NFL analysts and fans scratching heads over Rams baffling play calling

The Los Angeles Rams appear to have outguessed the dynamics of the game against the Chicago Bears. The story about the Bears defense was an open book. The Bears were susceptible to the run, were good against the pass, and were elite in terms of creating turnovers. To most NFL-knowledgeable fans, the offense would be wise to at least throw a balanced attack at the defense.

Au contraire, mon frère. The Rams love to pass, and by halftime had thrown the football 24 times to just seven runs. In the process, veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford found himself pounded for four sacks, losing 29 yards. And Chicago's defense sold out to defend the pass, blitzing the girl-dad quarterback eight times.

The thing is, LA can run the football, but only if the coach calls a running play. And at least one NFL analyst, Warren Sharp, is as dumbfounded by the stupefying playcalling. Because the offense has abandoned the run before the game ever got started, the vigorous Bears defense has held Stafford to around a 50-percent completion rate, while sacking him a punishing four times.

Start of the 4th Quarter

Los Angeles Rams 10
Chicago Bears 10

Rams have to help out a battered Matthew Stafford

It's easy to understand a team finding itself addicted to the heroics of the starting quarterback. But this offense cannot hope to emerge with a victory without an effective running game. So far, Chicago's defense appears to have solely focused on defending the pass.

Wide receiver Puka Nacua has caught just three of seven passes for 27 yards. Wide receiver Davante Adams has yet to catch a pass after two targets. Even tight end Colby Parkinson has hauled in just one of three passes for six yards. Even after a second Coble Durant interception at midfield, Stafford came out throwing three incompletions.

Don't forget that this is the same quarterback whose throwing hand was banged up one week ago. Despite the emphatic replies that the finger was fine, cold weather can make a huge impact on an injury. That is even more likely to impact existing injuries at the extremities, like a player's hands or feet.

The score is tied. But the longer Los Angeles remains tied in this cold, the more likely the Bears win this one. It's a tough game for fans, as the team appears oblivious to the obvious need to run the football.

As always, thanks for reading.