The Los Angeles Rams came back down to earth in Week 6 after losing to the San Francisco 49ers, 24-16, to fall to 4-2 on the season.
It was a disappointing showing in all phases for the Rams as the offense could not find any rhythm and special teams were unable to come up with a big play to change the momentum. The more pressing issue was the defense as they were unable to stop a 49ers run game that rushed for 122 yards and allowed a hobbled Jimmy Garoppolo to throw for 268 yards and three touchdowns.
For the first time during the 2020 season, Aaron Donald was largely neutralized when he was on the field. The star defensive tackle only mustered up two total tackles and one quarterback hit, severely hindering the defense’s ability to make plays.
Donald is normally a terror for opposing signal callers and should bounce back in Week 7 against Nick Foles and the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football. Surprisingly enough, Foles is one of the few quarterbacks Donald has yet to sack and after learning that during appearance on ESPN’s NFL Live, he admitted he is determined to fix that:
“I don’t know. I just ain’t get to him yet. I’ve gotta find a way, though. But I’m gonna go out there and play. I’m gonna study. Hopefully I get them opportunities and I get to him this time. We’re gonna see. Thanks for the motivation, too, by the way.”
Foles is not the most mobile quarterback but has done a good job of steering a Chicago offense that has looked better in recent weeks. However, that just means defensive coordinator Brandon Staley will need to be creative in order to get Donald more of those one-on-one looks he often capitalizes on.
Aside from getting pressure on Foles, the Rams defense will also need to be conscious of limiting receive Allen Robinson, who has been having a solid season far. Jalen Ramsey has been deployed all over the field, but this could be a matchup where we see him back in shadow coverage.
At 4-2, the Rams are still within the hunt for the NFC West crown but need to come up with a win against the Bears if they want to keep pace with the rest of their division.
