The Los Angeles Rams face a new opponent on Sunday when they visit the Chicago Bears. Though they played the Bears last year, it’s their first time going up against Ben Johnson as the team’s head coach.
The Bears are the No. 2 seed in the NFC despite finishing with a worse record than the fifth-seeded Rams, putting together a strong first year under Johnson. Caleb Williams made big strides, too, progressing in his second season.
Though much of this game will come down to coaching and quarterback play, there are a number of intriguing matchups that could decide the winner.
RT Warren McClendon Jr. vs. DE Montez Sweat
Sweat is the Bears’ top pass rusher and he primarily lines up across from the right tackle. That’s McClendon’s domain and the young lineman has not been easy for pass rusher to get past since he took over as the starter.
McClendon has allowed just one sack and 17 total pressures this season, doing an excellent job protecting Matthew Stafford and opening up running lanes for Kyren Williams and Blake Corum. Sweat is long and athletic edge rusher who is usually good against the run, so McClendon faces a big test this weekend.
WR Puka Nacua vs. CB Jaylon Johnson
The Bears keep their cornerbacks on designated sides of the field most of the time, with Nashon Wright usually on the right side of the defense and Johnson on the left. Nacua plays all over the field, including in the slot, so he’ll be matched up with everyone in the Bears secondary.
Nacua vs. Johnson is an intriguing battle because of how talented both players are. Johnson is a ball hawk but he’s given up a lot of big plays this season, allowing 298 yards receiving on just 25 targets – including 156 yards in his last two games alone.
Nacua should be in for a big game against Johnson and the Bears secondary.
CB Quentin Lake vs. WR Luther Burden III
Like the Rams, the Bears move their receivers around a bunch, too. That means Burden will line up outside and in the slot, challenging all of the Rams’ defensive backs. When he’s in the slot, Lake needs to do a good job limiting big plays and taking away easy throws for Caleb Williams.
Burden was quiet against the Packers in the wild-card round but he’s a speedy receiver with impressive explosiveness. Considering how badly the Rams’ corners struggled against the Panthers’ receivers, Burden and the Bears’ pass catchers – including Colston Loveland – will be a handful.
DT Kobie Turner vs. RG Jonah Jackson
Jackson is having a resurgent season with the Bears after a terrible year in Los Angeles last season. He’s allowed more than three pressures in a game just once since Week 2 and though his run-blocking numbers haven’t been great lately, according to PFF, he’s still a powerful guard who can move defenders in the run game.
Turner will need to win his matchups against Jackson as a pass rusher and run defender. The Rams should have success against the Bears’ tackles, one of which will be a backup on the left side with Ozzy Trapilo out, but interior pressure can push Williams into sacks and bad decisions.
Rams LBs vs. Bears RBs
The Bears will try to run the ball on the Rams, as they do against every opponent. They had the fifth-most rush attempts and third-most rushing yards this season, so they’re built on their ground game. Nate Landman and Omar Speights both played well against the Panthers’ rushing attack, and they’ll have to keep that up this week against D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai.
This will be a physical and mental test, given the forecasted weather conditions. Landman and Speights must not wear down as the game goes on, no matter how cold it gets. The Bears could challenge the Rams’ toughness with their ground game.
Rams pass rush vs. QB Caleb Williams
This isn’t just about pressuring Williams. It’s about containing him. He’s elusive and willing to break contain when the pocket collapses, trying to buy time and create big plays down the field by straining the defenders in coverage.
Pressuring Williams and keeping him in the pocket can make a big difference for Los Angeles. He has just 5.5 yards per attempt when pressured, per PFF, which is 29th among qualified quarterbacks. His 65.9 passer rating when pressured is also ranked 28th at the position.
Honorable mention: Everyone vs. the cold
No team has an advantage based on the weather. Everyone has to play in it and deal with blistering cold winds. It’ll come down to who handles it better and avoids costly turnovers and mistakes because of the elements.
Is the ball going to slip out of a quarterback’s hand? Will a pass go through a receiver’s hands and result in an interception? Will a kicker miss a short field goal because of the wind?
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: 6 big matchups that will decide Rams vs. Bears on Sunday
Reporting by Cameron DaSilva, Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
