Rams secondary could be the big-play Packers' kryptonite

[theramswire.usatoday.com]

Cameron DaSilva

The Green Bay Packers did a lot of things well on offense during the regular season. Not only did they lead the league in scoring with an average of 31.8 points per game, but they also had the fewest turnovers, scored on an NFL-high 49.7% of their drives and were the most efficient team in the red zone, finding the end zone 80% of the time when reaching the opponent’s 20-yard line.

The Packers also created the most big plays through the air of any team in the NFL. Aaron Rodgers completed 14 passes that went for at least 40 yards, tied for the most in football with the Cardinals. Additionally, they scored 13 touchdowns of at least 20 yards, which was tied for sixth-most in the league.

This big-play offense could meet its match on Saturday afternoon, though, when the Los Angeles Rams visit Lambeau Field. No team was better at preventing big plays through the air than the Rams.

During the regular season, the Rams allowed only two passing touchdowns longer than 20 yards. That’s the fewest in the league, one fewer than the Saints and three fewer than every other team.

According to Pro Football Focus, neither of those touchdown passes were given up by the cornerbacks, which gives the Rams the only cornerback unit not to allow a 20-yard touchdown pass this season.

One was a 44-yarder to George Kittle, and the other was a 59-yarder to Dan Arnold on a blown coverage.


Additionally, the Rams only gave up four passes of at least 40 yards, which is yet another example of how good they are at preventing big plays downfield. That was tied for the fewest in the league with the Ravens.

The Packers are a really tough offense to match up against. They obviously move the ball well through the air thanks to Aaron Rodgers, who’s the likely NFL MVP, but they can also produce on the ground, as evidenced by their eighth-ranked rushing offense.

But as good as Green Bay is offensively, the Rams have the skill players and scheme on defense to ground the high-flying Packers. If any team is capable of doing it, it’s the Rams.