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Rams-Broncos: Matchup breakdown
By Nick Wagoner
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/13607/rams-broncos-matchup-breakdown
EARTH CITY, Mo. -- A look at three individual matchups to keep an eye on when the St. Louis Rams and Denver Broncos meet this Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald vs. Broncos right guard Manny Ramirez/Whoever starts at right guard
Clearly, the Broncos are unhappy with the production they are getting from the interior of their offensive line. They've played musical chairs over the past few weeks and even went so far this week as to bring in former Ram Richie Incognito for a workout and a visit. Denver didn't sign Incognito but left the door open to add him later on.
Ramirez started for the Broncos against Oakland last week after spending the season at his more traditional spot at center. All of that movement isn't good for an offensive line that will be tested by the Rams' surging pass rush. The Rams have 17 sacks over the past four weeks (including one for Robert Quinn that the league plans to credit but hasn't yet), most in the NFL. That production coincides nicely with the emergence of Donald as the starter at left defensive tackle.
Donald has been a terror from day one, posting three sacks and 12 tackles for loss. Rams coaches have credited him with 18 quarterback pressures and eight quarterback hits. Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning is the best in the world at getting the ball out quick which can help neutralize the pass rush off the edge but if nobody can slow Donald, things will get much more interesting in this one.
Rams left tackle Greg Robinson vs. Broncos right defensive end DeMarcus Ware
After watching Ware throttle Rams left tackle Jake Long in the Dallas game in 2013, many Rams fans are probably happy not to have to watch a rematch here. But that doesn't mean that things will be any easier when it comes to blocking Ware. One of the best pass-rushers of his generation and still productive in his new home, Ware has eight sacks this season.
The reality is that when the Broncos get in a groove, coordinator Jack Del Rio will move Ware and fellow pass-rusher extraordinaire Von Miller all over the formation which means Robinson will get plenty of different looks throughout the game. But the primary matchup he'll face is Ware. Robinson has seen some good pass-rushers in his first two starts at left tackle but none the caliber of Ware.
Robinson is still refining his understanding of angles and getting into his set. Physically, he has the ability to keep up with Ware but Ware will challenge him in ways he hasn't been with his array of pass-rush moves and intellect.
Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins vs. Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas
Earlier this season, the Rams used Jenkins to shadow the opponent's top wide receiver. The results of that experiment were mixed with good moments against the likes of Dallas' Dez Bryant to go with bad ones. Jenkins has been hobbled by a knee injury of late and returned last week against Arizona. This week, he appears to be closer to full strength and should see his workload get back close to normal levels.
But the challenge awaiting Jenkins is perhaps the biggest of the season. Thomas has 1,002 receiving yards with six touchdowns, and at 6-foot-3, 229 pounds is one of the most physically impressive wideouts in the league. For whatever reason, Jenkins has always seemed to fare a bit better against bigger receivers but Thomas is also one of the best. Jenkins has a knack for staying with a top wideout for a number of plays then giving up a big one. It remains to be seen if the Rams will use Jenkins or anyone to shadow Thomas but either way, they can ill afford to allow yet another big play for a touchdown in the passing game.
By Nick Wagoner
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/13607/rams-broncos-matchup-breakdown
EARTH CITY, Mo. -- A look at three individual matchups to keep an eye on when the St. Louis Rams and Denver Broncos meet this Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald vs. Broncos right guard Manny Ramirez/Whoever starts at right guard
Clearly, the Broncos are unhappy with the production they are getting from the interior of their offensive line. They've played musical chairs over the past few weeks and even went so far this week as to bring in former Ram Richie Incognito for a workout and a visit. Denver didn't sign Incognito but left the door open to add him later on.
Ramirez started for the Broncos against Oakland last week after spending the season at his more traditional spot at center. All of that movement isn't good for an offensive line that will be tested by the Rams' surging pass rush. The Rams have 17 sacks over the past four weeks (including one for Robert Quinn that the league plans to credit but hasn't yet), most in the NFL. That production coincides nicely with the emergence of Donald as the starter at left defensive tackle.
Donald has been a terror from day one, posting three sacks and 12 tackles for loss. Rams coaches have credited him with 18 quarterback pressures and eight quarterback hits. Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning is the best in the world at getting the ball out quick which can help neutralize the pass rush off the edge but if nobody can slow Donald, things will get much more interesting in this one.
Rams left tackle Greg Robinson vs. Broncos right defensive end DeMarcus Ware
After watching Ware throttle Rams left tackle Jake Long in the Dallas game in 2013, many Rams fans are probably happy not to have to watch a rematch here. But that doesn't mean that things will be any easier when it comes to blocking Ware. One of the best pass-rushers of his generation and still productive in his new home, Ware has eight sacks this season.
The reality is that when the Broncos get in a groove, coordinator Jack Del Rio will move Ware and fellow pass-rusher extraordinaire Von Miller all over the formation which means Robinson will get plenty of different looks throughout the game. But the primary matchup he'll face is Ware. Robinson has seen some good pass-rushers in his first two starts at left tackle but none the caliber of Ware.
Robinson is still refining his understanding of angles and getting into his set. Physically, he has the ability to keep up with Ware but Ware will challenge him in ways he hasn't been with his array of pass-rush moves and intellect.
Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins vs. Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas
Earlier this season, the Rams used Jenkins to shadow the opponent's top wide receiver. The results of that experiment were mixed with good moments against the likes of Dallas' Dez Bryant to go with bad ones. Jenkins has been hobbled by a knee injury of late and returned last week against Arizona. This week, he appears to be closer to full strength and should see his workload get back close to normal levels.
But the challenge awaiting Jenkins is perhaps the biggest of the season. Thomas has 1,002 receiving yards with six touchdowns, and at 6-foot-3, 229 pounds is one of the most physically impressive wideouts in the league. For whatever reason, Jenkins has always seemed to fare a bit better against bigger receivers but Thomas is also one of the best. Jenkins has a knack for staying with a top wideout for a number of plays then giving up a big one. It remains to be seen if the Rams will use Jenkins or anyone to shadow Thomas but either way, they can ill afford to allow yet another big play for a touchdown in the passing game.
