the younger back, and with Murray a possible cap casualty, look for Tennessee to try and ride Henry into the playoffs.
The passing game
The receiving corps of the Titans leaves a lot to be desired. They lack a true No. 1 receiver (sorry Rishard Matthews), and their best pass receiver is 33-year-old tight end Delanie Walker. Don’t get me wrong, Walker is a dynamic talent, but he is more of a complimentary option at this stage in his career. The Titans would be better off if they could get rookie receiver Corey Davis involved a bit more.
Davis is an exceptional athlete with good ball skills. But rookie receivers often struggle, and Davis is no exception. The receiving corps of the Titans going against the Rams secondary is a matchup Los Angeles must exploit. Expect the Rams to dedicate their front seven to “the box.” That would mean leaving corners Trumaine Johnson, Nickell Robey-Coleman, and Troy Hill out on a proverbial “island”.
Overall viewpoint
Playing a grind-it-out, ball-possession type of game has worked for previous Rams opponents such as the Washington Redskins and Minnesota Vikings. Look for Tennessee to try the same approach this week. Keeping the ball away from Goff and the electrifying Rams offense not only limits the Rams possessions, it keeps the Rams defense on the field. The Titans have a chance in this one, but the odds are slim. The Rams are going to stack the box, cover one-on-one outside, and still defend Walker with safety LaMarcus Joyner. It could be a long day for the Titans.
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