2016-Present

Week 14 Preview: Breaking down the L.A. Rams defense against the Philadelphia Eagles offense

This week’s huge showdown between two division leaders, the Los Angeles Rams and Philadelphia Eagles, should be a fascinating one, because of the great matchups within the game. With the second spot in the playoff pecking order up for grabs, the Rams hope to win this battle and stay on track for the NFC West title.

Matchup of the day

The best matchup of the game will be the Eagles high-scoring offense facing an improved Rams defense. Los Angeles will send safety Lamarcus Joyner and inside linebacker Alec Ogletree (if he plays) to cover Eagles tight end Zach Ertz in what should be an intriguing battle.

Ertz vs. Joyner

Ertz emerged as one of Carson Wentz’s go-to receivers during the young quarterback’s rookie season. Combining huge athletic ability with savvy route-running in the red zone, Ertz has caught 57 passes for 663 yards and 7 touchdowns this year. Fortunately, the Rams’ Joyner is the NFL’s No. 1 coverage safety, according to Pro Football Focus. The site also rates Joyner as the No. 4 overall safety, with a 90.3 overall rating. His coverage ability and hard-hitting style will make it difficult for Ertz for find space in the secondary.

Will it happen?

The Joyner-Ertz faceoff may not happen. The Eagles listed Ertz on their Friday injury report as questionable while still in concussion protocol. If he plays, look  for Wentz to focus on Ertz in the redzone. The Eagles will likely give him more rest between the twenties to shield him from injury.

The rest of the secondary

Los Angeles also matches up well on the outside. Cornerbacks Trumaine Johnson and Kayvon Webster will line up across from receivers Alshon Jeffery and Nelson Agholar. Webster must be careful with Agholor, who wins matchups with his technical route-running. Agholor’s route-running could potentially force Webster into taking some penalties. Meanwhile,  Jeffery uses his size and hands to win on his routes. Johnson matches up well with him, becauses he is a bigger corner with ball skills.

Stopping the run

Defending the pass will only be half the battle. If the Rams cannot stop the run, it won’t matter how well they match up in the secondary. The Eagles sport a three-headed monster at running back with Jay Ajayi, LaGarrette Blount, and surprise rookie Corey Clement. Each running back owns his own role with the Eagles. Clement has already recorded six touchdowns already this season as a part-timer. He does most of his damage in the red zone. However, Blount will be the hammer that Philadelphia uses if they have a lead. Ajayi will also get plenty of carries as the Eagles’ most versatile rusher.

Overall view of the matchup

The outlook doesn’t look good for the Rams. The Eagles feature one of the best running games in the league, and the Rams have struggled to defend against the rush, especially in the first half of games. Stopping a running game averaging over 143 yards per game will be everything for the Rams on Sunday.

The Seattle Seahawks laid out the blue print for how to beat the Eagles last Sunday night. They used a ferocious defensive line, led by Frank Clark and Sheldon Richardson, to completely control the line of scrimmage. The Rams need to use that same recipe this weekend, hopefully with the same sweet results.

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