A surprising defensive starter will be a Rams difference maker vs. Eagles

The Los Angeles Rams are on a collision course with their playoffs nemesis, the Philadelphia Eagles. While this Week 3 showdown will not be played in a blizzard, it will be played at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. But when it comes to these two teams, don't give too much weight to home-field advantage. L.A. put up a better fight on the road (a 28-22 loss in last January's divisional round) than at home at SoFi Stadium (a 37-20 loss the previous November).

And so now, the two teams must face off once more. But they are not the same teams.

Every offseason restocks the roster with better or more affordable competitors. And that is the basis for the uncertainty over which team prevails on Sunday. Will this third time be the charm?

That's the hope of Los Angeles' latest star, cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr.

Forbes is no stranger to facing the Eagles or their featured running back, Saquon Barkley. Coming off the Washington Commanders' waiver wire, Forbes knows NFC East teams intimately. And he has faced their offensive stars as well.

So, it's worth the time to kick back and watch his interview with Rams host JB Long.

Emmanuel Forbes can be a Rams game changer in Week 3

When the Rams competed twice against Philly last season, the secondary boasted many of the same contributors as will be starting in Week 3, save one. Forbes did not take the football field against any teams, save the Seattle Seahawks in Week 18.

My, how times have changed.

While he continues to acclimate to his new squad, the defensive back has recorded six tackles in two games. He has allowed four of five completions, one for a touchdown (the scramble by Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward in Week 2), and deflected a pass. While the former Mississippi State standout has room to grow in his run defense, he has proven to be an ample tackler, not missing a single tackle yet this season. Best of all, he is a ball hawk, getting an interception in each of his two seasons with the Commanders.

The No. 16 overall pick from the 2023 draft starred in training camp at a time when L.A.was rumored to be in hot pursuit of former Rams All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Despite the urgings of NFL Insiders and analysts, Los Angeles stood pat on the secondary.

The gambit paid off, as the secondary is among the NFL's top five pass defenses, allowing just 147.0 net passing yards per game. So far after two games, the Eagles' passing offense is 31st in the league, gaining just 119 passing yards per game.

Only the Titans are worse with 102.5 net passing yards per game. And Los Angeles' defense held them in check, allowing just one touchdown in the game.

Defensive coordinator Chris Shula is not game-planning to depend on Forbes to pick off multiple passes in Week 3. But the coordinator is strategizing a defensive game plan to place the cornerback in a position to succeed. With the two rivals clashing twice last season, there is plenty of familiarity for coaches and players to draw upon. Forbes may be a new starter for L.A., but he is not new to defending Philly.

The stage is set. Forbes knows his part. Now all that remains is lights, camera, action.

As always, thanks for reading.

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