Rams 4 biggest causes for concern vs Bears on Sunday…

Rams' 4 biggest causes for concern vs. Bears on Sunday

[theramswire.usatoday.com]

Cameron DaSilva

The Rams open the 2021 season with a favorable matchup at home against the Bears. It’s not going to be an easy victory, but as 7.5-point favorites, it’s a game they’re expected to win.

The Bears do pose a couple of potential problems for the Rams, however. Their defense is good from front to back, while David Montgomery is a talented running back capable of ripping off long runs.

Here are four causes for concern as Los Angeles gears up to face the Bears.

1

Possible slow start for Matthew Stafford

Stafford has had a full offseason to work with his new teammates and develop chemistry with the Rams’ wideouts, but he hasn’t taken a single live rep in a game yet. As a result, his timing with Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp and the other pass catchers could be a little bit off to start this game.

The first few series will show whether he’s completely on the same page with his receivers, so don’t be surprised if he misses a few throws he would otherwise make. Sean McVay should set him up with some easy completions to get him in a rhythm before opening up the playbook more.

2

Bears’ defensive front

Even with Eddie Goldman doubtful, the Bears’ defensive front is one of the best in football. Bilal Nichols and Akiem Hicks are studs on the interior of the defensive line, while Khalil Mack and Robert Quinn are excellent edge rushers on the outside.

Roquan Smith gets better with each game he plays, too, and he could be a real problem for the Rams when they try outside runs or to get the ball in the hands of their running backs in the passing game.

3

Interior offensive line

This will be the first game for the Rams with the combination of David Edwards, Brian Allen and Austin Corbett on the interior of their offensive line. We know what we’re getting with Edwards and Corbett at guard, but this will be Allen’s first game since the middle of the 2019 season.

He didn’t play in the preseason, either, so hopefully he’s ready to take on a stout defensive front for Chicago. He struggled with more powerful defensive linemen two seasons ago, which is something that must improve. He said he feels improved mentally, too, having a better grasp of the offense this time around.

4

Slowing down Bears’ running game

We’re going to learn a lot about the Rams’ revamped defensive front this week when it comes to stopping the run. Chicago will surely want to utilize David Montgomery to take pressure off of Andy Dalton in his first start, which will be a test for Kenny Young, Troy Reeder and A’Shawn Robinson.

Los Angeles should be able to limit Dalton in the passing game, but if the Bears have success on the ground, it could level the playing field for Chicago in a game where a shootout certainly favors the Rams.