The Indianapolis Colts (2-1) and Los Angeles Rams (1-2) are just about set to battle Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium for a Week 4 matchup.
The Colts will see the return of rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson while veteran Matthew Stafford will look to continue slinging it in Sean McVay’s offense. Before they take the field, we caught up with Rams Wire editor Cameron DaSilva (@camdasilva) to get the latest scoop on the Rams.
Buy Colts TicketsWe went behind enemy lines to ask Cam five questions about the Colts’ opponent in Week 4.
1
What have been the early impressions of the Rams' identity as a whole thus far?
Cam DaSilva: “In the first two weeks, they actually looked pretty good. They crushed the Seahawks and kept it close against San Francisco. They were balanced on offense and the defense was doing its job despite lacking talent overall, but things changed in Week 3. Against the Bengals, the Rams abandoned the run, struggled in the red zone and went 1-for-11 on third down. Right now, they’re a team with enough good players to compete but they missed Cooper Kupp on Monday night and haven’t gotten a lot out of their ground game.”
2
Is Puka Nacua the real deal, and how will his role change when Cooper Kupp returns?
Cam DaSilva: “He’s definitely the real deal. He reminds me a lot of Kupp, to be honest, with the way he runs his routes and makes defenders miss after the tackle. He might not make big plays over the top of the defense but he’s tough to bring down and has good hands as a receiver. His similar skill set to Kupp makes his role a bit complicated once the star receiver returns. They won’t take him off the field but he won’t be able to play in the slot nearly as much with Kupp back.”
3
How much longer do you see Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford being with the Rams?
Cam DaSilva: “I think McVay is here for at least a few more years after contemplating retirement the last two seasons, and I think Stafford sticks with him for a couple more seasons, too. He’s signed through 2026 and it won’t be easy for the Rams to get out of his contract until after the 2025 season. They picked up Stafford’s option this offseason and essentially committed to him for the foreseeable future, but if he decides to retire, their commitment won’t matter much.”
4
Who are some under-the-radar defenders the Colts should know about?
Cam DaSilva: “Rookie edge rusher Byron Young is having a very good season thus far, ranking second on the team in total pressures. He’s an incredible athlete with great speed on the edge, so he has the ability to chase down Anthony Richardson when he does escape the pocket. Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon, a veteran who’s been banged up throughout his career, has also been a real bright spot for the Rams. It’ll be fun to see him match up with. Michael Pittman Jr.”
5
Final score, prediction?
Cam DaSilva: “The Rams are underdogs and have a brutal travel schedule coming off a Monday night road game, but I think they’ll be better prepared for this one. And I do think they’re a better team than the one we saw lose to the Bengals. As long as the offensive line can hold up, I like the Rams to win. Rams 23, Colts 20.”
