Five Rams players to watch during the last six games

The Los Angeles Rams start their final six games by hosting New Orleans on Sunday.  As they continue to grow and get better, who will step up as contributors for the home stretch?

After ten games, the Los Angeles Rams are at 7-3, preparing for a tough game against the Saints on Sunday. This season has seen the Rams exceed expectations in numerous ways and led fans to count on players like quarterback Jared Goff, running back Todd Gurley, and wide receiver Robert Woods as staples in this offense. Likewise, the defense remains stout, littered with talent and first round picks in the front seven.

But as the boys in blue and white enter the last six games, they may need some new faces to step up. Let’s take a look at some candidates to contribute more down the stretch.

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WR Sammy Watkins: Since coming to the Rams in the preseason via trade, Sammy Watkins has been trying to establish familiarity with the offense and with Goff. And he has shown signs, hauling in TD catches of 67 and 17 yards in the last three games. But this offense has yet to fully see the difference that Watkins can make, and with WR Woods out for a few weeks, perhaps this is Sammy’s time to shine.

RB Lance Dunbar: Lance Dunbar has co me back from injury and, with RB Malcolm Brown being hurt, has been the second string running back for the last couple weeks. However, thus far he has seen no meaningful action or contributed any game-changing plays. Much of this is attributed to the talent of Gurley and the desire to have him on the field as much as possible.  However, a capable backup to spell Gurley will become important down the stretch.  Can Dunbar overcome his injuries and be a weapon in McVey’s offense, providing some spark off the bench for the Rams?

S John Johnson: John Johnson has taken over starting safety duties since week five, the week he intercepted QB Russell Wilson and nearly returned it for a TD. He maintains an “above average” grade from Pro Football Focus, an impressive feat for the rookie. But as the Rams’ thin secondary continues to play teams that pass the ball well (Saints, Eagles, Seahawks), can Johnson and others step up and play like a playoff caliber secondary?

WR Tavon Austin: Tavon Austin, the $15 million man, was in on two plays last week against the Vikings. This may be mostly game planning related, but he needs to do more. He has a pedestrian 214 total yards from scrimmage and one touchdown this season. Very “meh.” Can the injury to Woods open the door for Austin to run some intermediate and deep routes, helping the Los Angeles Rams get to the playoffs and making a case to keep him on the roster next year?

Next: 3 predictions for Rams against Saints in Week 12

WR Pharoh Cooper: A third receiver that will compete for the production vacated by Woods is Pharoh Cooper.  The second-year wideout has proven trustworthy in special teams, returning kicks and punts, including a 103-yard kick return for a touchdown to start the game against the Jaguars.  He may be able to take the next step and be a quality route runner on the outside, showing the same burst he does in special teams.