Rams new head coach, Steve Spagnuolo, leads a defensive cast similar to what he ran in NY: strong defensive ends that can rush the QB and force everything up the middle, and a reliable middle linebacker to clean everything up.
Matchup #1 will be how Samuels and Heyer handle Chris Long and Leonard Little. The difference in last week's 6-point loss was the sack-forced fumble-recovery-touchdown. Few things made it past rookie MLB James Laurinaitis in their opener against Seattle so keep an eye on him and Portis in the open field today.
The 2nd thing to look at today will be the comeback of Santana Moss after his no-show against the Giants. The Rams lack a strong cover corner so safety help will probably be Spag's answer to Washington's top deep threat. This means big days for Cooley and possibly ARE in consecutive weeks. Can the real Malcolm Kelly and/or Devin Thomas please stand up?
When the Rams have the ball the Skins have to stop Steve Jackson. He's one of the least talked about backs in the NFL these days because he plays on a JV squad but he's a top 5 back and can run over, around or through defenders. Look for Haynesworth and the rest of the front 4 to earn their money today.
The Rams' only other options are two young WRs, Avery and Robinson, and the ex-Dolphin, Randy McMichael. Bulger likes them on inside routes and Smoot is probably out with a rib injury so a pass rush from Orakpo and Andre Carter is crucial today.
Bottom line is the line of scrimmage- whoever brings it in the trenches today is taking this one home. My prediction: big days from Captain Chaos, Portis, and B-Rak (Orakpo). Skins finally put one in the win column 24-13 and Jason Campbell and Zorn can breath easy for at least the next week.
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