Subscribe
Follow Us
The Los Angeles Rams are on a three-game losing stretch, putting their record at 3-3, good for third in a competitive NFC West division. Luckily, their next opponent is the 1-5 Atlanta Falcons, who have lost four straight games since defeating the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Night Football.
Here are four reasons why the Rams will beat the lowly Falcons in Sunday's Week 7 tilt.
1. Falcons' Pass Rush is Among the Worst in the League
The Rams' offensive line has disappointed in 2019. The Falcons' pass rush may be even more disappointing. Through six games, Dan Quinn's defense has a total of five sacks, tied with the Miami Dolphins for worst in the NFL. On Sunday, they were unable to get to Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray, who was sacked 21 times before then.
Jared Goff struggles under pressure, but he's also one of the NFL's best without it. On Sunday, Rams faithful should see the best version of Goff against a pass rush that isn't expected to be able to get to him often.
2. Sean McVay's Bounce-Back Game
Sean McVay's bounce-back game was supposed to be against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 5. Needless to say, that didn't happen. Then it was supposed to happen against the undefeated San Francisco 49ers in Week 6. That also didn't come to fruition. However, there are major differences between playing the Seahawks and 49ers — two playoff teams — and the struggling Falcons.
Although the Falcons are desperate for a win, so are the Rams. While choosing McVay over the Falcons to bounce back is a little subjective, he should be able to do so on Sunday. The 33-year-old head coach is an adaptable mind and he won't have to face an elite defense or offense this week.
Furthermore, McVay won't “lie down” as most head coaches do during losing streaks.
3. Todd Gurley's Possible Return
The Rams are hopeful that running back Todd Gurley will return on Sunday, who didn't play in Week 6 due to a quadriceps injury. Though the superstar back hasn't had the MVP-esque season expected out of him — tallying 78 touches for 338 yards and five touchdowns — he is still a difference-maker for the Rams offense.
If Gurley plays, the Falcons should be terrified, considering they have trouble defending running backs. Atlanta is 20th in the NFL in rushing yards allowed to running backs (592) and 25th in touchdowns (fifth). Though they are around league average for receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns allowed to running backs, Gurley should have a field day.
Even if Gurley doesn't return, the Rams should have a field day between veteran Malcolm Brown and the explosive rookie Darrell Henderson.
4. A Turnover-Prone Falcons Offense
The Falcons aren't the most turnover-prone offense in the NFL, but they don't do themselves any favors with their seven interceptions and one fumble lost on the year. Alhough Matt Ryan is throwing the ball for a lot of yards, the Falcons' offense continues to shoot themselves in the foot.
The Rams boast a defense capable of exploiting Ryan's turnover issues, despite hovering around league average in interceptions (five) and fumbles recovered (one).
Why?
Simply put, Aaron Donald. The Falcons' offensive line is a struggling unit. Expect Donald, Dante Fowler, Samson Ebukam and whoever decides to get to the passer to take advantage of that. Basically, the Rams will force Ryan to think quick — which will force a lot of turnovers.
