7 bold predictions for LA Rams in Week 17 against the Cardinals

(3) - Rams special teams will have a special role in the game's outcome

While not many fans have responded with positive feedback to the job that ST Cordinator Chase Blackburn has done for the Rams this season, I think it's long overdue. Blackburn has been steadily and strategically improving almost all aspects of his special team performance to the point that it's not surprising to view a Rams special team play in the post-game highlight reel.

This special teams group has undergone tremendous upheaval over the past two NFL seasons. Even now, there are still bugs to work out. But suddenly, the Rams special teams play has blocked an extra point, has recovered a muffed punt, and scored a touchdown on a late scoop and score by TE Hunter Long against the Buffalo Bills. This is a Rams phase that is finally coming online to hold its own against stiff NFL competition.

Bold Prediction: The LA Rams special teams will have a game-changing play that will impact the outcome of the game.

(2) - Rams pass rush roars back to life

In Week 2, the LA Rams recorded just one quarterback sack against Cardinals QB Kyler Murray for an eight yard loss. That lone sack came at the hands of NT Kobie Turner. This was only the second game for the Rams rookies on defense, and as such they had not faced a dual-threat quarterback like Kyler Murray. Murray is far more dangerous out of the pocket than in the pocket.

It was a lesson that many Rams pass rushers learned that day.

The Rams have learned not only how to rush the passer, but when to rush the passer. Even as the team's quarterback sack rate has vanished of late, the overall defense has become a significan factor in the past two wins. This defense has allowed just 15 points in the past two games. That's very impressive.

But I think that it will be time to start up the pass rush once more. Even as the Rams first priority on defense will be to stuff running back James Connor, the team cannot let QB Kyler Murray get warm and cozy dropping back into the pocket. Once that happens, Murray will drop back and take charge of the game, either by throwing completions or scrambling for rushing yards.

With two backup offensive tackles playing, this is an ideal game to stunt and blitz to their hearts content. Make Murray hear footsteps. Make Kyler Murray scramble when nobody is near him. Blitz the A-gap to get a defender in Murray's face as the football is hiked to him. The Rams defense has plenty of options for Week 17. Let's hope they exhaust them.

Bold Prediction: The Rams will record three or more quarterback sacks in Week 17