Rams

Rams: 5 Players to Watch During LA’s Wild Card Round Matchup

Adam SalcidoJanuary 8, 2021
3 minutes read

The Rams survived last week’s showdown with the Arizona Cardinals to punch their ticket to the playoffs. Thanks to the heroics of the defense as well as Chicago’s loss, Los Angeles secured the No. 6 seed and will match up with the No. 3 seed, which so happens to be the Seattle Seahawks. This will mark the third time these teams will see each other after each won a game apiece during the regular season. All eyes will be on each squad this Saturday, but 5 players should garner more of your attention than others.

5. Josh Reynolds 

With offensive weapons like Cooper Kupp, Robert Woods, Tyler Higbee, etc. it’s easy to forget a player like Josh Reynolds. However, it’s hard to forget the 159 receiving yards on 15 receptions he posted in two games against Seattle. While the Seahawks’ defense will be weary of LA’s top offensive players, Reynolds may be able to slip through some coverages and repeat his past performances. His success may be key to more playoff football for the Rams. 

4. Andrew Whitworth

After suffering a torn MCL back in Week 10 against the Seahawks, it was uncertain if Whitworth would be able to play again this year. However, after taking on his rehab challenge, the 39-year old is set to make his return against the same team he suffered his grueling injury against those same Seahawks. His return provides the offensive line with a huge boost. There’s no doubt whoever’s under center on Saturday will feel a lot better knowing they’ll have Andrew back at left tackle protecting their blind side.

3. Jalen Ramsey

The Seahawks have a budding star in wide receiver DK Metcalf. In just his second season, the 23-year old posted a 1,000+ receiving yard season with 10 touchdowns. He’s done a lot of damage to teams this year, but not much when Jalen Ramsey lines up opposite of him. In fact, in both games this season, Ramsey has shut him down when the two have matched up. The recent First-Team All-Pro member has only allowed Metcalf to haul in one reception for 11 yards. We’ll get to see these two face off again which should be an interesting matchup, to say the least. 

2. Leonard Floyd

While big names like Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey have led the charge this year, we can’t forget the work of OLB Leonard Floyd. After the Bear’s let him walk, the Rams welcomed him to Los Angeles on a one-year deal. He’s rewarded their faith in him with a career-high 10.5 sacks, 5 of which have been against the Seahawks. With all eyes on Donald, Floyd may get the chance to add get to Wilson yet again. If he can’t, Leonard has also shown he can make an impact in other ways such as his four tackles for a loss against Seattle.

1. Jared Goff/John Wolford 

In Jared Goff’s absence last week, John Wolford stepped up and helped keep the Rams’ season alive. However, Goff has been taking reps this week and head coach Sean McVay has yet to announce who will start. Reports have come out that he’ll wait until right before game time to announce the Rams’ starter. If Goff does indeed start, fans will be watching to see whether they’ll get the Goff of old who led the team to the Super Bowl or the Goff who was looked lost at times this year. However, if McVay opts to start Wolford, he’ll need to do a lot more than just run the ball if the team hopes to move one. Hopefully, with an NFL game under his belt, he can put together some TD scoring drives. 

Game Details:

Los Angeles Rams @ Seattle Seahawks

Saturday, January 9th, @ 1:40 PM on FOX

NEXT: Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey Selected to 2020 NFL All-Pro First Team

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Adam SalcidoJanuary 8, 2021
3 minutes read
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Adam Salcido

“That is the way this game is -- you win, you lose, you celebrate and you suffer.” -- Vin Scully

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