Rams may have found the one advantage that could break the Eagles

The Los Angeles Rams are 2-0 after just two games. And it’s fair to say this team has not played its best football yet. In fact, it’s almost certain the Rams have room to improve in many aspects of their overall performance. And yet, when the dust settles, some elite elements are already starting to show midseason form. One such element is the wide receiver duo of Davante Adams and Puka Nacua.

Entering Week 3, Nacua ranks as the fourth-leading wide receiver in the NFL with 221 receiving yards. Not far behind him is Adams, who checks in at No. 12 with 157 yards. It’s their combined effort that keeps starting quarterback Matthew Stafford buoyed to the sixth-most prolific passer in the NFL with 541 passing yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. But this is more than a good start for the duo. It’s a season already filled with record-setting performances, per J.B. Long:

Of course, the offense has more weaponry than just two veteran wideouts. But out of 60 total targets over the first two games, the duo has commanded the lion’s share, with 41. That’s unlikely to change much in Week 3, with the Rams heading on the road for a critical showdown against the Eagles. When the pressure’s on, the offense tends to lean on the consistency of veterans to get the job done.

Rams offense has new complexion with Davante Adams success

The offense needed Adams to get hot, and that’s exactly what happened in Week 2, when he put up 106 receiving yards and a touchdown. In doing so, he tied four elite wide receivers for the 11th-most 100+ yard receiving games in NFL history. Better still, he’s just getting warmed up.

Now, the Eagles defense faces a conundrum. While they’ve put together a stellar start, allowing just 180.5 passing yards per game and only one passing touchdown, they haven’t faced a duo like this. They've only had to shut down one true No. 1 target in their first two games.

Against the Rams, they’ll need to contain both Nacua and Adams. Even if the secondary somehow pulls off that impossible task, the Rams still have under-the-radar and untapped playmakers waiting in the wings. But keeping Adams in check won’t be easy. Just watch how easily he creates separation on this play:

And Adams’ Week 2 breakout had a snowball effect on the entire unit. As he began to find his rhythm, the rest of the offense picked up the pace. Behind their two top receivers, the Rams completed 16 of 19 passes for 165 yards and two touchdowns. Still, the offense will only hum if the wideouts remain productive.

Is it enough for the Rams to pin their hopes on two receivers? Not this week. Through two games, Philly's defense has had the luxury of facing offenses still searching for rhythm. And while Philadelphia’s passing attack is still finding its footing, they’ve leaned heavily on Saquon Barkley, who is once again powering their offense.

Barkley not only gives the Eagles an elite weapon but also lets them control the clock. To counter that, the Rams must score quickly and often. If the passing game can keep the pressure on, the defense won’t have to stop Barkley entirely. They’ll just need to slow him down.

As always, thanks for reading.

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