St. Louis Rams vs Chicago Bears: Quick Preview
By Alex Alarcon
The (4-4) St. Louis Rams fell 21-18 to the (6-2) Minnesota Vikings last Sunday, and are in hopes of getting back on track against the (3-5) Chicago Bears this sunday in the Edward Jones Dome. The Rams are hoping to make it three consecutive wins at home this year, behind their top ten defense and outstanding rookie running back Todd Gurley. For the Bears, they are coming off a much-needed victory over the San Diego Chargers on Monday Night Football, which they scored 15 points in the 4th quarter to rally for the victory.
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This is a very crucial game for both teams, as a loss for either team could slim their chances at making the playoffs. However, the Rams may have it easier on Sunday, thanks to Greg Williams and his top 10 defense. St. Louis is currently ranked 5th in the NFL, in total defense as they have only given up an average of 323.8 yards a game.
The Rams also have an outstanding red zone defense, which gives them the 6th best defense for points allowed with 18.3 points a game. Lastly, to add onto a great resume for the defense, the Rams are currently ranked 4th in passing yards allowed per game with 219.8 yards. On the other side, Chicago also has an up and coming strong defense. The Bears are currently ranked 9th in the NFL, in total defense and 5th in passing yards allowed.
Nov 8, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; St. Louis Rams quarterback Nick Foles (5) passes against the Minnesota Vikings in the second quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 21-18. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
However there is one problem with the Bears defense, and that would be the amount of points they give up per game. Chicago currently gives up an average of 27.6 points a game compared to the Rams 18.3. The better question is, can the Rams attack the Bears weaknesses. The Rams are currently ranked dead last in total offense, and currently score an average of 19.1 points per game. The only type of offense St. Louis has develop the past couple of weeks has come from rookie sensation running back Gurley. Last week the Vikings were able to keep Gurley and the running game in check, and the Bears for a fact, will look over the film to see how exactly to stop the Rams running attack.
Nov 1, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) throws the ball against the Minnesota Vikings during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
The Rams also played last Sunday’s game in Minnesota without four starters. Defensive ends Chris Long (knee) and Robert Quinn (knee), safety T.J. McDonald (foot) and tackle Rob Havenstein (ankle). For the Bears, it looks like quarterback Jay Culter might be without two of his offensive stars. Both wide receiver Eddie Royal and running back Matt Forte are questionable to return this Sunday in the dome.
On the flip side, Quarterback Nick Foles for the Rams has yet to reach over 200 yards passing since Week 1, but could have one of his offensive linemen back and possibly a new wide receiver to throw to on Sunday. The Rams recently signed WR, Wes Welker to a one year deal, and he began practicing with the team yesterday. It’s not clear yet whether he might get playing time on Sunday, but he could be a good addition to the team, since Stedman Bailey has been suspended for the next four games.
Chicago currently leads the all time series 52-36-3, but the teams have split the last 12 meetings. The Last meeting involved an explosive from Tavon Austin and the offense which gave the Rams a 42-21 victory over the Bears on November 24th 2013. Will the Rams offense come to life, this sunday? Or will the Bears continue their winning ways on the road? Stay Tuned..