4 key matchups to watch in Rams vs. Panthers on Sunday

[theramswire.usatoday.com] 4 key matchups to watch in Rams vs. Panthers on Sunday


Cameron DaSilva
October 13, 2022 11:58 am PT

The Los Angeles Rams get a very favorable matchup with the Carolina Panthers in Week 6 as they seek their third win of the season. No team can be overlooked, especially for the Rams this year, but this is a game Los Angeles should win at home.

In order for the Rams to come out of Week 6 victorious, they’ll need to win these four individual matchups on the field Sunday afternoon.

1
CB Jalen Ramsey vs. WR D.J. Moore
Moore has been incredibly quiet this year. He hasn’t had more than 59 yards in a single game and has a career-low catch rate of 46%. He moves all around the formation, just as Ramsey does, so this will be a fun matchup to watch on Sunday.

Moore is the Panthers’ best wide receiver and with P.J. Walker under center now, Moore could get increased opportunities, especially with Matt Rhule gone, too.


2
RT Rob Havenstein vs. DE Brian Burns
Burns has four sacks on the year, cementing himself as the Panthers’ best edge rusher. Havenstein is usually a wall at right tackle but this season has been a frustrating one for the veteran.

Joe Noteboom is going to endure his share of struggles at left tackle, but the Rams can’t afford to have Havenstein get worked in pass protection, too. Keeping Matthew Stafford upright is essential and Burns is the biggest threat to that.


3
LB Bobby Wagner vs. RB Christian McCaffrey
McCaffrey is much more than just a running back. He can split out wide and catch passes or run perfect routes out of the backfield. That makes him extremely difficult to cover for any defender, particularly a linebacker.

Wagner and Ernest Jones will be the primary defenders tasked with stopping McCaffrey and they’ll need to wrap up the elusive running back, while also not giving him much space when he does go out as a pass catcher. Walker will likely check down a bunch, so Wagner will be busy.


4
OLB Terrell Lewis vs. LT Ikem Ekwonu
The rookie Ekwonu has played respectably well at left tackle, only allowing three sacks and earning a PFF grade of 67.1 through five weeks. Lewis’ speed and length could give Ekwonu fits on the edge, though.

With Leonard Floyd being a bit quiet this season, the Rams need Lewis to step up. This is a pivotal matchup when Los Angeles is on D.