Los Angeles Rams vs. New Orleans Saints: 5 Questions With Who Dat Dish

With the Los Angeles Rams taking on the New Orleans Saints in Week 12, here’s a look at five questions for Who Dat Dish.

After falling apart in the final minutes against the Miami Dolphins, the Los Angeles Rams hope to bounce back against the 4-6 New Orleans Saints in Week 12, but it certainly won’t be easy. Just like the 4-6 Rams, the Saints are desperate for a win on Sunday to keep their playoff hopes alive in the NFC as they currently stand two games behind the Atlanta Falcons for first place in the NFC South.

Last week, Jared Goff made his first career start in the NFL, and while the rookie’s performance wasn’t terrible, it’s clear he’s still a work in progress after completing just 17 of 31 passes for 131 yards against the Dolphins. When looking at the high-powered offense of the Saints, the Rams will need much more from their rookie quarterback if they’re going to have any chance of keeping up in this one.

As a way to prepare for Sunday’s game, we decided to do a Q & A with Ty Anania of WhoDatDish.com. Take a look at his responses below as the Rams get ready for their showdown against the Saints in Week 12!

Drew Brees recently discussed how Sunday’s game will be between two desperate teams in the New Orleans Saints and Los Angeles Rams. What makes the Saints more desperate than the Rams at this point?

I can’t speak to how desperate the Rams feel, but I know there is a certain amount of patience that comes with a rookie QB. The Saints, on the other hand, are working with the ever-closing window that is Drew Brees. Now, Brees has shown no sign of decline. He’s actually having one of his better years in recent memory. But you never know when he’ll hit that wall.

On top of that, there was a lot of promise on this roster heading into the season. Now ten games in, it’s looking like their promise might go unfulfilled. I know the team is desperate to right the ship and finish the year with a winning record. It’s actually been a while since we’ve seen the Black and Gold in the playoffs.

We’ve got veteran leadership on this team, players that are used to winning. The mood is certainly one of desperation to get back to their winning ways.

The Rams have been limited to scoring just 39 points over their previous four games. Do you think the Saints’ defense will be able to do the same or is there concern heading into Week 12?

As infamous as the Saints defense has been the last few years, there is plenty of talent on the unit. And they’re finally getting healthy after losing key players early in the season. If Delvin Breaux can regain form as a shutdown corner, this defense is actually somewhat dangerous. Our pass rush is suddenly improved, and we’ve got a solid group of linebackers.

Now, that said, there’s always some concern with the defense. It’s as if it’s ingrained in Saints fans’ blood. We tend play well for three quarters but absolutely blow one, whether its the first or fourth. And we’ve given up an absurd amount of points on special teams recently.

So, yes, I believe we should be able to contain the Rams offense. But yes, there is still concern. There always is with the Saints.

Despite their 4-6 record, Los Angeles has found success with containing some elite quarterbacks this season such as Russell Wilson and Carson Palmer. What do you expect from Drew Brees on Sunday?

I don’t mean to undermine the Rams defensive performances. By all accounts they’ve looked very dangerous on defense. Russell Wilson is an elite quarterback, and likewise with Carson Palmer on a good day.

But Brees has really looked phenomenal this year. Besides one bizarre throw last week that just seemed to slip out of his hand, he’s made close to no mistakes in the passing game. Add to that the fact that he’s got possibly the best group of receivers he’s ever had with the Saints, and you see why this offense has been so effective thus far.

He’s good under pressure, and he’s better with time. The only reason for concern is that, as a small quarterback, he likes to be able to step up in the pocket, and Aaron Donald’s pressure up the middle could cause some problems. But consider how well this offensive line has played, and the fact that we will possibly get back our best lineman in Terron Armstead for the game, I believe Brees will have a big game.

Which player on the Saints is going to be the X-factor in this game?

It’s hard to label our best defensive player as an X-factor, especially when he’s so consistent, so I’m going to go with someone Rams fans will remember, defensive tackle Nick Fairley.

Fairley has really played well this year. His problem, as you’re well aware, is consistency. But every week it seems like he’s bringing more consistent effort and production to his game.

If Cameron Jordan can consistently win his matchups at defensive end as he’s done the last few weeks, the Rams will need to devote special attention to him. That will mean one-on-one matchups for Fairley and fellow defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins. If they can win these, as they’ve shown they can, the Rams will have a hard time moving the ball.

What are your final predictions for the game?

I’m not sure how you feel about the matchup, and I tend to overestimate the Saints. Every week. But I have to give this game to them.

They have too many offensive weapons, and the defense is finally starting to click. I expect them to give Goff trouble with heavily disguised defensive schemes. And Brees is just too hard to contain.

I’m going to say 30-14 Saints. I think Todd Gurley could easily come alive, and it’s hard to predict how a rookie quarterback in his second start will perform. But ultimately the firepower will be too much for the Rams to match.

Los Angeles Rams vs. New Orleans Saints: 5 Questions With Who Dat Dish

With the Los Angeles Rams taking on the New Orleans Saints in Week 12, here’s a look at five questions for Who Dat Dish.

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