LA Rams: What to expect against the Indianapolis Colts

The LA Rams are only as good as their record. So they are one win and 16 unknowns at this point in the season. That’s how it goes at the beginning of each new season. But even at one win, with the way that the LA Rams claimed a victory, the well of optimism is flowing once more for the LA Rams. That’s a good thing for this team.

The LA Rams needed to put up an offensive display to force future opposing teams’ defensive coordinators to account for all of the receivers vertically. That week one performance has truly set the stage for opening up the entire offensive playbook of the Rams for Week 2. That’s the optimal setup for the Rams heading on the road today to face the Indianapolis Colts.

That is not to say that the LA Rams defense did not set themselves up for a key Week 2 showing as well. They did. The LA Rams defense demonstrated that they can be very complementary to what the offense is doing. It was clear that the offense was aiming to get the ball deep downfield. The defense, to help the offense out, opened up the game with a bit of a two-deep shell. I expect the same defensive strategy in this one as well. That will force the Colts, like the Bears, to keep everything in front of the Rams defensive secondary. But it will allow the Colts to run the ball early.

The Colts offense is led by Carson Wentz, a quarterback trying to restore his confidence after being run out of town from Philadelphia. He will rely a bit more on his running game early in the contest, and as long as the Rams remain tied or behind in this one, he’ll have the benefit of not needing to try to keep pace in a shootout.

But I do expect the Rams to get the early lead. If the Rams can jump out to a double-digit lead, the shootout is on. If Wentz goes full-on passing mode and is comfortable in the pocket, this will be a tough win for the Rams. The Rams have to get pressure, particularly up the middle, rattle Wentz, force turnovers, and remain in control of this one.

Based on today’s injury report, it appears that the Colts will be weakened in their secondary with Xavier Rhodes out (calf) and in their offensive line with Braden Smith out (foot). That sets up this week’s template to follow a very similar strategy as that used against the Chicago Bears. The Rams will try to strike early to create a lead on the scoreboard, and then focus on stopping the Colts and controlling the clock.

I really like Robert Woods and DeSean Jackson in this week’s game. They were not used quite as heavily in Week 1, but they are both very important to the Rams 2021 NFL season. In the running game, I expect the Rams to play a bit more Sony Michel in the red zone. On defense, look for a big game out of outside linebacker Leonard Floyd to harass Wentz, and I would not be the least bit surprised with Darious Williams picking off a pass for an interception today.