Patriots-Rams Preview: How Pats Can Slow Down L.A.’s Elite Pass Rush
The New England Patriots will face their toughest test of the young season when they travel to Los Angeles to take on the Rams in a pivotal Week 3 matchup. The Rams boast one of the most formidable pass rushes in the NFL, led by reigning Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald and All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Slowing down this dynamic duo will be crucial for the Patriots if they want to pull off an upset.
Neutralizing Aaron Donald
Donald is arguably the most dominant defensive player in the league, and he has been a nightmare for opposing offenses throughout his career. The Patriots will need to find a way to neutralize him in order to give quarterback Mac Jones time to operate. One way to do this is to double-team him with a tight end and a tackle. This will make it more difficult for Donald to get pressure on Jones and create havoc in the backfield.
Another way to slow down Donald is to run the ball effectively. The Patriots have a talented running back duo in Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson, and they will need to get them involved early and often. By establishing a running game, the Patriots can keep Donald off the field and give Jones more time to pass.
Containing Jalen Ramsey
Ramsey is one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, and he is known for his physicality and ball-hawking ability. The Patriots will need to find a way to contain him if they want to get their passing game going. One way to do this is to use multiple receivers to create mismatches. The Patriots have a talented group of receivers, including Jakobi Meyers, DeVante Parker, and Kendrick Bourne. By spreading the ball around, the Patriots can make it difficult for Ramsey to cover everyone.
Another way to contain Ramsey is to use play-action passes. Play-action passes can freeze Ramsey for a split second, giving the Patriots receivers a chance to get open. The Patriots have a good play-action passing game, and they should use it frequently against the Rams.
Other Keys to the Game
In addition to slowing down Donald and Ramsey, the Patriots will need to focus on the following keys to the game:
- Protect Mac Jones: The Patriots’ offensive line has been shaky at times this season, and they will need to play much better against the Rams’ pass rush. Jones is still a young quarterback, and he needs to be protected in order to succeed.
- Establish the running game: As mentioned above, the Patriots need to establish the running game in order to keep Donald off the field and give Jones more time to pass. Harris and Stevenson are both capable runners, and they should be able to find success against the Rams’ defense.
- Create turnovers: The Patriots’ defense has been opportunistic this season, and they will need to continue to create turnovers against the Rams. The Rams have a high-powered offense, and the Patriots will need to force them into mistakes in order to have a chance to win.
Conclusion
The Patriots face a tough task in Week 3 when they travel to Los Angeles to take on the Rams. However, if they can slow down Donald and Ramsey, and execute the other keys to the game, they have a chance to pull off an upset. The Patriots are a well-coached team with a lot of talent, and they will be looking to make a statement against the defending Super Bowl champions.