The NFL welcomed football back in the Los Angeles area for Sundays just like this one in Week 6. There are two games within traffic jams of each other—with the Los Angeles Chargers welcoming the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Rams saying hello to a divisional rival, the San Francisco 49ers.
And while both games have more than enough interesting topics to make for a slideshow the length of a Sorkin first draft, it’s the matchup between the Rams and the 49ers that really has some serious Hollywood intrigue. Beyond just the numbers, too, with some of it even tempting our culinary hutzpah.
As you’re contemplating that dive into the unknown aftermath of digestion, also take these five burning questions into consideration as well.
5. Is “supremacy” in the NFC West losing its meaning?
The internet is handing out NFC West Supremacy prognostications like Oprah hands out cars to audience members.
What’s the deal, internet?
A lot of talk after the Rams’ loss against Seattle was about the Seahawks and Pete Carroll still reigning as Supreme Numero Uno in the NFC West. That hot take, as many would imagine, was confusing.
Obviously, the last decade has allowed the Seahawks more bragging rights than others in the division. They have a Super Bowl ring, Russell Wilson, and a 12th Man. But they also have a completely revamped team (a new era?).
On the other hand (or hoof), the Rams just went to the Super Bowl, they beat the Seahawks twice in 2018, and the loss mentioned above was a tight battle that was decided by one point—in Seattle!
No time to take that any further, either: Now, with the 49ers atop the pack, there’s more supremacy mumbo-jumbo.
If the 49ers come to Los Angeles and strike proverbial gold by laying a smackdown on the Rams, then—then!—are they the new hot order in the NFC West?
Regardless, the term “Supremacy” seems a bit watered-down in these scenarios. While this is definitely an awesome matchup, I don’t think a solid argument can be made for any of the three teams… just yet.
Perhaps we wait and just give them all cars in the interim?
4. Is this Rams’ sequel ‘Terminator 2’ or ‘Caddyshack 2’?
The team is 3-2.
True, there’s no shame in that loss to the Seahawks on the road. But, a home loss to the Buccaneers? A shaky performance against the Browns—yes, the Browns?
What’re we watching here, Les?
The Rams’ passing game ranks second in the league, behind Kansas City. But Goff has not looked stable and confident up to this point. He has seven touchdowns and seven interceptions. The running attack is 22nd in the NFL—and no one really has an answer for Todd Gurley.
The defense—that stout D—is ranked 26th overall. Hmm.
Look, sequels in Hollywood are extremely difficult to pull off with any kind of success. For every Terminator 2 there are a dozen Caddyshack 2s—ironically, if the Rams lose this Sunday, they might be channeling Kenny Loggins and trying to convince the fan base… “I’m alright.”
3. Is the 49ers’ defensive front a good dress rehearsal for a possible Super Bowl matchup?
While there has been a ton of praise for the New England Patriots’ defense, the 49ers’ D has been just as impressive. On the national stage last Monday night, the 49ers demonstrated how dominate they can be, with that defensive front taking center stage (or turf). Yeah, it was against the Cleveland Browns, but still! The team’s defense is ranked second overall—4th in scoring and second against the run.
That might be an interesting test for the Rams’ offense—sort of a dress rehearsal for a matchup against against the those Patriots, eh?
Just saying.
2. McVay vs. Shanahan? Or…
McVay against Shanahan, who you got? The question is finally becoming a fun one, because both teams are actually relevant for the first time in McVay’s and Shanahan’s tenures.
McVay leads the overall battle, winning three of four games, but he also comes into this matchup as the play-calling underdog. (Woof!)
Rumor has it, teams are basically going off of 2018 defensive successes against the Rams—which is football speak for “McVay isn’t adapting his game plans all that well.” Still, it’s Sean McVay. Not only is he a seemingly great reference for any coach’s resume, he also remembers plays from three years ago with insane clarity. A pigskin savant, if you will.
On the other sideline, Shanahan’s offense has been clicking. But he will also not have Kyle Juszczyk to help lead the way for the running game. That puts added pressure on Jimmy Garappolo, who isn’t exactly lighting up the passing game (seven touchdowns, four picks, and a 69 percent completion rate).
Take all of that into consideration, and it seems like the “on paper” separations of the two offensive prodigies is more about the other side of the ball.
So, maybe the better question would be: Wade Phillips vs. Robert Saleh?
1. Does this game mean anything for the Los Angeles Rams’ brand?
Don’t roll your eyes at this one, folks. That behemoth of a new stadium is nearly completed, and next season the Rams will be playing in it…along with the Chargers. I’m not suggesting we turn that dynamic into a “Lakers vs. Clippers” one, but I’m not suggesting we don’t, either.
True, that might cause many to yell out “Bandwagon!”, but I would counter that opinion with this: You’re pretty much shaming the caveman who found a Zippo lighter and fell in love with it.
A lot of Los Angeles’ inhabitants never had football, so this is a new experience. And now? Now, there are two teams to choose from, and that’s some severe information overload.
So, how do you choose a new allegiance?
Los Angeles loves to get behind winners—celebrities love to get behind winning teams, too!
Again, just saying.
