LA Rams do better when they break bad habits

LA Rams do better when they break predictable bad habits on Monday Night Football

Much like a wedding, the LA Rams had something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue in their Monday Night Football contest against the Chicago Bears. The LA Rams had something old when they had two great runs to start the game but immediately switched over to the passing game. The Rams had something new when Goff found the tight end, Johnny Mundt, for 34 yards on a passing play where the Chicago. The Rams had something borrowed when the team sacked Bears quarterback Nick Foles, a shared sack by Aaron Donald and Greg Gaines. Finally, the Rams are wearing their Royal Blue jerseys.

The LA Rams may not be saying I do on Monday Night Football, but I wish they had shown more resolve to say “We won’t” when it comes to the passing game. Despite rushing the ball at a 5.8 yards-per-carry average, the team has passed 22 times and rushed just 13 times.  While the half was winding down, the Bears pinned their ears back and went after Goff.  The only plays that worked were rushes by running back Malcolm Brown.

Rams need to make Bears guess more

So far, the LA Rams can run at will. But rather than do so, the team cannot help themselves but throw the ball. The Rams have so many offensive weapons. Rookie RB Cam Akers has not played yet. Tight end Gerald Everett has caught both passes thrown his way. Rookie WR Van Jefferson caught one ball thrown to him. And sit down for this one, but tight end Johnny Mundt has caught all three passes thrown his way.

WR Josh Reynolds production has declined this year after a hot start, and he is just three of six for 31 yards while accounting for the Rams only touchdown.  So far, the Rams have seven different players making catches, and five players rushing the ball. The Bears have a well-coached defense, so the Rams need to make the Bears guess more. That means fewer trick plays and more plays that give the Bears a new look. Play Brycen Hopkins, Cam Akers, or anyone the Bears have not seen much off.  The Rams defense has been outstanding. Run the ball to keep them fresh.