It’s been almost eight months exactly since the Los Angeles Rams and Philadelphia Eagles played a nailbiter in the snow during the divisional round of last year’s playoffs. The Rams, of course, came up just short in that game, losing on the road, 28-22.
The Eagles went on to win the Super Bowl, but many believe the Rams might’ve enjoyed that same fate had they gone on to complete their comeback against Philadelphia.
Both teams have put that game behind them and are looking toward Sunday’s rematch – which is once again being played in the City of Brotherly Love. This time, the Rams are only 3.5-point underdogs after getting 7.5 points from the Eagles in the playoffs.
As is the case with each new season, there are a multitude of differences between how these teams look now compared to the way they looked in January. Here are some of the most notable changes for both the Rams and Eagles ahead of Sunday’s showdown in Philly.
Los Angeles Rams
Nate Landman at LB: Landman has been one of the Rams’ most impactful offseason signings, taking over as the team’s primary inside linebacker – a role Christian Rozeboom held last season before leaving in free agency.
Davante Adams at WR: The Rams cut Cooper Kupp this offseason shortly after signing Adams in free agency. Adams has made a huge difference at WR, recording his first touchdown and 100-yard game on Sunday.
Poona Ford at NT: Ford replaces Bobby Brown III, who left in free agency, as the starting nose tackle. It’s early, but he’s been an upgrade in terms of the pass rush.
Coleman Shelton at C: Beaux Limmer got the start at center in the playoff game and is still remembered for getting beat by Jalen Carter on the final drive. The Rams brought back Shelton, giving them a more experienced center.
Tutu Atwell/Jordan Whittington as WR3: Demarcus Robinson signed with the 49ers in free agency, so the Rams have a new WR3. Atwell and Whittington have both played meaningful snaps as the No. 3 receiver so they’ll both get opportunities.
Ahkello Witherspoon out, Emmanuel Forbes Jr. in: Forbes was on the Rams’ roster last year but he didn’t play on defense in the playoff game. He’s now a starting cornerback for L.A. and playing well. Witherspoon will miss 12 weeks with a broken clavicle so Darious Williams will get more playing time.
Braden Fiske is (mostly) healthy: Fiske left the Rams’ playoff game against the Eagles after just three snaps due to a knee injury, which was a big loss. He’s now healthy again, though he did tweak his oblique last week so his status will need to be monitored.
Philadelphia Eagles
Tyler Steen at RG: Steen is the Eagles’ new starting right guard after Becton left in free agency.
Adoree’ Jackson at CB: The Eagles have given Jackson a shot after signing him in free agency but it’s not going particularly well with him as one of their top corners alongside Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell. Darius Slay as the third cornerback last time around.
Andrew Mukuba at S: The Eagles traded C.J. Gardner-Johnson and have inserted Mukuba into a big role as a key safety next to Sydney Brown and Reed Blankenship.
Jalyx Hunt and Josh Uche at OLB: Josh Sweat signed a big deal with the Cardinals in the offseason, leaving the Eagles with a big hole at edge rusher. Hunt and Uche are attempting to fill it, along with holdover Nolan Smith.
Jihaad Campbell at ILB: Campbell is only a rookie but he’s stood out already for the Eagles as their starting linebacker next to Zack Baun.
Moro Ojomo at DT: The Eagles still have Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter, but Ojomo is a starter when they go to their base defense with a five-man front.
Kevin Patullo as offensive coordinator: Like the Rams do so often, the Eagles lost a coordinator, Kellen Moore, to a head coaching job. They replaced him with Patullo as their new OC.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: What’s changed since the Rams-Eagles playoff game? Here’s what’s new for each team
Reporting by Cameron DaSilva, Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
