Looking at keys to victory for Rams in Week 14 against Eagles

With the Los Angeles Rams taking on the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 14, the hyped-up first meeting between Carson Wentz and Jared Goff is finally here.

The 10-2 Philadelphia Eagles, coming off of a loss against the Seattle Seahawks, are visiting the 9-3 Los Angeles Rams in Week 14, as Sean McVay‘s team is in the midst of the toughest stretch of the season. With back-to-back wins against the New Orleans Saints and Arizona Cardinals, the Rams now have games against Philadelphia and Seattle over the next two weeks. Sunday’s game will be extremely tough, and could even be a possible early playoff preview, depending on how the next month goes.

Speaking of the playoffs, the Rams can clinch a playoff berth this weekend, but the main thing to be concerned about at the moment is defeating the Eagles since none of the factors will matter with a loss. But besides rooting for Los Angeles, let’s all root for the Tampa Bay Bay Buccaneers, Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, and New Orleans Saints, just in case.

The Eagles are third in both total offense and defense, which means this team is incredibly balanced on both sides of the ball and have few weaknesses. In honor of Sunday’s game, here are some keys to victory for the Rams.

Related Story: 3 questions for Rams against Eagles in Week 14

1.  Attack Vaitai, pressure Wentz.

With the injury to Pro-Bowler Jason Peters and Halapoulivaati Vaitai replacing him, he has been adequate at best. Vaitai struggled mightily against Seattle’s defensive line, meaning the Rams must be able to create pressure to make Carson Wentz uncomfortable in the pocket and to try to make difficult throws throughout the game. Aaron Donald must be unleashed for the Rams to have a chance to beat the Eagles.

2. Get the running  game going

Todd Gurley has not carried the ball more than 20 times since Week 7 against the Arizona Cardinals in London. He also hasn’t run for more than 100 yards since that game as well, so the Rams need to get Gurley involved in the running game in whatever way possible. Getting the running game going will keep the Philadelphia defense on their heels. Sometimes McVay becomes way too pass-centric and he forgets that he has arguably the best running back in the NFL in the backfield.

3.  Keep Goff upright

Jared Goff has improved so much this season compared to last year as a rookie.  Over the last five games, Goff has completed 65.2 percent of his passes while throwing for 293 yards a game, and has thrown for 11 touchdowns and just two interceptions. Neutralizing the Philadelphia defensive line will be key for the offensive line. If the Rams can stop Fletcher Cox from getting into the backfield, along with Brandon Graham and Vinny Curry, there will be chances for Goff to make those game-changing throws to help Los Angeles win the game.