Saints at Rams: 6 key matchups to watch in Week 2
By:
Cameron DaSilva | 4 hours ago
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The New Orleans Saints will march into the Coliseum on Sunday for a huge battle with the Los Angeles Rams. There’s no shortage of storylines surrounding this game, whether it’s the fallout of the missed pass interference penalty in the NFC championship or Marcus Peters once again facing Asshole Face’s team.
To preview the Week 2 contest, here are six key matchups to watch.
Marcus Peters vs. Michael Thomas
Thomas’ two games against the Rams last season came with very different results. In Week 9, he had 12 catches for a career-high 211 yards and two touchdowns. In the NFC championship game, he was held to four catches and 36 yards on only seven targets.
So what was the difference? It was partly thanks to Aqib Talib.
The first meeting was without Talib, which led to Peters following Thomas around the field for much of the game. Needless to say, that didn’t go well. Talib is healthy, but with the Rams’ cornerbacks playing specific sides, expect the Saints to do their best to match up Thomas on Peters. That’ll be a pivotal battle which could determine the outcome.
Wade Phillips vs. Alvin Kamara
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Christian McCaffrey had 209 yards and two touchdowns against the Rams in Week 1. Cory Littleton had a phenomenal game and was the highest-graded player in the NFL, but McCaffrey still went off. Against the Saints, Phillips will have to devise a game plan for stopping Kamara.
In the NFC championship game, Kamara caught 11 passes for 96 yards. The Rams put everyone from John Franklin-Myers to Mark Barron to John Johnson to Littleton on the shifty running back, having little success with any of those matchups.
If the Rams can’t find a way to contain Kamara, it’s going to be a very long game. He’s especially dangerous as a receiver.
Dante Fowler Jr. vs. Terron Armstead
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Fowler benefited from lining up next to Aaron Donald last week, with both of his sacks coming as a result of the Panthers paying too much attention to No. 99. Fowler’s matchup with Armstead is a tough one this weekend, just based on how good the Saints’ left tackle is.
Fowler still looked good in the season opener and led the NFL in pass-rush win rate, according to Next Gen Stats, looking more explosive and decisive than ever. He has to win his one-on-one opportunities when the Saints double and triple Donald, which will happen frequently.
If Fowler emerges as a double-digit sack artist like Donald predicts him to, it’ll go a long way toward helping the whole defense.
Cooper Kupp vs. P.J. Williams
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Williams will man the slot for the Saints again, but in this game, Kupp will be healthy and on the field – unlike the NFC championship. This is a matchup that favors the Rams and one they have to take advantage of. Marshon Lattimore is a great outside cornerback and Eli Apple is their No. 2, but Kupp should have some success against Williams.
Look for Jared Goff to target Kupp early and often, just as he did against the Panthers last week. He caught passes on four of the Rams’ first seven plays and looked every bit as explosive as he was before tearing his ACL.
Rob Havenstein vs. Cameron Jordan
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Jordan doesn’t often get recognized as an elite pass rusher, but he’s certainly among the best. He can play defensive end and kick inside in sub-packages, generating pressure from just about any spot. He’ll primarily rush against Havenstein on Sunday, who’s a premier right tackle for the Rams.
Goff is a different quarterback when facing pressure, so keeping him clean and protecting him well will go a long way toward the Rams winning this one. If given time, he can pick apart a defense.
Rams’ rushing attack vs. Saints’ linebackers
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The Texans rushed for 180 yards against the Saints on Monday night, and that was with Carlos Hyde and Duke Johnson leading the charge. Deshaun Watson chipped in 40 yards of his own, but the Saints had no answer for either running back.
With Todd Gurley and Malcolm Brown handling the carries on Sunday, the Rams could be in for a huge game on the ground. Demario Davis and Alex Anzalone will need to play at a really high level to slow down Los Angeles’ rushing attack.
The New Orleans Saints will march into the Coliseum on Sunday for a huge battle with the Los Angeles Rams. There's no shortage of storylines surrounding this game, whether it's the fallout of the missed pass interference penalty in the NFC championship or Marcus Peters…
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