Patriots - Rams Keys, Who Has the Razor's Edge?

Rams RBs vs NE Front Seven – Razor’s Edge Los Angeles
The Rams have been one of the worst teams in the league at running the football in 2016. While many point at Todd Gurley having a sophomore slump, much of their struggles have to do with an offensive line that hasn’t played well.

The Rams are averaging only 83.1 yards per game and Gurley, after a stellar 2015 season has struggled to gain just 641 yards on 200 carries which works out to a sub-standard 3.2 yards per carry. Benny Cunningham is their change of pace back with 102 yards on the ground, a much more effective 5.1 yards per carry and can catch the ball out of the backfield.

The Patriots have done a good job against the run in 2016 allowing just 99.5 yards per game. Malcolm Brown and Alan Branch have done a solid job of slowing things at the point of attack allowing the linebackers like Dont’a Hightower to clean up. The Patriots will want to slow the run and force Goff into passing situations.

With Branch facing a four-game suspension this week, I think the Patriots may be a little susceptible on the ground this week. Vincent Valentine will fill in his absence but the Patriots are thin there. Woodrow Hamilton is the sole backup and he missed practice on Thursday.

Rams WRs vs NE Secondary- Razor’s Edge New England
The Rams passing game has struggled in 2016 with Case Keenum under center despite having some quality weapons in Kenny Britt, Tavon Austin, speedster Brian Quick, TE Lance Kendricks and Gurley out of the backfield.

Coach Jeff Fisher went with their first-round rookie selection Jared Goff to start at QB the past two games and he responded with a solid effort in New Orleans, tossing three touchdowns. But in just his third NFL start and looking for his first win, he’ll have a tough time against a Bill Belichick/Matt Patricia led defense.

The Patriots have struggled at times defending the pass, allowing 253.6 yards per game. The pass rush has struggled to get home. But they’ve allowed only 17.9 points per game which is third best in the NFL.

The Patriots will try to throw some different looks at the rookie signal caller and keep the play in front of them. Goff will try to hit some deep patterns and must resist the temptation to force things. He’ll get some yardage here but I think their passing game won’t have the kind of success that they’ll need.

Special Teams- Razor’s Edge Los Angeles
The Patriots special teams have been up and down all season. Last week Stephen Gostkowski missed another field goal although he did make three others and hit on his extra point attempt. Ryan Allen has been solid this season with a 40.9-yard net average on his punts. The coverage units have been good although the return team could use a jolt.

The Rams have an outstanding STs unit and it begins with punter Johnny Hekker. He was lavishly praised by Belichick this week and with good cause. He’s one of the best punters in the NFL. He has a stellar 46.7-yard average with a net of 44.9. He’s had 35 kicks inside the 20 with only a single touchback. Their coverage units have been outstanding and they boast the dynamic Austin as their punt returner.

Next up, who wins and why…

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About Steve Balestrieri

A former US Army Special Forces NCO and Officer, Steve has been following the Patriots since their days at Fenway Park. Steve has worked in the film industry and wrote as an Military Editor at SpecialOperations.com, 1945.com as a reporter for the Millbury Daily Voice, Millbury-Sutton Chronicle, and the Grafton News. He's also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)

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