Rams and Matthew Stafford nearing must-win territory in Week 4 vs. Eagles

When it rains, it pours. Such is the luck of the Los Angeles Rams, who embark on another road trip away from SoFi Stadium. This time, they lock horns with the Philadelphia Eagles (2-1), who were just humbled, 27-7, by the Chicago Bears and veteran quarterback Case Keenum.

LA would have been much better off had the Eagles trounced the Bears. Then, the Eagles would have had a lead in the NFC East and been extremely confident in preparing to face a struggling Rams team. But with both reeling from a loss, the edge has to go to the home-field Eagles.

And that's exactly what we didn't need in Week 4.

Philadelphia is typically a tough place to play for the West Coast Rams. But now, following Monday's embarrassing loss in front of a national audience, they will be extremely focused, and as injuries continue to stack up for LA, fans have to worry about how long this team can count on depth to rise to the occasion.

Eagles have had Rams' number in recent history

The last time the Rams defeated the Eagles was on September 20, 2020. Since then, these two teams have met four times. The Eagles have won all four. And looking back, they lead the series 26-20-1 all time.

Matthew Stafford hasn't beaten them since arriving in Los Angeles. There is no reason to expect an easy win against anyone for Los Angeles this season, much less Philly.

Will that losing streak end in Week 4?

The Rams have been plagued by a steady stream of injuries. While some have been sent to injured reserve, many others on the active roster approach gameday with their status in question.

Don't expect any sympathy or concessions from the Eagles. They love to give lauded teams their come-uppance. You have to imagine that all the offseason chatter about how good the Rams would be has only served to whet the Birds' appetite for a Week 4 win.

When it comes down to it, LA needs a win more. Philly almost certainly controls its own destiny in the NFC East. But already trailing both the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks, the Rams may be staring at a Wild Card playoff berth.

And to earn that berth, they'll have to knock off some NFC competition now.

Stafford has not been at his best. His season so far has been a mixed bag. In LA's lone win, he threw for 327 yards, four touchdowns, and an interception. In the two losses, he threw for a combined 545 yards, two TDs, and three INTs.

The Rams need the winning Stafford to show up in Philly. But the offense had better come with a backup game plan that does not rely entirely on Stafford's arm. After all, the 38-year-old may be the defending MVP, but he absolutely needs help from the running game until injured receiver Puka Nacua returns.

As always, thanks for reading.

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