With the Rams traveling to Atlanta for a Monday night game against the Falcons, they need to execute on all cylinders to secure a win in a tough environment like Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Here are three keys to victory that will ensure a 12-4 record heading back to Los Angeles with one game left in the regular season.
Pressure Kirk Cousins
The first key for the Rams to win against the Falcons is to consistently pressure Kirk Cousins. Cousins has shown from his play this season that when the pocket collapses and he’s forced to make quick decisions, mistakes and turnovers tend to follow. The Falcons’ offensive line has been sturdy at times, but a disruptive Rams pass rush featuring Byron Young and Jared Verse could expose Cousins’ limited mobility and force him into uncomfortable throws. If the Rams’ front can win early and often, it’ll tilt the game in Los Angeles’ favor.
Establish the run early
Secondly, the Rams must establish the run game early. Atlanta ranks 25th in the league in rush yards allowed (128.2 per game), which presents a major opportunity for Los Angeles to control the game on the ground. Getting both Kyren Williams and Blake Corum involved right from the start will not only wear down the Falcons’ front seven but also open up play-action passing lanes later in the game, which this offense thrives in. A strong early run attack will keep the Falcons’ defense honest and boost the Rams’ chances of controlling the clock and time of possession.
Limit explosive plays
The third key is to limit explosive plays, especially considering the talent of Falcons star running back Bijan Robinson. Robinson has surpassed 2,000 total yards from scrimmage this year, making him a constant big-play threat whenever he touches the ball. The Rams’ defense must stay disciplined in their assignments, tackle well in space, and avoid over-pursuing to prevent long gains in both the run and pass game. Neutralizing Robinson’s explosiveness limits Atlanta’s ability to flip field position and score quickly.
If the Rams can manage to do all three of these, expect a dominant win for a motivated Los Angeles team.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: 3 keys to victory for the Rams against the Falcons
Reporting by Matthew Colvin, Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
