The Los Angeles Rams (2-1) are hoping to bounce back from a controversial loss with a favorable matchup against a New York Giants (0-3) team that is still looking for its first win of the 2020 NFL season.
Although their potential undefeated start was spoiled by questionable penalty, the Rams are taking solace in the fight they showed by overcoming a 25-point deficit. Meanwhile, it has become evident that the Giants are still in the midst a grueling rebuild under rookie head coach Joe Judge.
Rams Offense Vs. Giants Defense
Despite the loss of running back Todd Gurley and wide receiver Brandin Cooks this offseason, the Rams have had no problem sparking quite a resurgence on offense as they currently rank among the NFL’s top four in total yards (449.7), rushing yards (170.3), third-down conversions (56.41) and time of possession (33:01).
The only notable absence on offense will be running back Cam Akers as he continues to nurse a rib injury. Fortunately, Los Angeles has gotten along just fine with Darrell Henderson taking over workhorse duties in the backfield and Malcolm Brown serving as a complementary option.
While the Giants may be coming off a lopsided 36-9 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, they can take solace in the fact that their run defense held this formidable ground attack to a mere 2.7 yards per carry. Of course, they remain as vulnerable as ever through the air and this will be magnified by the absence of safety Jabril Peppers, who has been ruled out with an ankle injury.
Giants Offense Vs. Rams Defense
The Giants’ offense is clearly still a work in progress under offensive coordinator Jason Garrett. This group has suffered its fair share of injuries to start the season with none more prevalent than that of running back Saquon Barkley.
Without Barkley, they currently rank in the bottom three in total yards (273.3), rushing yards (56.7), time of possession (24:41) and points (12.7).
Defensive coordinator Brandon Staley did a tremendous job of making the necessary halftime adjustments, however, the mistakes on defense ultimately came back to haunt them in the end. It is no secret that the pass rush has struggled to regenerate any pressure outside of defensive tackle Aaron Donald.
It will also be interesting to see what level of activity safety Jordan Fuller is able to put forth with his questionable status due to a shoulder injury.
Three Keys To Victory
1. Take Advantage Of Struggles Under Center
Quarterback Daniel Jones still has yet to find his footing this season as he currently boasts a passer rating of 69.2, which is 32nd among qualifying quarterbacks. His most glaring issue is the six giveaways (four interceptions and two fumbles) that currently have him tied with Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins for the second-highest total in the NFL.
New York allowed two sacks and six quarterback pressures to an injury-riddled San Francisco defense in Week 3. This is an ideal opportunity for players not named Donald or Leonard Floyd to leave their mark on the stat sheet.
2. Keep Feeding Henderson
Henderson is coming off a second straight week where he managed to register over 100 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown. His emergence in the absence of Akers spurred head coach Sean McVay to declare him as the starter and what better way to cap his first career start than with another stellar performance.
While the Giants’ defense is coming off a stingy performance against the run, they still have yet to face a group as high-powered as the one the Rams boast. Their balanced approach should help keep them on their toes and open up running lanes for Henderson.
3. Let The Deep Ball Fly
The absence of Peppers deals a crushing blow to a secondary that was already struggling with depth issues. The questionable status of Julian Love only amplifies their concerns over the top of this defense.
49ers Backup quarterback Nick Mullens completed 25-of-36 passed for 343 yards and a touchdown with a shorthanded offense at his disposal. Quarterback Jared Goff is coming off one of the best performances of his career and certainly has the means to take advantage downfield with wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods combining for 31 receptions, 421 yards and two touchdowns through three games.
How to watch
Time: Sunday, 1:00 p.m. PT
Location: SoFi Stadium
TV: FOX
