This Sunday the (4-7) New England Patriots will host the (4-5) LA Rams, who just came off a Monday night loss to the now (3-6) Miami Dolphins. Optimism is high in New England as the Patriots are coming off an impressive 19-3 win in the “Windy City” against the Chicago Bears. Patriots’ defense lead the way in this win as they forced 8 punts, allowed only 3 points, and recorded 9 SACKS on rookie QB Caleb Williams.
New England Patriots vs Los Angeles Rams – Injury Report
Patriots staff and players were ecstatic to see Defense Tackle Christian Barmore back out on the practice field this week as he has been out for the entirety of the season thus far recovering from blood clots. When asked about the possibility of Barmore playing this Sunday Head Coach Jerod Mayo responded: “There’s a chance. We have a meeting with the doctors after practice today.”
The Patriots are also hopeful that Safety Kyle Dugger will be active this week as he has missed the last 4 games with an ankle injury. Dugger made it through the week of practice listed as “Limited” and now is listed as questionable for this week’s matchup against the Rams.
The Patriots may dodge a bullet this week, as the Rams have Outside Linebacker Byron Young listed as “Questionable” with a knee injury. Young has been a very impactful player for the Rams this year, playing all nine games and recording five sacks.
The Rams will not start Offensive Tackle Rob Havenstein for the second week as he is out dealing with an ankle injury. This will give 2nd year tackle Warren McClendon the starting job this week against the Patriots.
New Addition
The Patriots have claimed 29 year old Defense End Yannick Ngakoue off of waivers from the Baltimore Ravens. This could end up being a big signing for the Patriots as getting to the Quarterback has been a weakness for the team thus far this season. Ngakoue is expected to make his Debut for the Patriots this Sunday vs the Rams
Key Matchups
You can expect to see Cornerback Christian Gonzalez lined up against Rams wide receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp for the entirety of the game. Gonzalez has emerged as one of the league’s top corners this season. Both Nacua and Kupp have both had a shaky season due to injuries. Nacua and Kupp showed that they can still be dangerous as they both had good nights vs the Miami Dolphins. Nacua recorded 9 catches for 98 yards, while Kupp posted seven catches for 80 receiving yards. With Gonzalez on 1 of the Rams receiving duo you can expect to see veteran Cornerback Johnathan Jones on the other.
Keys To Patriots Victory
The Patriots did a really great job last Sunday confusing rookie Quarterback Caleb Williams, and bringing the pressure vs the Bears. This week vs the Rams, New England must:
- Slow down Kyren Williams
The Patriots run defense ranks 24th in yards allowed. New England will have to find a way to not allow Kyren Williams to have a big night as he can prolong drives and tire out the Patriots defense.
- Establish a run game
Although the Patriots have been extremely impressed with rookie Quarterback Drake Maye, in order to win this game they cannot be one dimensional. Rhamondre Stevenson will have to take pressure off of Quarterback Drake Maye.
- WIN THE TURNOVER BATTLE
The Patriots defense will have to make sure to force turnovers to get the ball back to the offense. The Patriots have averaged 16.0 points this season so they will have to make sure to capitalize on any extra drives they can get.
