Rams vs Wahngton: Who has the edge?

Rams vs. Washington: Who has the edge?

Rich HammondSeptember 15, 2017 at 9:12 pm

[www.ocregister.com]


RAMS (1-0) vs. WASHINGTON (0-1)
When: Sunday, 1:25 p.m.
Where: the Coliseum
Line: Rams by 2.5
TV/radio: Ch. 11; 710-AM, 100.3-FM, 1330-AM (Spanish)

RAMS OFFENSE vs. WASHINGTON DEFENSE
Good news: the Rams gained 373 yards last week against Indianapolis, fifth-most among all NFL teams. Bad news: the Rams had an average of 1.9 yards per rushing attempt, worst in the league last week. That’s not sustainable. Last week, Washington allowed Philadelphia quarterback Carson Wentz to pass for 307 yards and two touchdowns, so it’s entirely possible that Rams quarterback Jared Goff will have another big game, but expect Washington to make some adjustments to its pass rush and remember that the Washington coaching staff is very familiar with Sean McVay’s offense. Washington also will have to tighten up on third down, as the Eagles converted 8 of 14 attempts last week. EDGE: WASHINGTON

WASHINGTON OFFENSE vs. RAMS DEFENSE
The Rams’ defense, which contributed 16 points last week and allowed a league-low 10 first downs to the Colts, now gets to plug Aaron Donald into the middle of the line. That sounds like horrible news for Washington, but the Washington offense should be far better than that of Indianapolis, which lacked its starting quarterback and center. Washington features talented quarterback Kirk Cousins and a handful of solid receiving options, but Washington wasn’t very balanced against Philadelphia, getting called 44 pass plays and only 17 run plays. The Rams dealt with a couple minor injuries in their secondary this week, but the addition of a fresh and motivated Donald should be a major boost. EDGE: RAMS

SPECIAL TEAMS
Rams punter Johnny Hekker somehow managed to improve. Hekker, brilliant last season, didn’t get a lot of work against the Colts last week, but he put all five of hits punts inside the Indianapolis 20-yard line, and the Rams’ coverage unit didn’t allow a single return yard. Rams kicker Greg Zuerlein did fine also, as he hit field goals from 50, 35 and 44 yards. Zuerlein hasn’t missed since the start of the preseason. Washington kicker Dustin Hopkins is reliable. He made his only attempt last week (from 33 yards), and in three seasons, Hopkins is 55 of 60 from inside 50 yards. Washington did not break any long kickoff or punt returns last week, and punter Tress Way averaged 40.5 yards per attempt. EDGE: RAMS

COACHING
Is this two sides of the same coin? Rams coach Sean McVay and Washington coach Jay Gruden worked together for four seasons, first in the now-defunct United Football League and then in Washington. They’re close, and know each other’s coaching philosophies inside and out. Gruden has reclaimed play-calling duties, and Washington defensive coordinator Greg Manusky worked under Rams defensive coordinator Wade Phillips in San Diego. The difference is, Gruden has a major edge over McVay in terms of experience, and likely will make adjustments to counter the familiarity factor. EDGE: WASHINGTON

INTANGIBLES
The major question is how do the Rams feel about themselves after last week’s blowout over the Colts? They should feel good, but not too good. The Colts were awful, and Washington will be a tougher, and much more realistic challenge. It’s also a big week for McVay, against his former team. Some Rams players said McVay was “normal” this week, but others said they could tell he was extra pumped up to be facing Washington. Will McVay overthink this game, and second-guess some of his own decisions as a play-caller? He did a good job last week and needs to stay as normal as possible. EDGE: WASHINGTON

MATCHUP TO WATCH
Rams guard Jamon Brown vs. Washington linebacker Mason Foster: The Rams did a lot well on offense last week, but the right side of their offensive line remains a problem, particularly in run blocking. Brown, Washington’s leading tackler last season, had a team-high eight solo tackles last week, and could be a disruptive force against the Rams’ running game, which never got going last week. Rams running back Todd Gurley said he and the line needs to be more physical, and that certainly will be tested against Washington’s 3-4 front and Brown, who helped suppress Philadelphia’s run game last week (58 yards).

PREDICTION: WASHINGTON 21, RAMS 14
Fact is, the Rams aren’t as good as they showed last week, and Washington isn’t as bad as its 30-17 loss to Philadelphia showed. It’s entirely possible that the Rams might duplicate what the Eagles did last week, and have a good day throwing the ball and shut down Washington’s run game, but it’s not going to be easy. Gruden knows McVay’s tendencies and, on defense, the Rams could get exploited by Washington’s tight ends. The Rams’ clearest path to victory is to force more turnovers, and Washington had four fumbles last week, but expect a bounce-back effort from the Washington offense this week.