It has been an interesting start to the 2019 NFL season as the Los Angeles Rams have opened up the year at 3-0 but still have not looked like the team that went to the Super Bowl last season.
Much of that has to do with an offense that is clearly still finding its rhythm and footing after some turnover along the offensive line as well as Todd Gurley’s lack of involvement.
While the Rams’ offense has yet to hit on all cylinders, its defense has been operating at a higher level than it did last season. The offseason additions of Clay Matthews and Eric Weddle have bolstered a talented unit spearheaded by defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, while rookie safety Taylor Rapp has already proven to be a solid piece in the secondary.
Aaron Donald continues to wreck opposing offensive lines, but there is still some room for improvement along the defensive line. Los Angeles saw Ndamukong Suh leave in free agency for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after spending just one year with the Rams and the team is trying to replace his production on that front.
According to Buccaneers beat writer Carmen Vitali, Suh seems ready to face off against his former team in Week 4:
DT Ndamukong Suh said the atmosphere in LA is good and he’s looking forward to going against his former team.
— Carmen Vitali (@CarmieV) September 25, 2019
Suh started out the 2018 NFL season with the Rams a bit slow as he was still learning to play alongside a dominant inside presence like Donald. However, it was clear as the season went on that he became more comfortable and looked like the player the team had envisioned when they signed him to a one-year deal.
The nose tackle has had a solid year so far with the Buccaneers as he has helped turn around one of last season’s worst defensive units. His experience going up against the Rams’ offensive line last year in practice should also prove useful to Tampa Bay as they look to slow down a Los Angeles offense that could explode at any given moment.
However, this is still a game the Rams should be heavily favored in given the fact they are playing at home, where Jared Goff excels and the defense is playing against a quarterback in Jameis Winston who is known to make questionable decisions with the football.
While it is also dangerous to underestimate any opponent, this feels like a game that Los Angeles should win and push their record to 4-0 on the year.
