Intriguing Game- Week Eight
Green Bay Packers at Los Angeles Rams
Packers: Each time when I think they’ve turned the page and improved as a defense, I’m often reminded that nothing has changed and they are still terrible on the defensive side of the football. Their pass rush is absent, they can’t stop the run and their secondary is one of the worst in the NFL due to their giving up so many big plays down the field. I watched that game closely a few weeks ago on Monday night against the San Francisco 49ers and they made C.J. Bethard look like the second coming of Joe Montana. They allowed him to sit back in the pocket and he tore them apart. The Packers did eventually end up winning that game and that was because of one guy and one guy only, Aaron Rodgers who continues to show that he’s still one of the two best playing his position right now. The one thing I can say is that he’s getting healthier and you’re beginning to see him use his mobility more and move out that pocket. Other than Brady, Rodgers is another guy you can’t give much time too because he will make you pay for it. I’m still trying to figure out who they are as a team because they aren’t off to their usual dominant start as we’ve seen over the years. They’ve been able to simply outscore their opponents and control things, but they’ve had to fight to win the games they have. This is the start of a tough two-game stretch for the Packers. The Rams this Sunday in Los Angeles and next week, they’ll face New England on Sunday night.
Rams: If you aren’t sold on this team yet, I definitely recommend that you sit down and you watch them because they’ve proven that they’re the real deal and although it’s early, it’s appearing like the road to the Super Bowl will travel through the Coliseum in Los Angeles when January rolls around. I know Pat Mahomes has really been the intriguing name within the conversation for MVP, but what about Todd Gurley? He’s really put together another quality season and has accounted for 14 total touchdowns (11 rushing and three receiving). He’s emerged as the best running back in the league and he’s the engine behind that offensive attack of the Rams. I can’t forget Jared Goff either and the strides he’s taken to get to where he is now and Sean McVay has a lot to do with his success. I’ll admit when the Rams made all their moves in the off-season, I was uncertain about how things would pan out because of all the names they acquired but it’s panned out so far. When the top receiving cores are discussed, how come nobody mentions the trio in Los Angeles? Brandin Cooks, Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods give this offense three weapons that can go down the field and make a play. The Rams are looking to remain unbeaten with Green Bay in town on Sunday.
Packers Player To Watch: Jamaal Williams– For the Packers to have a chance in this game, winning the time of possession battle is key. They’ve had issues running the ball over the years, but I think this guy can fix that if he’s given more carries.
Rams Player To Watch: Robert Woods– Brandin Cooks is the number one receiver and Kupp has become the number two. I think this guy doesn’t get enough credit for what he does. He can run the seams, he can work the middle and when you need him to stretch out and make a catch, he does that too.
Prediction: This has the opportunity to be a fun one at the Coliseum on Sunday and this will be the very first matchup between Aaron Rodgers and Jared Goff, two quarterbacks who both attended the University of California. I really need for the Packers to at least put forth some effort in playing defense because when they’re attacked, they stay defeated and teams will capitalize upon that. They need to get some type of rush or pressure on Goff or it will be a long day for them. This will be the best quarterback the Rams have seen all year and making sure Aaron is kept in the pocket will have to be the main priority on Sunday along with limiting Randall Cobb in space.
Prediction: Rams 38 Packers 27
