A Road Map to Victory: 5 Keys for the Rams to Upset the Eagles

 

The Los Angeles Rams are heading into a hostile environment at Lincoln Financial Field, facing the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles in a pivotal early-season NFC matchup. While both teams are 2-0, the Eagles are a formidable opponent, especially at home, where they have an 11-game winning streak. To pull off the upset, the Rams will need to execute a flawless game plan. Here are five keys to a Rams victory:

1. Contain Saquon Barkley and the Eagles’ Rushing Attack

The Eagles’ offense is built on the strength of their running game, and they have one of the most explosive backs in the league in Saquon Barkley. Barkley has a history of dominating the Rams, and he has already put up 148 rushing yards in the Eagles’ first two games. The Eagles’ rushing attack, which ranks 7th in the league, is a potent mix of power and speed, and it is the engine that drives their offense.

For the Rams to win, they must stop the run. Their defense, which is ranked 16th against the run, has a tough task ahead. They must win the battle in the trenches, with players like Aaron Donald and rookie defensive end Braden Fiske stepping up to slow down Barkley and the Eagles’ formidable offensive line. If the Rams can force the Eagles into obvious passing situations, it will give their talented pass rush a chance to get after Jalen Hurts.

2. Win the “Tush Push” Battle

This is not a key to a Rams victory; it is the key. The Eagles’ “tush push” or “Brotherly Shove” is the most successful—and controversial—play in the NFL. They used it seven times against the Chiefs, and Jalen Hurts is a master at getting the yard or more needed. The Rams’ defense, which is fourth in the league in yards allowed, will face a unique challenge in trying to stop this play.

The Rams’ defensive front will need to be disciplined, stout, and aggressive. They must try to get low and split the line to stop the surge, a task that has proven difficult for every team in the NFL. If the Rams can get one or two key stops on this play, it could be the difference between a win and a loss.

3. Let Matthew Stafford and the Offense Attack a Weak Eagles’ Pass Defense

While the Eagles are a physical and well-coached team, their defense has a weakness: their pass defense, which ranks 31st in the league, has been susceptible to big plays. The Rams, with a passing attack that ranks 8th in the league, are in a perfect position to exploit this weakness.

Matthew Stafford has been efficient this season, completing 44 of 62 passes for 543 yards and three touchdowns. He has a wealth of weapons at his disposal, including receivers Puka Nacua, who leads the NFL in receptions, and Davante Adams, who has been a strong addition to the offense. If Stafford can get into a rhythm, he can pick apart the Eagles’ secondary and put up enough points to keep pace with their offense.

4. Protect Stafford from a New-Look Eagles’ Pass Rush

The Eagles’ pass rush, which was a dominant force last season, has been somewhat muted this year, with just three sacks in two games. However, the Eagles’ recent signing of veteran defensive end Za’Darius Smith could change that. The Rams’ offensive line, which has given up four sacks in two games, must be disciplined in their pass protection.

Rams’ offensive tackles, Alaric Jackson and Rob Havenstein, will need to be at their best against Smith and the Eagles’ young edge rushers. If the Rams can give Stafford time to throw, he can hit his receivers downfield and make big plays. However, if the Eagles can generate pressure, it will make it difficult for the Rams to sustain drives and score points.

5. Win the Turnover Battle

In a game between two evenly matched teams, the turnover battle is often the deciding factor. Both the Rams and the Eagles have a positive turnover differential (+1 and +2, respectively), and both defenses are opportunistic.

For the Rams to win, they must protect the football. Matthew Stafford has thrown one interception so far this season, and he must avoid any costly turnovers that could give the Eagles a short field or momentum. The Rams’ defense, led by Byron Young’s three sacks, must also continue to be opportunistic and force turnovers. If the Rams can win the turnover battle, it will give them a massive advantage in a game that is likely to come down to the wire.