6 Rams X-factors to watch on Monday night...

6 Rams X-factors to watch vs. Bears on Monday night

[theramswire.usatoday.com]

Cameron DaSilva


October 26, 2020

Everyone knows the value of players such as Aaron Donald, Jalen Ramsey, Jared Goff and Cooper Kupp, but each week, key role players have an impact on the game. For the Rams on Monday night against the Bears, there are several important X-factors who must step up.

Here are six players besides the stars who Rams fans should be watching closely against Chicago in prime time.

1

CB Troy Hill


Jalen Ramsey has played all over the field for the Rams this season, covering the slot more often in recent weeks. That has pushed Troy Hill outside, which is where he’s better suited to play. But against the Bears, it’s reasonable to think Ramsey will match up with Allen Robinson a bunch, requiring him to line up outside.

That will put Hill on Anthony Miller, the Bears’ primary slot receiver. That’s not a matchup that favors Hill much, especially after seeing his early-season struggles in the slot. Ramsey will make life tough for Robinson tonight, but Hill (and Darious Williams) has to step up in coverage.

2

RT Rob Havenstein


For the Rams, this one could come down to whether Havenstein is able to neutralize Khalil Mack on the edge. That was Bobby Evans’ assignment last year, but he got a ton of help from tight ends and backs. Havenstein will be left on an island far more, especially with Akiem Hicks and Robert Quinn also in the picture.

Havenstein’s blocking will be critical on Monday night if the Rams are to win this game. Mack is a game-wrecker like Aaron Donald and if he gets going, it’ll be tough to slow him down. Two years ago, Mack had a sack and forced fumble against the Rams in the Bears’ 15-6 win.

3

TE Gerald Everett


Everett has been a key part of the offense recently and should remain as such on Monday night. He plays about half the offensive snaps and in his last two games, he’s caught seven of the eight passes thrown his way for 117 yards. The Bears will likely focus on keeping Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp in check, which could open the door for Everett to have a good game.

The Bears have good linebackers and safeties, but Everett can create mismatches by lining up outside, working out of the backfield as a fullback and slipping out of tight formations after play-action fakes.

4

WR Josh Reynolds


Reynolds caught three passes for 55 yards against the Bears last season, but he should’ve had much more. He had a 50-yard touchdown called back due to an illegal formation penalty, which would’ve put him over 100 yards receiving.

He’s showed the ability to stretch the field vertically, almost taking over the role left by Brandin Cooks. The Rams will benefit greatly from him getting downfield against the Bears, opening things up for Woods and Kupp underneath. Reynolds could have a surprisingly strong performance against rookie Jaylon Johnson.

5

OLB Justin Hollins


Hollins played the second-most snaps at OLB last week, surpassing Samson Ebukam opposite Leonard Floyd. Expect that to continue tonight against the Bears, with the Rams hoping Hollins can provide a spark to a pass rush that hasn’t been good enough.

He’ll be rushing against Charles Leno Jr. at left tackle and his speed could cause problems for the Bears. Hollins and Terrell Lewis present different skill sets, which can be used to keep Leno off-balance. Look for Hollins to grab a sack on Monday night.

6

RB Darrell Henderson


The Rams must get Henderson more involved as a receiver and although this might not be the best matchup to make that happen, expect Sean McVay to at least try it. Henderson can make defenders miss in the open field and create big plays, which will stretch the defense on the first and second levels. He’ll force Roquan Smith and Danny Trevathan to cover sideline-to-sideline, while screens will help slow down Chicago’s pass rush.

Henderson has emerged as the Rams’ favorite running back and they need him to come up big tonight. Hopefully McVay finds ways to get him the ball in space because that’s when he’s at his best.