Rams' blueprint for beating the Eagles is simpler than anyone expects

The Los Angeles Rams may not be the best team in the NFL at the moment. But they are the next huge challenge for the Philadelphia Eagles, a team already battle-scarred from two difficult opponents.

Nobody expected the Dallas Cowboys to put up much of a fight in Week 1 after trading away All-Pro outside linebacker Micah Parsons. However, the final score told a different story, as they put up an unexpected battle before falling 24-20. A Week 2 clash sent Philadelphia on the road for a Super Bowl LIX rematch against the Kansas City Chiefs, another white-knuckler, with the visiting Eagles barely escaping with a 20-17 win.

And now, the first of five Bird Gauntlet opponents returns home for another showdown: their divisional-round foe. Will this be the game where the Eagles are overmatched? Not quite. But like the forces of waves, rain, and wind, it’s another hungry challenger bringing its best. And just like nature’s fury, the relentless pressure on the defending Super Bowl champions is what could end up reshaping the NFL’s landscape.

Rams pose one more difficult challenge to Eagles in 2025

Los Angeles isn’t the most prolific offense the Eagles will face this season. That distinction belongs to the Cowboys. But defensive coordinator Chris Shula has his unit ranked at the top of the NFL, and that’s where things get tricky. A dominant defense is a rarity among Philadelphia’s opponents so far, and it brings plenty of unique challenges.

No previous Eagles' opponent brings a dynamic receiving duo with the production or reputation like the combination of WR Davante Adams and Puka Nacua. That's a massive edge in favor of the Horns.

While Philadelphia's defensive coordinator, Vic Fangio, tries to solve that nightmare, he almost certainly will underestimate the determination of running back Kyren Williams, a player determined to settle the score after a fumble thwarted LA's chances of victory in the postseason. And there is the matter of a passionate tight end group with a strong history of productive encounters against Philly in the past.

This is a showdown that will draw plenty of attention. While this is the first true NFC test for the Rams, this game is the third test for the Eagles. It takes quite a bit of mental and physical energy to sustain alertness and peak performance.

How long can the Eagles continue to stare at such relentless and fierce competition without blinking? In Week 3, the Rams don't need to be the best team in the NFL. They simply need to be the team that doesn't blink first. As always, thanks for reading.

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