3 lingering problems could crush Rams in their biggest early test vs Eagles

When the Los Angeles Rams wrapped their 2024 regular season, everyone on the team understood that to reach Super Bowl LIX, they would have to get past the Philadelphia Eagles. That matchup came quickly, with the Rams visiting Philadelphia in a blizzard for the Divisional Round of the 2025 NFL Playoffs. The Eagles won, but the game was closer than many expected.

Philadelphia went on to win Super Bowl LIX. Maybe some players and fans found solace in knowing no other team could stop the Eagles either. But not many. The Rams’ front office believed that with the right additions on defense, the unstoppable Saquon Barkley could finally be contained. So they added powerful nose tackle Poona Ford. They signed veteran linebacker Nate Landman. They even promoted defensive lineman Tyler Davis.

Is it enough? Some experts think so. And here we are, with two NFC powerhouses, the same teams from last year’s playoff clash, meeting again to see who’s better in 2025. It’s an early test for the Rams and their first NFC opponent of the season. It’s also the beginning of the infamous Bird Gauntlet. But this game is about more than stopping the run.

Why this Week 3 Rams-Eagles clash is a true litmus test

Two weeks into the 2025 NFL schedule, only 10 of 32 teams remain undefeated. Two of them, the Rams and Eagles, face off at Lincoln Financial Field in Week 3. But it won’t be the last tough test. The undefeated Colts visit SoFi in Week 4. The 49ers, also 2-0, come to town in Week 5. Three of the NFL’s 10 undefeated teams play in the NFC West.

With both the 49ers and Cardinals sitting at 2-0, at least one will remain unbeaten after their Week 3 matchup. If it’s the 49ers, they’ll already have two divisional wins — a major edge in the NFC West. That’s why the Rams are under added pressure heading into Philly.

3 key concerns that could derail a Rams win

1. Rams interior offensive line is a liability

Despite the investment in the offensive line to the tune of $50.7 million, the offensive line is shaky at best. Players on the offensive line who are struggling in pass blocking (per Pro Football Focus grades after two games below 50.0) include C Coleman Shelton, IOL Beaux Limmer, IOL Justin Dedich, and RG Kevin Dotson. Complicating matters further is the fact that the interior offensive line has suffered from a lack of continuity.

Both guards, Kevin Dotson and Steve Avila, suffered ankle injuries in Week 1, as well as RT Rob Havenstein. While Dotson and Havenstein were able to suit up in Week 2, Avila was not. Now the group must block Eagles NT Jordan Davis, DE Jalen Carter, and DE Moro Ojomo, all of whom are superb pass rushers. Hopefully, the team commits to running the football often, or Matthew Stafford is going to be a sitting duck.

2. Rams punt coverage unit is going to cost this team a win

The punting by this team is already suspect. With a net punting average of just 38.5 yards, the team is ranked an abysmal 26th in the NFL. Compare that to the Eagles’ net punting average of 47.3 yards, and the Eagles gain nearly 10 yards of field position on every exchange of punts. That’s problematic if all else is equal.

3. Rams needed rookies to contribute by now

It’s fantastic news that the offense has finally gotten both WRs Davante Adams and Puka Nacua online. And it’s equally exciting to see that the offense managed to toggle a third of the carries to backup RB Blake Corum. The immediate impact of both factors led to an offensive explosion in the second half of Week 2. After scoring just 24 points over the first six quarters in 2025, the offense scored 23 points in the past two quarters.

But will it be enough to defeat the Eagles?

Fans would feel a bit more confident if rookies Terrance Ferguson, Jarquez Hunter, or Konata Mumpfield had contributed by now, even in a light workload role. That would complicate the Eagles’ defensive strategy. Unfortunately, not one rookie offensive playmaker has touched the football yet, and it’s unlikely that one will do so in a hostile and pressure-packed game this week.

There are many reasons to hope for a different outcome in Week 3 than in the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs. The immediate focus for many fans is trained almost exclusively on the run defense. Unfortunately, the team has several weaknesses heading into this showdown. We are just beginning to peel back the layers of this game.

As always, thanks so much for reading.