Eagles-Rams Game Preview: 6 questions and answers with the Divisional Round enemy

In a rematch of a Week 12 battle that took place at SoFi Stadium, the Philadelphia Eagles are hosting the Los Angeles Rams for a playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday afternoon.

In order to preview this Divisional Round matchup, I reached out to our enemies over at Turf Show Times. The excellent Evan Craig kindly took the time to answer my questions about this upcoming battle. Let’s take a look at the answers.

[For my answers about the Eagles, stay tuned to TST.]

1 – After allowing the Eagles to produce 37 points and 314 rushing yards in Week 12, the Rams’ defense is allowing just 15 points per game and 100.5 rushing yards per game since then (excluding Week 18 when LA rested starters). What’s gone into the defensive improvement?

Why the spirit of Aaron Donald of course!

Somewhat joking there…maybe…I dunno. Anyway, first-year defensive coordinator Chris Shula shared his thoughts on the turnaround and said that improved communication has been the main reason. Early in the season, both Shula and his unit were finding their way and since the bye, everything started to click. Their worst showing by far was the first Eagles game which was more a flat-out domination rather than a lack of communication. The position coaches have similarly figured out where to put their players in the best position to succeed and it’s worked wonders. Regardless of how Sunday goes, there’s so much potential in this unit that they’ll be one of the NFL’s best defenses in no time at all. Shula deserves his flowers and should be a leading head coaching candidate in next year’s hiring cycle if his defense continues growing.

2 – What’s your confidence level in the Rams being able to slow down Saquon Barkley this time around? How do you expect the Rams to try to limit him?

I was reading a CBS Sports article earlier where they expect the Rams to give up another 200 rushing yards to Saquon on Sunday. That doesn’t inspire much confidence in Chris Shula’s unit but it’s not exactly hard to see. The Eagles have one of the NFL’s best offensive lines and have the size advantage over the Rams, which is why Barkley was able to thrive so much in the first meeting. Yes, LA has really grown defensively over the second half of the season but I don’t see them doing enough to slow down Barkley. Unlike CBS Sports, I don’t see another 200-yard effort from him. However, he should gain over 100+ yards easily on this unit.

I expect the Rams to try and stack the box on early downs to limit some of the damage. LA should also force the Eagles to pass the ball and see if they can force Jalen Hurts into some mistakes. This is a very opportunistic defense that can disguise looks and confuse Hurts even if they’re unable to get consistent pressure on him. My only other suggestion is for the Rams to pray Barkley oversleeps his alarm after eating one too many KFC Famous Bowls.

3 – Matthew Stafford has thrown 13 touchdown passes to just one interception over his last eight starts. What’s the key to stopping him and the Rams’ offense?

Matthew Stafford has by no means been perfect this season, but his steady presence in the Rams’ offense has helped the team return to the playoffs for the second straight year. In the works of noted philosopher Forrest Gump, the Rams’ offense is like a box of chocolates since you never know what you’re going to get. LA scored 44 points in a thrilling win over the Bills and followed that up by scoring 44 total in their next three games. When the offense is on, it’s dangerous but that’s a big “if” with this year’s team.

The key to stopping Stafford and the Rams’ offense is to disrupt their timing. Sean McVay’s scheme is well-known for its timing and if the Eagles can mess that up, they can rattle Stafford. Philly should also be sure to pressure him early and often and not allow him to sit back comfortably in the pocket. Sometimes when pressured, Stafford decides to be a superhero and forces a bad throw that should’ve never been made in the first place. Force him into making mistakes and the Eagles can win this one. Plus, they have the personnel along the defensive line to bully LA’s O-line and get to Stafford.

4 – Last time we talked, I asked you about the Rams’ kicker struggles. Sure enough, Joshua Karty missed a 47-yard field goal attempt against the Eagles. How are you feeling about him now and is there concern about how he’ll fare outside this weekend?

Joshua Karty must have taken any past criticisms I said about him to heart since he’s been outstanding since the Eagles game. Since missing that 47-yarder, Karty has made all 15 of his field goal attempts, including three from 50+ yards out. He was even named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Month for December/January. The Rams have largely whiffed on kickers since letting former Pro Bowler Matt Gay walk after the 2022 season. Kicker is one of those positions where teams don’t have much patience and it’s understandable. Rams fans should feel pretty good about Karty long-term since he’s just another member of LA’s special rookie class.

5 – Who wins this game and why? With the Eagles currently listed as 5.5-point home favorites, what’s your score prediction?

This should be a much different game from the last time these teams faced off. Whoever wins in the trenches will advance to the NFC Championship as it’ll be a matchup between the Eagles’ strong O-line versus the Rams’ young defensive line. LA was humbled the last time around and will do a better job at “containing” Saquon Barkley. And by “containing” Barkley, I mean holding him under 200 yards again which should be an incredibly low bar to clear. If that happens and the Rams somehow secure the upset, Sean McVay will be taking everybody out for victory cheesesteaks. I’m not worried about the Eagles’ passing attack and bookworm A.J. Brown. Philly advances on a late field goal in a defensive grind as Barkley does enough to secure the win.

Eagles 19, Rams 17

Bonus: Do you have some good resources to share when it comes to supporting LA wildfire relief?

Before answering this, I want to say what a classy organization the Cardinals are for making the Rams feel at home over the weekend. This is one of those situations that’s above football and they truly bent over backwards to help a team in need. It restored a little of my faith in humanity and what they did cannot be overstated. Because of that, I promise to never write a bad thing about the Cardinals again. Instead, I’ll preserve my energy and convert it into additional 49ers hate.

Anyone interested in supporting LA wildfire relief, please check out the American Red Cross or the California Fire Foundation to find out how to get involved. My heart goes out to everyone dealing with this tragedy. I’m sure any help they can get will be much appreciated.