The Los Angeles Rams are in desperate need of a win, having lost each of their last three games. They’re in danger of slipping below .500, which would be the first time that’s happened to the Rams under Sean McVay.
The 1-5 Falcons don’t necessarily look like a dangerous opponent on paper, but they have the league’s second-leading passer in Matt Ryan, who’s tops in the NFL in touchdown passes. For a team with a secondary that features three new starters from two weeks ago, that’s a tough challenge.
Here are five matchups to watch on Sunday when the Rams visit the Falcons.
Jalen Ramsey vs. Julio Jones
This is the matchup everyone has their eyes on in Week 7. Ramsey was a full participant in practice Thursday and appears on track to play against the Falcons – which is great news for the Rams, who will have to start Darious Williams if Ramsey can’t play. Jones is one of the most physically gifted players in the NFL and having someone like Ramsey to follow him around the field is huge.
Ramsey may not have a full grasp of the defense yet, but the Rams can simply tell him to shadow Jones in man coverage and they’ll figure out the rest. These two have never squared off on the field before, so it should be a fun battle when the Falcons have the ball.
Sebastian Joseph-Day vs. Alex Mack
Joseph-Day has really come alive in the past couple of weeks, especially against the 49ers. He wasn’t in the backfield as much as Aaron Donald, but he certainly had a few impact plays and pressures. Mack is a quality center who has had his share of struggles this season, which makes this an important matchup for the Rams. Any pressure Joseph-Day can generate from nose tackle will prevent the Falcons from doubling and tripling Donald.
Interior pressure is a great way to rattle a pocket passer like Ryan and Joseph-Day has shown the ability to chase down quarterbacks in recent weeks. He’s become an important part of the defense.
Cory Littleton vs. Devonta Freeman
Freeman is a handful for opposing linebackers to cover and slow down because of his speed and receiving ability. Littleton is good when dropping back into zone coverage, but when asked to man-up running backs, he can get beat fairly easily. Freeman has caught 86.2% of his 29 targets and picked up 203 yards as a receiver, scoring three touchdowns through the air.
Freeman should get at least 15-20 touches and he’s always capable of turning any carry or reception into a big gain. His longest play of the season is 28 yards and the Rams would like to keep it that way on Sunday.
Robert Woods vs. Kendall Sheffield
Sheffield made his first NFL start on Sunday against the Cardinals and had a great game, allowing just two catches for 8 yards on four targets, according to Pro Football Focus. However, he’ll face a big test this week against Woods and the Rams receivers. Sheffield will see plenty of Woods in coverage, as well as Brandin Cooks at times, too.
It won’t be surprising to see the Rams test Sheffield early on, but if Woods can’t win that matchup, it’ll be on Cooks to beat Isaiah Oliver, as well as Cooper Kupp in the slot. Sheffield played surprisingly well last week.
David Edwards vs. Grady Jarrett
Jarrett is among the best defensive tackles in football, which makes this a tough matchup for the rookie Edwards. It’s his first regular-season action as he’ll get the start in place of Joseph Noteboom at left guard, which could be a problem for the Rams offense. Jarrett can beat even the best guards in the league, let alone a rookie making his first NFL start.
The Falcons pass rush has been non-existent this season, recording only five sacks in six games, and Los Angeles can’t allow this to be the game where Atlanta gets going. Jared Goff needs to be protected well, specifically on the inside where Jarrett will be rushing.
