The Rams are preparing to face top defenses in the NFL

The Los Angeles Rams (5-5) face a defense that allows an average of 273.1 yards per game the fewest yards of any NFL defense. To take down the red-hot Philadelphia Eagles (8-2), the Rams must focus on their passing game, as the Eagles’ biggest weakness is their pass defense.

Still, the Eagles’ pass defense is still second-best in the league, allowing just 173.2 yards per game through the air. They have the all-around best defense in the NFL and it’s not really close. The Rams need to play a near-perfect game to score enough points to win.

To exploit the Eagles’ secondary, the Rams will need to do their best to protect quarterback Matthew Stafford. If the Rams’ offensive line can hold up against the powerful Eagles front four that has 28 total sacks this year, it could be a long day for defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s group.

Seventh-year linebacker Josh Sweat leads the Eagles with six sacks and has been a threat in the backfield all year with seven tackles for loss. He will be the biggest priority for the Rams offensive four to keep Stafford off the turf.

Stafford will often have to target receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua against the Eagles’ relatively young secondary. With veteran James Bradberry IV on injured reserve, several starters must step up against a strong Rams passing attack that has several big-play threats.

Rookie cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper Dejean have yet to catch a pass this season, but have been heavily involved tackling in the open field and competing with receivers when targeted. Mitchell has a team-high eight pass breakups while DeJean has 18 tackles and half a sack.

Fifth-year safety CJ Gardner-Johnson has played very well so far for the Eagles in his second stint with the team. He has earned seven passes and two interceptions. Third-year safety Reed Blankenship leads the team with three interceptions and adds 38 tackles and five pass breakups.

Avoiding long-yardage situations will be critical to the Rams’ success as the Eagles’ pass rush has been strong this year. If the Rams find themselves in situations where they have to pass the ball, they will have a much tougher time achieving first downs.

The Rams need to avoid second or third-and-long situations, which were frequent in their loss at home to the Miami Dolphins two weeks ago.

When it comes to red zone defense, the Eagles have a 48.4% touchdown rate for red zone defense,
which is fifth best in the league. The Rams have shown their struggles in the red zone, but have done very well recently, after a 3-4 game against the Patriots in the red zone.

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