RAMS (4-6) VS. SAINTS (4-6)
SUNDAY, 1 P.M. ET, MERCEDES-BENZ SUPERDOME, NEW ORLEANS uTV: FOX, DIRECTV 712
Announcers: Chris Myers, Ronde Barber, Jennifer Hale
Now that L.A. finally has unveiled rookie QB the question is how much will coach grow the game plan for the No. 1 overall pick. Assuming Goff remains the starter, Sunday’s game will mark his first NFL road game and will play out in one of the NFL’s loudest venues. Though pedestrian in every sense of the word against the Miami Dolphins, Goff played mistake-free and did nothing to prevent the Rams from winning. “You could see the light there for him,” Fisher said. The game plan called for short drop-backs, quick passes, max protections and heavy run formations featuring RB
Goff was not asked to win the game — the goal was to not lose it. The Rams defense took care of that, failing to preserve a 10-0 lead by yielding two TD passes on the Dolphins’ last two drives.
About the Saints: After consecutive crushing losses to Super Bowl 50 combatants Denver (25-23) and Carolina (23-20), New Orleans finds itself at 4-6 for the third consecutive year under coach and seemingly more adept at finding creative ways to lose close games than win them. The Saints’ special teams have been anything but special, with blocked extra point and field goal attempts that have resulted in improbable game-changing scores for the Panthers, Broncos and New York Giants in Week 2. “Clearly, we have the right kicker,” Payton said in defense of undrafted rookie At a time when points are not coming as easily for the offense and QB a much-maligned defensive unit is playing better. The Jared Goff lost his NFL debut last weekend but didn’t commit a turnover.
challenge is for all three phases to get in stride.
Matchup to watch: Rams LDT Aaron Donald vs. Saints RG Jahri Evans. Donald, a two-time Pro Bowl pick, has 25 sacks in his first 42 career games, including a team-high five this season. He picked up a costly roughing-the-passer penalty during Miami’s winning TD drive. Donald will be matched against Evans, a six-time Pro Bowl selection who continues to play at a high level in his 11th
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
NFL season.
The eighth overall pick of the 2013 draft is elusive and needs to be accounted for as a receiver and as a ballcarrier on jet sweeps. He has been held in check the last three games, catching four of 11 targets for 57 yards.
Goff became the 10th consecutive No. 1 pick who plays quarterback to lose his NFL debut. David Carr (Houston Texans, 2002) is the last No. 1 overall quarterback to win his first NFL start.
KEYS TO THE GAME
1. New name, same defense: The Rams have won three of the teams’ five meetings even though the Saints have been better overall in that span. The physical style of play by the Rams’ defensive front four has been problematic for a New Orleans passing game that relies on rhythm and timing routes.
2. Force Goff’s hand: Making the Rams become one-dimensional with Goff under center might be easier said than done, but keeping Gurley in check would be a good start. Look for Goff to get the ball out quickly in an effort to negate pressure from an improved Saints defense.
3. Be special: The Saints reportedly will bring in an additional coach to assist special teams coordinator whose unit has been responsible for numerous kicking and return gaffes this season. Payton used the team’s mini-bye to assess the special teams operation and determine whether a new course of action is necessary.
Brian Allee-Walsh