Stopping James Cook will be Rams' first order of business against the Bills

The Los Angeles Rams face another tough competitor in Week 5, the 3-1 Buffalo Bills. To beat them, LA's defense must stop not only quarterback Josh Allen but also his furious Robin, running back James Cook.

And that won't be easy.

Of course, this defense will have its hands full all over the field. Allen would love to outduel veteran Matthew Stafford in head-to=head competition. He has the talent and the weapons to do exactly that.

Bearing the brunt against the run, nose tackle Poona Ford and linebackers Nate Landman and Omar Speights must bring their best efforts. The Rams have allowed just 247.5 yards per game but an average of 102 on the ground. At 13th in yards allowed, they have a middling to modestly above-average run defense.

They have to do better, especially against Cook and Allen. And that's saying something. As a whole, the defense has been potent already.

Cook presents Rams defense with toughest task yet

In four games, the Rams have held running backs to 133, 51, 57, and 86 yards, respectively. That's solid, especially with Myles Garrett and Aaron Donald missing multiple games on the defensive front.

That Bills offense lives and dies by the running of Cook. He comes in third in rushing yards per game at 105.3 and has easily been the most explosive back the Rams will face in their first five games, topping even San Francisco's Christian McCaffrey.

With Cook leading the way, Buffalo has one of the best ground games in the NFL. It opens up other offensive weapons, including Allen's scrambling ability.

But the Horns have faced this type of challenge before. They had to stop New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo, and did. The Broncos did a whole lot of nothing. The 49ers are the only team to average at least four yards per carry.

Ford, Landman, and Speights have combined for 56 tackles and three tackles for a loss - not bad, not great. Of course, they'll get help from teammates eager to show up big on the Monday night stage. But this trio must handle its business between the tackles. Even they will admit they have room to improve.

It won't be easy to accomplish, even at home, but failing to do so leaves the Rams vulnerable to another embarrassing loss. Nobody wants that.

As always, thanks for reading.

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