I'd like to look at a replay of that November game and I'm sure it will play on NFL Network this week. But a few things that stand out in my memory and in looking at the box score:
- the Rams didn't lose from self-inflicted mistakes (turnovers and penalties). That said, a clean game is essential.
- Neither QB was sacked in that game. And in the Rams case only Donald ever even got to Brees (4 QB hits). Fowler, Suh and others
have to get to him.
- 13 rush attempts is not enough. And Gurley only had 21 yards on 9 carries running to the left side. Anderson and Gurley need to combined for
at least 25 carries.
- It is all about limiting Thomas and Kamara.
- Rams defense
has to be better on 3rd down. See above about Thomas and Kamara...
I look at what I wrote above and think about how Anderson and Talib could be big factors that were not there in that November game. And Fowler was in his first game as a Ram (played 44 of 71 snaps). Talib needs to shadow Thomas all day, everywhere.
Can the Rams OL repeat their dominant effort from Dallas, SF and ARZ? They must.
