LA Rams: 6 bold predictions for Cardinals vs. Rams

Bold prediction II: Ogbonnia Okoronkwo gets his first quarterback sack

The Rams know that the key to this win is to make Cardinals QB Kyler Murray as uncomfortable as possible. The Cardinals use a wide variety of personnel packages. But notice the configurations as noted below. Despite the performance of their wide receivers, the Cardinals use 3+ wide receivers just 60 percent of the time.

The Cards personnel groups so far this year (per SharpFootballStats.com) have been:

11 personnel – 38 percent  (1 RB, 1 TE, 3 WR)
12 personnel – 29 percent  (1 RB, 2 TE, 2 WR)
21 personnel –  5 percent   (2 RB, 1 TE, 2 WR)
13 personnel –  6 percent   (1 RB, 3TE, 1 WR)
22 personnel –  1 percent   (2 RB, 2 TE, 1 WR)
10 personnel – 21 percent  (1 RB, 0 TE, 4 WR)
20 personnel –   1 percent   (2 RB, 0 TE, 3 WR)

The Rams personnel groups so far this year (from the same SharpFootballStats.com) have been:

11 personnel – 79 percent  (1 RB, 1 TE, 3 WR)
12 personnel – 18 percent  (1 RB, 2 TE, 2 WR)
01 personnel  –  2 percent    (0 RB, 1 TE, 4 WR)
00 personnel  –  1 percent    (0 RB, 0 TE, 5 WR)

One of the many promising reports out of training camp was the fact that outside linebacker Ogbonnia Okoronkwo had found a new speed to get after the quarterback faster. While he may be back from a three-week recovery from a shoulder injury, his speed will be every bit as fast.

The Rams wanted Obo in this game for good reason. He’s fast enough to catch Murray. And for the second bold prediction, we expect that he will catch him for his first quarterback sack of the season in his debut.