The Los Angeles Rams face their biggest challenge since Week 1 when they take on the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Night Football. Among their biggest challenges will be competing against the Eagles secondary, which is allowing just 173 passing yards per game this season. When asked about the secondary Rams offensive coordinator, Mike LaFleur called out two rookies to whom they will be game planning.
How Will The Rams Beat Dejean And Mitchell?
Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, both first-round picks, have made significant contributions to the defense’s recent success despite not recording a single interception. Both have quickly adapted to the NFL level, most impressively by matching veteran playmakers in the open field. The duo has combined for 55 tackles and missed just seven (DeJean has 5).
Mitchell also leads all rookies with seven pass breakups. He has been targeted 41 times and has allowed just 23 catches.
“They can run. They’re great athletes,” LaFleur said. “You knew that coming out, but it’s already showing up on tape. For them, I’m sure they’re pretty excited in terms of what they drafted and how fast it’s starting to come along for them playing at the NFL speed and competing at the NFL level. Again, a great challenge for us.”
Both Mitchell and DeJean are in the running for Defensive Rookie of the Year. DeJean has an outside chance with +2800 odds, but Mitchell is second to just the Rams defensive lineman, Jared Verse. Verse is -165 currently, while Mitchell is +240.
This game could go a long way in the decisions voters will have come season’s end.
Much of the game’s outcome will come down to the Rams’ ability to protect Matthew Stafford and open up rushing lanes for Kyren Williams. The Eagles don’t have a formidable pass rush but with coverage in the secondary from the rookies as well as Darius Slay and CJ Gardner Johnson, it will be important to create opportunities for the run game and sustain blocks longer than average.
