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Under the leadership of new quarterback Matthew Stafford, the
Rams have been solid, approaching spectacular at times, in
opening the season with a 4-1 record.
Los Angeles defeated the Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay
Buccaneers 34-24 in Week 3 before getting thumped 37-20 by the
undefeated Arizona Cardinals, only to rebound on the road last
week 26-17 against the division-rival Seattle Seahawks.
Expected to be improved, the Rams' passing offense is third in
the NFL in total yards (1,551), second in yards per game (310.2)
and tied for second in yards per attempt (9.2) as Stafford has
been efficient with his throws.
But even with two of the best defensive players in the NFL in
defensive tackle Aaron Donald and cornerback Jalen Ramsey, the
Rams are 23rd in passing defense (271.0 yards per game) after
leading that category last season (190.7 yards).
It doesn't help that cornerback Darious Williams was placed on
injured reserve after suffering a sprained ankle last Thursday
against the Seahawks. What does help is that the Rams are in a
soft portion of the schedule with their next three games against
the Giants (1-4), Detroit Lions (0-5) and Houston Texans (1-4).
"We're not the team that I think we are if we're not able to
handle (the Giants) with that maturity and let that affect our
process and our ability to focus and concentrate," Rams head
coach Sean McVay said when asked about a potential letdown
during an easier part of the schedule.
"... There's going to be a lot of work that needs to be done for
us to play well enough to try to get our fifth win against a
really competitive football team."
The Giants are merely trying to find out who they are going to
put on the field Sunday. Quarterback Daniel Jones exited
Sunday's 44-20 loss to the Dallas Cowboys with a concussion and
has not practiced this week, but he has not been ruled out for
Sunday.
The Giants are expected to be without running back Saquon
Barkley (ankle) and wide receiver Kenny Golladay (knee). Wide
receivers Darius Slayton (hamstring) and Sterling Shepherd
(hamstring) did not play last week.
The Giants appeared to be on the rise with close defeats to the
Washington Football Team and Atlanta Falcons. Then came some
reward with a 27-21 road victory over the New Orleans Saints,
followed by last week's injury-marred loss.
Whether it is Jones or Mike Glennon at quarterback, more will be
needed from the New York offense, which is only averaging 20.6
points per game.
Maximizing productivity with Donald breathing down the neck of
either one has the Giants' full attention.
"In terms of how to deal with (Donald), obviously there will be
some things in the gameplan, that we're going to go ahead
through the week and see how they fit us, what we do with him,"
Giants head coach Joe Judge said. "I think the biggest with him
is when you get into the game, being flexible enough to change a
plan based on what they are doing with him. ... You can't lock
your knees based on what you're looking to do."
Donald did miss practice Wednesday after coming away with a knee
contusion against the Seahawks, but he is expected to play
Sunday, as is Rams kicker Matt Gay (sore ankle).
--Field Level Media
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