The Los Angels Rams are looking to stay in the win column during their business trip to London to take on the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 8 of the 2019 NFL season.
The Rams are certainly no strangers to making the trip across the pond as they get set for their third international game in four seasons. While the league’s efforts to expand abroad have been ramped up in recent years, the prospect of such a daunting travel schedule has come with its fair share of mixed reviews from players.
Regardless, there is no denying that this has helped teams like Los Angeles establish a bit of an international fan base. They are looking forward to keeping that going this year against Cincinnati.
Rams quarterback Jared Goff is happy to see his team leaving their mark in London, via Stu Jackson of the team’s official website:
“I do enjoy the fans, different type of atmosphere that you get over there – where often times, they’re cheering for field goals,” Goff said. “I think it’s fun, I think it’s cool. We do have a lot of fans over there – not only for the NFL, but for the Rams. I remember the last few times we’ve been over there, just seeing all those people with those jerseys – that is fun.”
Rams wide receiver Robert Woods echoed Goff’s notion of giving new fans something to root for:
“I look forward to it, just going over there and getting to play football overseas, expanding and introducing football as always to another country but just going out there and expanding our brand as players, being able to make some plays,” Woods said. “I know it’s a little early when they show it (back in Los Angeles), but other than that, it’s a football game, just in a different location.”
Although the travel situation is hardly ideal, the Rams were able to get the job the last time around with a dominant 33-0 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. They will be looking to replicate their success against a Bengals team that is still searching for its first win of the season.
It is safe to say that both Goff and Woods will be expected to play an integral role in the offense after connecting for five receptions and 80 yards during their 37-10 win over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 7. The biggest concern for Los Angeles is securing a win while trying to leave London as healthy as possible before going into their bye week.
