With the New England Patriots facing off against the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII let’s head West and see what the Pats are up against.
You honestly couldn’t have scripted this any better. The fact that the New England Patriots are playing the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LII sounds like something out of a Shakespeare play.
The New England Patriots dynasty began with a Super Bowl win over the then St.Louis Rams. 17 years ago a young Tom Brady went up against the “greatest show on turf” and ended up winning thanks to an Adam Vinatieri field goal as time expired.
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A legend was born. A dynasty was created. For New England Patriots fans, that seemed like the pinnacle of happiness. Imagine if they knew what we know now?
The LA Rams may not be the “greatest show on turf” but they have some talented players. LA didn’t get to the championship by accident.
This matchup will probably be high scoring, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see some similar theatrics to Super Bowl 36.
If this continues to play out like a Hollywood film there is only one possible conclusion. Tom Brady and Bill Belichick ride off into the sunset with their 6th Super Bowl win against the team that started it all (I expect one of these guys to go off script though).
If that is going to happen the New England Patriots are going to have to keep an eye on these 5 Los Angeles Rams
1. Jared Goff
Jared Goff’s career is just getting started and he is already in a Super Bowl. Goff will definitely be one of the top QB’s in the league in a few years.
Ever since becoming a starter Goff has been great. This season Goff had 4,688 passing yards, 32 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
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Now when you have as many weapons that Goff has these numbers are expected, but you still need to give him props.
The New England Patriots will need to have another great effort on defense. Pat Mahomes was constantly under pressure and struggled mightily. If the Patriots want to win they need to continue berating the quarterback.
Goff isn’t as athletic as Goff, but in a pinch he can move. Hopefully, Kyle Van Noy can build off a great game in the AFC Championship.
This Super Bowl will be a battle of two high-quality quarterbacks and will be a great game to watch.
2.Todd Gurley
Todd Gurley is the top running back in the NFL. He could possibly cause major problems for the New England Patriots defense.
Gurley had another phenomenal season. he had 1,251 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns. Gurley basically owned a house in the end zone because he was always there. He led the NFL in rushing touchdowns.
The NFC Championship was rough for Gurley. He only had 4 carries for 10 yards and a touchdown. If the Patriots can stop Gurley there is a good chance they will be lifting the Lombardi Trophy.
New England’s front seven will definitely be tested in the Super Bowl. If they can’t get into the backfield it could be a long day for Patriots fans. Once Gurley gets to the 2nd level it is really difficult to stop him.
Todd Gurley could change the game in a blink of an eye with a single run.
3.Brandin Cooks
New England Patriots fans know great of a player Brandin Cooks is. Now Cooks has the chance to stick it to the team that traded him.
Brandin Cooks is a speed demon. If he gets past his man he is probably going to the end zone. The Patriots secondary needs to contain him.
This season was a career year for Cooks. He had 80 catches for 1,204 yards and 5 touchdowns. Jared Goff and Cooks have built a strong bond quickly.
The Super Bowl will be a major test for the Patriots secondary. It will be interesting to see who is lined up against Cooks. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Jason McCourty or Jonathan Jones on the speedy wideout.
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We saw the Patriots shut down Tyreek Hill in the AFC Championship but can they do it in the big game. I guess we will just have to wait and see.
4.Robert Woods
Brandin Cooks isn’t the only receiver that the New England Patriots need to pay attention too. Robert Woods could cause lots of problems.
Woods has revived his career with the LA Rams. He started his career in Buffalo but got a fresh start in LA.
This was Woods first 1000 yard season. He had 86 catches for 1,219 yards and 6 touchdowns.
There is only one person I can imagine going up against Woods, Stephon Gilmore. Gilmore has had the best season of his career. If anyone is going to shut down Woods it is Gilmore.
LA has a great running game so the secondary will definitely be tested. Overall the Rams have a great offense that could cause some problems for the New England Patriots defense.
Now there is one guy on defense that could single-handedly ruin the Patriots chances of winning the Super Bowl.
5.Aaron Donald
Aaron Donald is an absolute beast. He can get into the backfield in the blink of an eye.
Donald continued to dominate the NFL in 2018. The defensive tackle had 20.5 sacks, 59 tackles (25 tackles for loss). Donald led the league in both sacks and tackles for loss.
The New England Patriots offensive line needs to contain Donald. He could make Tom Brady’s life a living hell.
The Patriots running game will also be important to New England’s success. Donald could stop Sony Michel in the backfield before he even gets started.
It is clear that this game won’t be an easy one for the Patriots. They need to have a perfect game if they want to be walking away with another Super Bowl ring.
The Los Angeles Rams may be the only team that could possibly stop the New England Patriots reign as the top team in the NFL.