The Philadelphia Eagles delivered a comprehensive 37-20 victory over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday Night Football, showcasing a game plan that exposed the Rams’ vulnerabilities in all phases. Most notably, the Eagles leaned on their dominant rushing attack, with Saquon Barkley running for a career-high 255 yards against a Rams defense that has struggled mightily to stop the run. With the Saints (4-7) set to face the Rams (5-6) in Week 13, the question is whether New Orleans can replicate the Eagles’ blueprint to secure a critical win.
The answer? It’s possible, but not without complications. While the Saints may have the pieces to exploit the Rams’ deficiencies in the run game, their issues on defense could make this a much tougher matchup to navigate. Let’s break it down.
Exploiting the Rams’ Rush Defense: A Clear Opportunity for the Saints
The Rams’ rush defense, ranked 28th in the NFL, has been a glaring weakness all season. Allowing an average of 144.4 rushing yards per game, the unit has struggled to adapt following the retirement of Aaron Donald, whose presence once anchored the defensive line. Without their future Hall of Famer, the Rams’ front has been vulnerable to physical rushing attacks, and the Eagles capitalized on this by feeding Barkley for a monster performance.
The Saints have the personnel to implement a similar strategy. Alvin Kamara and Taysom Hill will need to carry the load offensively, and recent performances suggest they are up to the task. In their Week 12 win over the Cleveland Browns, Kamara rushed for 67 yards on 4.2 yards per carry, while Hill exploded for 138 yards and three touchdowns on just seven carries. The Saints collectively rushed for 259 yards in that game, a season-high for the team.
This ground game could be critical against the Rams, allowing the Saints to control the clock, keep the ball out of Matthew Stafford’s hands, and minimize the impact of the Rams’ offensive weapons. A heavy dose of Kamara and Hill will also alleviate pressure on Derek Carr, who is without his top two receiving options, Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, due to injuries.
Marquez Valdez-Scantling has emerged as the Saints’ primary target in the passing game, stepping up admirably in recent weeks, but the lack of depth at wide receiver places even greater importance on the Saints’ ability to establish the run.
Related: What Will It Take for Darren Rizzi to Lead the Saints Beyond 2024?
Defensive Challenges: Can the Saints Contain Stafford and the Rams’ Passing Game?
While the Saints can borrow from the Eagles’ offensive strategy, replicating Philadelphia’s defensive dominance will be far more challenging. The Eagles sacked Matthew Stafford five times in Week 12, disrupting his rhythm and forcing hurried throws. Philadelphia’s defensive line, loaded with youth and athleticism, overwhelmed the Rams’ offensive line, with Milton Williams and Warren McClendon Jr. consistently breaking through for pressures.
While improved in recent weeks, the Saints’ defensive line lacks the consistent disruption that Philadelphia brings. Since their Week 10 matchup against Atlanta, the Saints’ pass rush has shown signs of life, recording six sacks over the past two games. However, this production level needs to be sustained if they hope to rattle Stafford, who is at his best when given time in the pocket.
Complicating matters further, the Saints’ secondary is undermanned. Following the trade of Marshon Lattimore to Washington and a season-ending injury to Paulson Adebo, the Saints are left with rookie Kool-Aid McKinstry and Alontae Taylor as their starting cornerbacks. These young defenders face the daunting task of containing Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp, two of the most dynamic receivers in the league.
The key for New Orleans will be to generate consistent pressure on Stafford. Players like Cameron Jordan and Chase Young must build on their recent performances and create havoc at the line of scrimmage. If the Saints can disrupt Stafford’s timing and limit the opportunities for Kupp and Nacua to make plays, they’ll have a chance to keep the game within reach.
The Taysom Hill Factor: A Game-Changer for the Saints
Taysom Hill’s unique skill set gives the Saints an X-factor that could be pivotal in this matchup. His ability to line up at multiple positions, including quarterback, tight end, and running back, adds a layer of unpredictability to the Saints’ offense. Against the Browns, Hill showcased his explosiveness as a runner, turning seven carries into 138 yards and three touchdowns.
If Hill can replicate this type of impact against the Rams, it will help the Saints control the game’s pace and create opportunities for Derek Carr in the passing game. By forcing the Rams to account for Hill’s versatility, the Saints can open up lanes for Kamara and Valdez-Scantling, keeping the defense off balance.
Can the Saints Execute the Blueprint?
On paper, the Saints have a path to victory that mirrors the Eagles’ blueprint: dominate the ground game, control the clock, and pressure Stafford into mistakes. However, the execution will be critical. The Saints’ offense must remain disciplined and lean heavily on their run game, while the defense must find creative ways to compensate for their lack of depth in the secondary.
The Rams, though vulnerable, are still a formidable opponent. With Stafford at the helm and elite weapons like Kupp and Nacua, they have the firepower to exploit the Saints’ weaknesses. This game is an opportunity for New Orleans to prove they can adapt and overcome adversity, even with a depleted roster.
If the Saints can replicate even part of the Eagles’ game plan, they’ll have a fighting chance to hand the Rams another loss and keep their faint playoff hopes alive. But it won’t be easy. The road to victory runs through Alvin Kamara, Taysom Hill, and a defensive line that must rise to the occasion.
The blueprint is there. Now it’s up to the Saints to follow it.
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