Rams peppered pass rush struggling to derail Bears offense in early going

The Los Angeles Rams are battling the Chicago Bears and the cold. While the team hopes that the coaching staff has a winning strategy to win the game, the players are counting on the support staff to help keep them warm in the trenches. To that goal, the players have been taking a rather unique approach. LA players have been adding cayenne pepper to the inside of their socks.

Does that work? Yes, it can.

While head coach Sean McVay scoffed at questions over the cold, it's clear that players and support staff had the weather forecast in their pregame discussions and planning. There are several strategies to stay warm in the cold. But admittedly, cayenne pepper in socks is a new strategy.

Unfortunately, the pepper has had no impact on LA's pass rush, which has been deathly silent so far in this one. It could be argued that pressuring quarterbacks is just as effective, but Bears quarterback Caleb Williams has completed over 68 percent of his passes for 155 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in the first half alone.

Halftime

Los Angeles Rams 10
Chicago Bears 10

What happened to the LA Rams pass rush?

The Los Angeles pass rush has been one of the most effective in the NFL this season. In fact, only the Denver Broncos have matched the Horns in getting 3 players with 50+ pressures in 2025. In this game, the Bears defense has sacked Stafford three times, and the Horns have no quarterback sacks.

The offense has been predictable, unfortunately. With nearly 80 percent of the offensive plays ending up in Stafford's hands in the pocket, the Bears have no guesswork as to how the Rams hope to advance the football. Not only does that favor Chicago, but the lopsided strategy has allowed the more balanced Bears play-calling to control the clock.

The Rams defense has been holding up, barely. Cornerback Cobie Durant stopped the Bears first offensive drive with an interception. The defense also forced a turnover on downs. Still, the Bears seem to have the game in hand, as they've managed to balance 19 passes with 14 runs. And there is no evidence that Chicago will deviate from that gameplan.

The LA Rams start the second half with the football. But unless the team establishes the run, the momentum is going Chicago's way. It seems a shame to expect so much from a 37-year-old quarterback after he has done so much to get the team this far.

Does Stafford have another fourth-quarter comeback in him? Hopefully, running backs Kyren Williams and Blake Corum will take over this one, and not expect miracle Matthew to deliver once more.

As always, thanks for reading.