After facing the 49ers and Seahawks in the last two weeks, the Rams catch somewhat of a break in Week 7. They’ll take on the 1-5 Atlanta Falcons on the road this weekend, which might seem like an easy matchup but is hardly that.
There are several reasons for concern entering this game, particularly pertaining to the changes Los Angeles had to make to its starting lineup.
Here are the three biggest worries for the Rams in Week 7 against the Falcons.
Changes in the secondary
As good as Jalen Ramsey is, he can’t make up for all the losses the Rams have suffered recently. Here’s what the starting secondary looked like two weeks ago:
- CB: Marcus Peters*, Aqib Talib*, Nickell Robey-Coleman
- Safety: Eric Weddle, John Johnson*
Players with an asterisk have either been traded or are on injured reserve, which means the Rams will be starting three different players in the secondary than they did two weeks ago. Again, Ramsey is a special player, but it’s never easy for a team to lose two starting cornerbacks and a safety. In place of Talib and Weddle, Troy Hill and Marqui Christian will start – which shouldn’t elicit much confidence among fans.
It doesn’t help that Julio Jones will be lining up for the Falcons this weekend, as will Austin Hooper and Calvin Ridley. Matt Ryan is second in the NFL in yardage and first in touchdown passes, so this will be a huge test for the Rams defense.
Protecting Jared Goff
The Rams offensive line had issues before starting left guard Joseph Noteboom tore his ACL and MCL in Week 6. Now, rookie David Edwards will start in his place and promptly get to face Grady Jarrett in his first game. The Falcons pass rush has been atrocious this season, notching just five sacks as a team, but that doesn’t mean the Rams can take Takk McKinley and Vic Beasley lightly.
At this point, the Rams’ offensive line shouldn’t feel comfortable blocking anyone. Goff needs time in the pocket in order to take advantage of the Falcons’ issues in the secondary and that can’t happen if Andrew Whitworth and the big men up front don’t give it to him.
This is a perfect game for the pass protection to get back on track because if Goff continues to get pressured regularly, there may be no more hope of this unit improving.
Early road game in tough environment
For the second time this season, the Rams have to travel to the East Coast for an early 1 p.m. ET kickoff. It’s the worst combination for any West Coast team, given the time change and early start. The Rams won in such a game to open the season against the Panthers, but that doesn’t make this second instance any easier.
Not to mention, the Falcons are playing at home where Matt Ryan is very comfortable. Mercedes-Benz Stadium can get loud for opponents, which makes communicating on offense challenging.
The Rams have to stay poised on offense and not commit procedural penalties, which have been a huge problem for them. False starts, illegal shifts and delay of game infractions have to be eradicated from the Rams’ repertoire on Sunday.
