RAMS (9-3) VS. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (10-2) When Rams have the ballThe Rams are averaging 30.1 points game, tying them with the Eagles fo…
Welcome to another NFL Sunday.
The Rams (9-3) and Eagles (10-2) are underway the Coliseum, in what might be the biggest game of the day, while the Chargers (6-6) are also currently playing the Redskins (5-7) at StubHub Center. Keep it here for updates from both games.
The Rams are averaging 30.1 points game, tying them with the Eagles for the league lead. The Eagles defense is ranked third overall and first against the run, so this will be the toughest test of the season for coach and play-caller Sean McVay and quarterback Jared Goff. Last week, Goff passed for two touchdowns (with an interception) in a 32-16 victory at Arizona. Now the No. 1 pick in the 2016 draft is on stage with Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz, the No. 2 pick. Goff has passed for 3,184 yards and 20 touchdowns, with six interceptions. Goff is probably still without his favorite target, receiver Robert Woods, who is questionable because of a shoulder injury and is not expected to return until next week at Seattle. Rookie Cooper Kupp has a team-best 51 receptions, three for touchdowns. Running back Todd Gurley has rushed for 939 yards and eight touchdowns, and has 48 catches for 563 yards and three touchdowns. The Eagles defense includes tackle Fletcher Cox and end Brandon Graham, who has 8½ sacks. Safety Malcolm Jenkins and cornerback Jalen Mills are the leading tacklers, and Mills, safety Rodney McLeod and cornerback Patrick Robinson each have three interceptions for a unit that has caused 22 turnovers, third most in the NFL.
Wentz enjoyed an impressive rookie season and has built on that experience to lead the NFL’s third-ranked offense. Wentz has passed for 3,005 yards and 29 touchdowns, with six interceptions. He also has rushed for 283 yards, including 26 first downs. Running backs LeGarrette Blount and Jay Ajayi are a potent combination for a unit that ranks second in rushing, averaging 143.3 yards per game. Blount has run for 684 yards and two touchdowns. Ajayi, acquired from the Miami Dolphins at the trade deadline in October, has rushed for 229 yards and a touchdown. Tight end Zach Ertz, who has a team-best 57 catches and seven touchdowns, is questionable because of a concussion. Receivers Alshon Jeffery and Nelson Agholor both have seven touchdown catches. The Rams are giving up 18.5 points per game, which ranks seventh in the NFL. Linebacker Connor Barwin, who played four seasons with the Eagles before signing with the Rams, is questionable because of a broken forearm. Linebacker Alec Ogletree also is questionable after suffering an elbow injury last week. If Ogletree cannot play or is ineffective, Bryce Hager will play in his place. Lineman Aaron Donald has a team-best eight sacks for a defense that has forced 21 turnovers, fourth most in the league.
Greg Zuerlein provides the Rams with a nearly predictable three to four field goals each game. He kicked four last week at Arizona, the seventh time this season he has converted three or more. The Rams blocked two kicks against the Cardinals, and punter Johnny Hekker helped seal the win with a 70-yard kick that eventually led to a Rams touchdown. Jake Elliott has made 19 of 23 field-goal attempts for the Eagles. Donnie Jones is averaging 46 yards per punt. Kenjon Barner returns kickoffs (20 yards per return) and punts (11.1).
The Rams did not practice Wednesday because of poor air quality caused by wildfires. The Eagles spent the week in Orange County after last week’s loss in Seattle. If Ogletree plays, he probably will not be at full strength. That gives the Eagles an edge.
