Patriots-Rams Preview: How Pats Can Slow Down L.A.’s Elite Pass Rush
**Foxborough, Mass.** – The New England Patriots will face one of their toughest tests of the season on Sunday when they host the Los Angeles Rams at Gillette Stadium. The Rams have one of the most formidable pass rushes in the NFL, led by Aaron Donald, Leonard Floyd, and Von Miller.
The Patriots’ offensive line has been a weak point for the team in recent years, and they will need to be at their best against the Rams. If they can’t protect quarterback Mac Jones, the Patriots will be in for a long day.
Here are a few ways the Patriots can slow down the Rams’ pass rush:
Establish a Strong Running Game
One of the best ways to take pressure off the quarterback is to establish a strong running game. This will force the Rams to respect the run and keep them from sending too many defenders after Jones. The Patriots have a solid running back in Damien Harris, and they will need him to have a big game on Sunday.
Use Quick Passes
Another way to avoid pressure is to use quick passes. This will give Jones less time to hold onto the ball and make it more difficult for the Rams’ pass rushers to get to him. The Patriots have a number of receivers who are good at getting open quickly, so Jones should be able to find them even if he doesn’t have a lot of time to throw.
Max Protect
If the Patriots are struggling to protect Jones, they may need to consider using max protect. This means keeping all five offensive linemen in to block, which will give Jones more time to throw but will also leave the Patriots vulnerable to the run. The Patriots should only use max protect in certain situations, but it could be a necessary evil if they want to give Jones a chance to succeed.
Double Team Donald
Donald is the Rams’ best pass rusher, and he will need to be double teamed on every play. The Patriots can do this with a tight end or a running back, and they will need to make sure that Donald doesn’t get a free run at Jones. If Donald is able to get to Jones, he will wreak havoc on the Patriots’ offense.
Conclusion
The Patriots have a tough task ahead of them on Sunday, but they can slow down the Rams’ pass rush if they execute their game plan. They need to establish a strong running game, use quick passes, max protect when necessary, and double team Donald. If they can do all of those things, they will give themselves a chance to win the game.