Begin:The St. Louis Rams will
look to make it three straight victories as they take on theCarolina Panthers
today at noon. During their two game winning streak the Rams have outscored
their opponents (Jax & Hou) 72-33. A win puts the Rams above .500 this late
in the season for the first time since 2006.
Last Sunday against Minnesota Cam
Newton threw for three touchdowns, ran for another and posted a
career-best 143.4 passer rating in a 35-10 win. Carolina played a great opening game against
Seattle Seahawks in a 12-7 loss and had a heartbreaking last second lost to the Buffalo
Bills so they could easily be 4-1 and Vegas must also believe in them as
they are a 7 point favorite in this contest.
Both teams will head into this game about
as healthy as they can be and both teams play similar styles as they would like
to run the ball and use play action to attack the secondary. The Panthers have
been very successful shutting down the run as they are fourth in run defense
(88.8 yards a game), second in scoring defense and third in total defense in
the NFL. The Rams will look to attack that defense with upstart rookie Zac
Stacy who is averaging 4.9 yards per carry. Watch linebacker Luke
Kuechly today he was the NFL defensive rookie of the year in 2012 and is a
amazing player that many have not had a chance to watch.
Through the air Cam Newton will
try to get the ball to Steve Smith, Ted Ginn Jr andBrandon
LaFell. Sam Bradford who statistically is having a great start to the
season likes to spread the ball around as the Rams have 6 players with at least
12 receptions. Both of these teams are very similar and this should be a battle
for turnovers and field position.
I am not sure I believe the Rams are ready
to win two straight on the road but they have to start somewhere. Last week the
Rams won 38-13 against the imploding Houston Texans, however the Rams only
had 225 yards of offense in that contest. The Rams lead the NFC in red zone
efficiency and are third overall in the NFL and it will be important for them
to maximize their opportunities that they get today in Carolina.
Whoever runs the ball better on Sunday
should have an edge in this game. We have not heard much from Greg
Zuerlein this year with the Rams red zone efficiency but I think today he
could provide the defense with his leg. I think everything points to a Panthers
victory today but I think the Rams have learned how to win under Fisher and
will find a way to steal this one on the road. end he Pseudonym An Article
