Rams at Cardinals: 5 key matchups to watch in Week 13
The Los Angeles Rams will take on the Arizona Cardinals this weekend for the first time in 2020, and there are certainly playoff implications that come with this NFC West showdown. The Rams are 7-4 and in need of a win to give them a chance to overtake the Seahawks atop the division this week. The Cardinals are 6-5 and in danger of falling out of the current playoff picture in the conference.
With superstars on both sides of this game, there will be a number of key individual matchups that could decide the outcome of Sunday’s game. The biggest, of course, is the renewed rivalry between Jalen Ramsey and DeAndre Hopkins.
Here are the five biggest matchups to watch in Week 13.
Jalen Ramsey vs. DeAndre Hopkins
(Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
If Ramsey vs. DK Metcalf got you jacked up, this weekend’s matchup should have you even more excited. Ramsey and Hopkins will renew their rivalry again on Sunday in their first of two meetings this season. They faced each other twice a year when they were both in the AFC South, so they’re very familiar with one another – and there’s a ton of mutual respect on both sides. Ramsey primarily covered Metcalf in the Rams-Seahawks game, but he also moved around some. That’s the expectation this week, too, as he’ll also cover the slot, blitz off the edge and drop into zone coverage fairly often. But after seeing Deebo Samuel torch the Rams last week, Brandon Staley would be wise to put Ramsey on Hopkins as much as reasonably possible.
Rams LBs vs. Kyler Murray
(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Staley said Wednesday that spying Murray is one way to play him, but because the shifty QB is faster than most defenders who would be used in a spy role, that’s not likely to be the way the Rams play him. That doesn’t minimize the importance of linebacker play against Murray, however. Troy Reeder and Kenny Young still have to stay disciplined and be at their best against the electric quarterback. He can take off and pick up big yardage at any moment, completely changing a drive for Arizona. It’ll be on the outside linebackers to set the edge and not get too deep in their rushes to open up running lanes for Murray. If the Rams can't contain Kyler and prevent long runs – especially on third down – it’s going to be a long afternoon.
Cooper Kupp vs. Byron Murphy
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Murphy will be the one to cover the slot more often than not, though Budda Baker can also line up at that spot. Kupp was quiet against the 49ers with just two catches for 41 yards. Murphy has been solid this season, allowing 37 catches on 56 targets, according to Pro Football Focus. Kupp is a catalyst of the offense and when he has a big game, the Rams typically move the ball well. One of the best ways for Jared Goff to get back on track is to complete easy passes to Kupp and let him pick up yardage after the catch. He’s been one of the best YAC receivers in the NFL this season, so when Goff gets the ball in Kupp’s hands, good things happen. Expect to see a heavy dosage of No. 10 on Sunday afternoon, especially if Patrick Peterson stays outside on the left side of the defense.
Leonard Floyd vs. Kelvin Beachum
(AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Aaron Donald’s battle with Justin Pugh on the interior will certainly be one to watch. He’s a game-wrecker who always has an impact each and every week. While that matchup will be one to watch, Floyd’s battle with right tackle Kelvin Beachum might be even more important. Beachum has played at a high level this year, only allowing one sack on 784 snaps played. That’s impressive, even with an elusive quarterback like Murray escaping sacks from time to time. Floyd not only has to apply pressure on Murray, but he also has to ensure that the running lanes aren’t easy for Kyler to find. If Floyd rushes too far upfield, Murray will step up in the pocket and pick up yardage all day long. Floyd must contain Murray or force him to work horizontally rather than north and south. Defenders can rally to the ball if Murray is running parallel to the line of scrimmage. It’s when he breaks upfield that makes stopping him extremely difficult.
Jared Goff vs. Budda Baker
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Baker has become Arizona’s best playmaker on defense, rightfully earning a huge contract from the Cardinals this year. He’s always around the ball, making plays both against the run and the pass. Goff has to be aware of his location on the field at all times because like Tyrann Mathieu, Jamal Adams and Earl Thomas of old, he’s a highly impactful safety who can turn a seemingly easy throw into an incompletion or interception. Baker will line up all over the place, too. He can play deep safety, nickel back and roam the box almost as an extra linebacker. With Goff struggling to take care of the football, Baker will try to take advantage and create big plays for Arizona’s defense.
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