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Avant-match Rams-Packers
GREEN BAY, Wis. – The Los Angeles Rams have changed the portrait of their team a lot since their last stop at Lambeau Field. They should soon have a good idea of how far they have come.
The Green Bay Packers (8-3), who dominate the National Association’s North section standings, host the Rams (7-3) on Sunday (16 h 25, RDS2 et RDS Direct) in a resumption of their National Association playoff second-round showdown last season.
The Packers won the game 32-18.
“They’re some of the best,” said Rams head coach Sean McVay.
“They’ve been part of the elite for a few years. You could say they are the benchmark in the National Association, with their 13-3 records in each of the past two seasons and qualifying for the association final. We’re going to have to be ready to play. “
Much has changed in the 10 months that have passed since this playoff meeting. The biggest difference is the presence of Matthew Stafford in quarterback for the Rams in place of Jared Goff.
“I would say there isn’t one type of passing he can’t complete,” said Packers head coach Matt LaFleur.
“Obviously they’re very aggressive, they’re the most explosive attack, I want to say, in the National Football League. I think they dominate for the number of yards gained per play. I believe it’s not just him (Stafford), but a cumulative effect of all the players in their ranks. They rely on several great players. “
Among others, the Rams have added outside linebacker Von Miller and wide-end Odell Beckham Jr. They are also less banged up than in the playoffs last season.
Cooper Kupp was unavailable in the Green Bay duel but has since become the most prolific wide receiver in the NFL this season. Aaron Donald, named three-time Defensive Player of the Year, was bothered by a rib injury during the playoffs. He is healthier now.
The Donald and Miller duo will challenge an offensive line in the Packers, still without star tackle David Bakhtiari and who has just lost Elgton Jenkins for the remainder of the season to a knee injury.
“Last year I don’t think Donald was 100 percent and they didn’t have Von Miller,” noted Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is due to be in his post on Sunday despite a broken one. toe.
“They added (Miller) to their group and a healthy Donald is a threat to any offensive unit he faces. We’re going to have to put in place a good strategy for protection. “
Both the Packers and the Rams will be looking to bounce back.
The Packers have lost two of their last three outings and suffered a setback the last time they met, 34-31 at Minnesota. The Rams were on leave last week but were defeated in their last two games.
The Packers haven’t lost two straight games in the same campaign during LaFleur’s three years at the helm. As for the Rams, only once have they lost three straight games to McVay, who is in his fifth season as head coach.
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