We are going to take a look at group by group matchup for the Rams against the Eagles this week and see if we can see who has the advantage in which area.
Rams Offensive Line v. Eagles Defensive Line
The Eagles have buffed up their defensive line with the acquisition of Cullen Jenkins and Jason Babin. The Rams have a good offensive line, but one that has shown signs of struggling despite its high pay grade. Let’s call this a DRAW.
Rams Running Backs v. Eagles Linebackers
The Rams have a veteran running back in Steven Jackson who is slowing down, but can still pack a punch although he cannot run away from anyone, especially in the secondary. The Eagles linebackers are young, and they are starting a rookie at MLB. Steven Jackson will have his eyes on the “Mike” all game, waiting to get a chance to hit him. ADV: RAMS.
Rams Tight Ends v. Eagles Linebackers
The Linebackers do double duty here as they will also match up against the tight ends. The Rams will most likely be without Mike Hoomanawanui, but Lance Kendricks and veteran Billy Bajema should be enough to overwhelm the linebackers into matchup problems. SLIGHT ADV: RAMS
Rams Wide Receivers v. Eagles Secondary
Here’s where the real mismatch this week happens. The Rams have young and up or hungry receivers at every position. None of them have proven to be game breakers however. The one advantage the Rams will have is that Nnamdi Asomugha only covers one side of the field and stays on that side. He doesn’t follow the #1 receiver, so the Rams can dictate who he matches up against. Also, Asante Samuel is very vulnerable to a pump fake. If the Rams can block it up, the pump and go should be attempted at least twice on Samuel’s side. Still, HUGE ADV: EAGLES
We are going to take a look at group by group matchup for the Rams against the Eagles this week and see if we can see who has the advantage in which area.
Eagles Offensive Line v. Rams Defensive Line
The Eagles offensive line is being shuffled again a few days before the game against the blitzing and aggressive pass rush of the St. Louis Rams. The Rams have lots of different players and looks they can throw at the Eagles young and patchwork line. Mike Vick is the “X Factor” here as he has the ability to escape any rush. ADV: RAMS
Eagles Running Backs v. Rams Linebackers
The Eagles will run LeSean McCoy at the Rams when they are expecting the pass and hope to catch the aggressive Rams defense up the field or too far in pursuit to cover a cutback. The Rams linebackers have been vulnerable last season and in the preseason to the cutback. They will need to stay at home and follow their keys to keep the Eagles running game in check. SLIGHT ADV: EAGLES
Eagles Tight Ends v. Rams Linebackers
The Eagles will run Brent Celek out there, who is a solid tight end in his own right has been overshadowed by his coworkers at receiver, does not get as many looks from Vick as he did from McNabb, but he is still solid. EVEN.
Eagles Wide Receivers v. Rams Secondary
The Rams secondary is improving, but not that deep. The Eagles will run 2 very good wide receivers in Jeremy Maclin and DeSean Jackson all over the field and the athletic deep threats will be a tough assignment for the Rams secondary. ADV: EAGLES