After falling short in Minnesota last week, the Rams are back in St. Louis to face off against the Bears.
The loss put the Rams back at .500, but the team was without starters Rob Havenstein, Robert Quinn, and T.J. McDonald. They were monitored closely all week and were able to participate in Friday’s practice, which is a good sign. All are listed as questionable for Sunday’s matchup.
The Bears are 3-5 and going through some key injuries of their own as they were without running back Matt Forte in last week’s win over the Chargers. The offense still managed to put up 446 yards in an attack led by quarterback Jay Cutler.
The former Vanderbilt Commodore is in his 10th NFL season and head coach Jeff Fisher has a lot of respect for his abilities and the Bears’ offensive weapons.
“He’s making good decisions and his numbers are good,” Fisher said. “They’re running the football well. Their rookie running back [Jeremy Langford] looks that he’ll be the running back of their future right now. Then, you add Martellus Bennett to the equation and Alshon Jeffery. He’s got places to go with the football.”
Jeffery has appeared in only four games this season due to injury, but he’s averaging 123 receiving yards per game.
“He’s a big target and he’s got a tall quarterback and they trust each other,” Fisher said. “He just puts the ball up and he comes down with it. I think [Trumaine Johnson’s] a good match-up. I think [Janoris Jenkins] is a good match-up. We just have to make sure that we’re sound every place else.”
As a unit, the Rams defense remains in the top 10, and ranks fifth in points allowed per game at 18.3.
But offensively, the Rams continue to search for the answer to their third down struggles. The signing of veteran wide receiver Wes Welker early in the week was a move in the right direction. That said, he has been in with the team for only six days and it will take some time for him to acclimate to the system.
Chicago enters Week 10 with the league’s fifth-best passing defense, which means the Rams will have to be crisp and efficient through the air.
“I think the big thing is we all just got to be in sync and it comes down to execution,” said quarterback Nick Foles. “It’s a group effort as an offense. We just have to continue to work on our fundamentals and stick together and make sure we’re all on the same page, which we’re doing every day. We’re continuing to grow.”
Veteran linebacker James Laurinaitis sees the hard work the offense is putting in to improve.
“They're working their tails off trying to fix it and we know what they are,” Laurinaitis said. “We know the potential that's there and we're just kind of waiting for them to break out. I'm sure they are too and it'll feel really good when they do.”
On the ground, the Rams will continue to rely on rookie running back Todd Gurley who has scored a touchdown in three consecutive games. He will look to capitalize against a defense that’s allowing 4.6 yards per carry to opposing running backs.
The Rams are still in the playoff hunt and sit in second place in the NFC West, with a game against the division-leading Cardinals still on the schedule. St. Louis could also contend for a wildcard spot, but the mentality around the locker room is to take one game at a time.
“We’re doing just fine. As coaches, we’ve got total belief in ourselves and in the players,” said offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti. “We’re at the midway point and every time we come out here, we expect to get better. Every time we step on the field on Sunday, we trust our preparation and we expect good things to happen.”
Keys 2 Victory vs. Bears
The Rams return to the Edward Jones Dome on Sunday to take on the 3-5 Bears. Here are three keys that could improve St. Louis to 4-1 at home this season.
1) Fix the penalty issue
The Rams have been jumping offsides at an unusually high clip lately. Head coach Jeff Fisher has cited 12 in the past few weeks as far too many, and five of those flags came in last week’s game in Minnesota.
As defensive end William Hayes put it, the D-line needs to make sure its focus is in the right place for every snap, because those mental lapses have put the club in poor position. Players and coaches have said this week that there’s a fine line between having a strong get-off once the ball is snapped and being penalized for jumping too early. Teams that are near the top of the league in sacks -- as the Rams are -- many times have a tendency to be close to the top in offsides penalties as well. But when those penalties happen with the frequency they’ve occurred in the last few weeks, that has to be fixed.
The club has harped on the issue all week and expects improvement on Sunday. That’s going to be key to not letting Chicago’s offense get free and easy first downs to advance into scoring position.
2) Get going on third down
Third down has been a problem for the Rams all season and it continues to be, as they’re No. 32 in third-down efficiency at just 23.8 percent. Quarterback Nick Foles said this week improving in that area is a matter of the entire offense being in sync, which can be easier said than done. Receivers have to run strong routes to get open, the protection must be solid up front, and then Foles must deliver a good ball.
The other issue can be staying on schedule and getting into third-and-manageable situations instead of third-and-long. That comes from getting good yardage on first and second down and avoiding negative plays.
Of course, the addition of Wes Welker has the potential to aid third-down production. If the wide receiver plays -- Fisher said that could be decided either Saturday night or Sunday morning -- it will likely be only in a package of plays. It’s best to keep expectations tempered for Welker, as he is 34 years old and has not played a down yet this year. But his skill set -- 79 percent of his career receptions on third down have resulted in first downs -- is certainly needed on the Rams right now. If he can make an impact, even in just a few plays, that could provide a significant boost to the home team on Sunday.
3) Disrupt the timing between Cutler and Jeffery
It’s a bit unclear as of yet if wideout Alshon Jeffery will play Sunday, as he suffered a groin injury during the practice week. But if he does, he will likely be quarterback Jay Cutler’s favorite target. Over the last three games, Jeffery has caught 28 passes for 414 yards and two touchdowns, becoming the first Bears wide receiver since 1995 to record three consecutive games of at least 100 yards receiving in the process.
Cutler called the wide receiver the Bears’ “go-to guy,” which is clear from the way the quarterback will throw Jeffery the ball in big situations. That goes especially for when Jeffery is in a one-on-one matchup. Cutler has good trust for Jeffery being able to go up and bring down 50/50 balls, as the duo have hooked up for a number of those passes this season.
Still, Fisher said he likes the matchup on the outside with cornerbacks Janoris Jenkins and Trumaine Johnson. Both have played well in 2015, with Johnson coming up with his team-leading third interception last week in Minnesota. If one of the corners can get a big turnover, that should help the offense with an extra possession.
Five Players to Watch vs. Bears
With a .500 record at midseason, the Rams will look to start the beginning of a playoff push Sunday afternoon against the Bears at the Edward Jones Dome. Here are five Rams players to watch during the action.
1) Trumaine Johnson - No. 22
The cornerback has made three outstanding interceptions so far this season, the latest of which came last week in Minnesota. Matched up one-on-one with wide receiver Stefon Diggs early in the third quarter, Johnson fought off an offensive pass interference penalty to come up with the pick in the end zone.
This week, Johnson could have a significant challenge on his hands with wide receiver Alshon Jeffery. It’s still a bit unclear whether the wideout will play and how much, as he suffered a groin injury early in the week. But if he is out there, Johnson will likely have his share of chances to make plays, because quarterback Jay Cutler has targeted Jeffery 31 times over Chicago’s last two games.
2) Kenny Britt - No. 18
Britt has been plenty effective as an outside and deep threat, proving that once again with a 55-yard catch last week against the Vikings. Britt leads the Rams with 311 yards receiving, and is averaging 20.7 yards per reception. With teams stacking the box more and more due to running back Todd Gurley’s emergence, Britt will likely once again be an important weapon on the outside. When St. Louis employs play action, look for Britt to gain some separation to make some downfield catches this week.
3) Robert Quinn - No. 94
The defensive end missed his first game since his rookie year when he was declared inactive last week due to a knee injury. Head coach Jeff Fisher said he expects Quinn will be back this week, which will be a welcome return for the defense. Quinn currently leads the Rams with 5.0 sacks -- just ahead of Aaron Donald, who has 4.5.
While much of Chicago’s personnel is different -- not to mention the coaching staff -- the last time Quinn squared off against the Bears at the Edward Jones Dome in 2013, he recorded the only defensive touchdown of his career. Late in the fourth quarter, Quinn came around the corner to strip/sack Josh McCown, then tossed the quarterback aside to scoop the ball up and score.
It would certainly be something if the defensive end could get a repeat performance two years later.
4) Tavon Austin - No. 11
The West Virginia product has been one of the Rams’ most consistent performers on offense, as he has 507 yards from scrimmage and six offensive touchdowns. Last week displayed how vital he can be to the unit when teams load the box, as he found plenty of success on the outside by running end arounds off play fakes to Gurley.
Austin also had a big game the last time St. Louis faced Chicago in 2013, taking a carry in the backfield and immediately reversing field for a 65-yard touchdown. Former 49ers defensive coordinator Vic Fangio is now in the same position for the Bears, so there is some familiarity with Austin’s skill set. But there should still be some opportunities to get Austin the ball in space on offense.
5) Todd Gurley - No. 30
Gurley had his lowest game of production since he became a starter last week in Minnesota, and still managed 119 yards from scrimmage inculding a 1-yard touchdown run. The Vikings do have a strong defense, and made it clear they were not going to let Gurley beat them by placing as many as nine defenders in the box for some plays. In some ways, teams who make that decision play into Gurley’s favor, as he has the breakaway speed to be off to the races if he gets past the first level. But they also play somewhat into Austin’s favor, as if teams are loaded in the box, then Austin can take a handoff to the outside.
The way the Rams have been utilizing Austin and Gurley over the last few weeks makes them even more of a tandem to watch not only for this game, but for the rest of the season.
Bears Players to Watch
Bears Players to Watch
TE Martellus Bennett
Martellus is one of the Bears biggest weapons on offense. He leads Chicago in receptions (45) and touchdowns (3).
While Bennett is a serious threat not to be taken lightly, the Rams have fared well at limiting tight ends this season. St. Louis has only given up 100 yards to a TE once this season (Cleveland's Gary Barnidge, 101 yards). Only Washington's Jordan Reed has put forth a respectable game against the Rams (six catches, 82 yards).
Other touted TEs put on check by the Rams are Pittsburgh's Heath Miller (17 yards), Green Bay's Richard Rodgers (45 yards), and Seattle's Jimmy Graham (51).
QB Jay Cutler
Jay Cutler has thrown for 1,787 yards, 10 touchdowns and five interceptions through seven games this season. While his yards and TD totals are down from last season within the same time span, his giveaways are significantly lower. Cutler has been smarter with the football. His passer rating of 89.6 is already higher than his career passer rating (85.4), and if it should stand – or improve – it will be the best of his career.
QB Jay Cutler
Jay Cutler has thrown for 1,787 yards, 10 touchdowns and five interceptions through seven games this season. While his yards and TD totals are down from last season within the same time span, his giveaways are significantly lower. Cutler has been smarter with the football. His passer rating of 89.6 is already higher than his career passer rating (85.4), and if it should stand – or improve – it will be the best of his career.
Rams DE Robert Quinn along with the entire defensive line will be tasked to force Cutler into making more mistakes.
RB Matt Forte/Jeremy Langford
Matt Forte has not seen action since injuring his knee Week 8 versus the Vikings. He was inactive for last week's Monday night game against the San Diego Chargers. Forte made is return to practice this week, albeit in a limited basis and is questionable for the game
RB Matt Forte/Jeremy Langford
Matt Forte has not seen action since injuring his knee Week 8 versus the Vikings. He was inactive for last week's Monday night game against the San Diego Chargers. Forte made is return to practice this week, albeit in a limited basis and is questionable for the game
Forte is a well-rounded back. He can burn you in the passing game and gash you through the run. He has accumulated 548 yards and two TD's on the ground. He is still in the top-15 in terms of rushing yards, despite missing time. Forte has also added 25 receptions for 219 yards and another TD.
If Forte cannot go on Sunday, the onus falls on rookie running back Jeremy Langford will take his place. The fourth round rookie was impressive against San Diego, rushing for 72 yards on 18 carries in the victory.
WR Alshon Jeffery
Flashback to the 2012 Draft. With the 33rd pick of the draft, the St. Louis Rams picked receiver Brian Quick out of Appalachian State. Twelve selections later, Alshon Jeffery was taken.
WR Alshon Jeffery
Flashback to the 2012 Draft. With the 33rd pick of the draft, the St. Louis Rams picked receiver Brian Quick out of Appalachian State. Twelve selections later, Alshon Jeffery was taken.
Alshon is a big, physical receiver. He has 33 catches for 492 yards and two touchdowns on the season. He has eight receptions of 20 yards or more – same as Brandon Marshall and Calvin Johnson.
It will be up to Janoris Jenkins to keep Jeffery on check. Alshon is the Bears' big play receiver. Jenkins is in the midst of #ClampSeason, and has limited big plays on the outside.
Alshon tweaked his groin during practice this week and did not practice Thursday. He did, however, return to the practice field on Friday.
OLB Pernell McPhee
Here is another injured starter for the Bears.
OLB Pernell McPhee
Here is another injured starter for the Bears.
Pernell is officially listed as questionable, but he missed three straight days of practice due to a bum knee. McPhee did play in Monday's contest against San Diego. He ended up taking himself out in the fourth quarter, citing discomfort.
Pernell is the Bears' leading sack artist, posting up five sacks. If he cannot go on Sunday, fellow linebacker Lamarr Houston will step up. Houston has three sacks for the season so far.
St. Louis Rams vs. Chicago Bears: Series History, 2015 Stats, & Week 10 Notes.
The St. Louis Rams [4-4] will look to stay in the race for the NFC West lead - and a playoff berth - this Sunday as they host the Chicago Bears [3-5] at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis. Including playoffs, this matchup will mark the 92nd time these teams have faced off in their franchise’s history.
The Bears own the series lead with a 51-35-3 record. The Bears have won four out of the last five against the Rams. The Rams, however, won the last matchup - played on Nov. 24, 2013 - with a 42-21 score. In that games, Rams’ running backs Benny Cunningham and Zac Stacy combined for 196 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Defensive end Robert Quinn had a 31-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown as well.
For a full list of Rams-Bears game, you can visit The Football Database.
2015 Stats
Rams Notes
* Nick Foles won his only start against the Bears [12/22/13 with the Eagles], completing 21 of 25 [84%] for 230 yards and two touchdowns [0 INT’s], finishing the game with a 131.7 QB rating.
* Todd Gurley has rushed for 664 yards this season; 3rd most by a rookie in his first six games in NFL history. He’s also the first rookie in the Super Bowl era to rush for 85+ yards in his first five starts. He’s rushed for 655 yards [131 per game] with four touchdowns in the last five. He leads the NFL with four runs for 45+ yards.
* Benny Cunningham rushed for 109 yards [8.4 ypc] with a touchdown in their last meeting.
* Tavon Austin has 16 career touchdowns [8 rec., 5 rush, 3 punt return]. He’s one of three players in the NFL with a receiving, rushing, and return touchdown in 2015. He had a 65-yard rushing touchdown the last time these two teams played.
* Jared Cook had four catches for 80 yards and a touchdown in his last game against the Bears.
* Kenny Britt is averaging 20.7 yards per catch in 2015, which ranks 2nd in the NFL.
* The Rams lead the NFC with 27 sack in 2015, led by Robert Quinn [5] and Aaron Donald [4.5]. Quinn has 15.5 sacks in his last 18 games. In his last meeting vs. the Bears he had a sack, a forced fumbled, and a 31-yard fumble recovery for a score. Donald has 0.5+ sacks in 10 of his last 15 games.
* Chris Long has three sacks in his last three meetings against the Bears.
Bears Notes
* Jay Cutler has 139 touchdown passes with the Bears and passed Hall of Fame quarterback Sid Luckman [137] for most in team history last Monday. He’s won both career starts against St. Louis. He has 12 game winning touchdowns in the 4th quarter since joining the Bears in 2009, which is most in the NFL during that spans.
* Jeremy Langford had a career-high 142 scrimmage yards [72 rush, 70 receiving] and a touchdown last week.
* Kyle Long is the brother of Rams’ DE Chris Long.
* Alshon Jeffery has 100+ receiving yards in three straight games, which is tied for the longest streak in team history. In the past three games, he’s had 28 catches for 414 yards [138 per game], with two touchdowns.
* Martellus Bennett has a touchdown in both career games against the Rams. Since 2014, he leads all NFL tight ends with 135 catches.
* Lamarr Houston had two sacks last week against the Chargers.
* Pernell McPhee has five sacks, an interception, and a blocked field goal in his last six games. He had a sack in his only game against the Rams [9/25/2011 with the Ravens].
* Antrel Rolle has three interceptions [and two touchdowns] in his career against the Rams.
