The Real “Game of the Week?”: Eagles at Rams Preview
Photo Credit: Kiel Leggere , Philadelphia Eagles
Amidst the hype surrounding the upcoming Cowboys @ 49ers game, this Sunday matchup in L.A. is lying under the radar. This game has the potential to showcase the pinnacle of high-flying offense, especially with these two juggernauts. Both teams have proven that their air attacks are deadly, as with one misstep by either team will leave receivers like A.J. Brown or Puka Nacua punishing one another’s defense. Here are some factors to consider on why this afternoon matchup (1:05 EST) will potentially be an offensive masterclass to tune in to.
Cooper kupp is back home
Photo Credit: Isaiah J. Downing
The partner-in-crime to Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp, will finally be returning to the field on Sunday versus the Eagles. Coming off a reaggravated hamstring injury, Kupp opens up an opportunity for the Rams to take one step further into their already-dominant air attack. Alongside Puka Nacua, the fifth-round rookie sensation who has hauled in 501 yards and a touchdown through his first four weeks, Kupp is going to add another high-end display of reliability for Matthew Stafford to play around with. Against an Eagles team that had just been torched by QB Sam Howell, more on that down below, many should not be surprised if the monster combination of Kupp and Nacua breaks records. While this L.A. team has star offensive talent among their WR core, it may also be a battle of decision-making for Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford.
“…I think it is good for guys to have complementary skillsets, which I think those two do of one another as well, but you look at it and it’s a fun thing to be able to work through”
(Sean McVay on the “good” problem of which WR will get the ball).
Will the Eagles defense hold?
Photo Credit: Eric Hartline
The other half of the coin that potentially can turn this game into a high-scoring slugfest is the bipolar nature of the Philadelphia Eagles. Against the Commanders, the Eagles offense was flying, especially through their passing game. A.J. Brown’s 175 yard plus 2 touchdown onslaught on Sunday merely demonstrated another one of the many ways the Eagles’ offense can succeed. Whether it’s through D’Andre Swift, Devonta Smith, Brown, or a combination of the three, the Eagles offense can keep up with whatever star-duo at WR they face. However, as the league’s 27th ranked defense in pass protection, the Eagles have gave fans too many heart attacks and close, one-possession games to convince anyone that this backfield can get the job done. Albeit, injuries and forced rotations in coverage have put the Eagles secondary in uncomfortable positions. Nonetheless, if this team looks to maintain their title as a championship contender, this secondary will have to dig deep. The Eagles defense can either change their negative narrative starting this Sunday against Matthew Stafford and his WR core, or it could be the dagger that snaps the Eagles’ perfect record. Either way, expect some deep shots to be taken.
