The Los Angeles Rams and the New Orleans Saints face off on Sunday with a trip to the Super Bowl alive. These are both teams known for their offense but their defense is no question going to play a huge role in this game. Let’s break down the Rams vs. New Orleans Saints Defense/Special Teams Analysis.
Los Angeles Rams defense
The Los Angeles Rams had high expectations coming into this season for the defensive side of the ball especially with the acquisitions of Ndamukong Suh and Marcus Peters but the stats show that this isn’t a great defensive squad.
On the season they are giving up 24 points per game which is 20th in football. The defensive line should be a strength of this team but they struggle against the rush giving up 122.3 yards per game which is 23rd in all the NFL.
One strength this defense does have is rushing the passer. Aaron Donald has wreaked havoc all year and comes into this game with 20.5 sacks. In this game it’s going to be key that he is strong and he makes life rough on Drew Brees. If the Rams let Drew Brees sit in the pocket and have success, it’s going to spell some trouble.
Special Teams
Greg “the leg” Zuerlein was hurt for part of the season but has still had a lot of success. He has been 27-31 on field goals and 35-36 on extra points. His long on field goals this year was 56 yards.
Johnny Hecker is the punter and he has also had a ton of success. He has an average of 46.3 yards per kick with his long being 68 yards.
New Orleans Saints defense
The New Orleans Saints defense isn’t elite, but has been a little better than the Rams. Coming into this game they are giving up 22.1 points per game which is 14th in the NFL. The secondary has struggled this year but the Saints run defense has been stout all year. So far this year they are giving up only 80.2 yards per game on the ground which is 2nd in football.
The Saints suffered a big loss against the Eagles with Sheldon Rankins being lost for the season with an Achilles injury. Replacing him is not going to be possible but it’s going to take a team effort to make sure they are still strong against the run and can get pressure on Jared Goff.
Special Teams
The Kicker for the Saints is Will Lutz who has been good this year. He has only missed two of this 30 attempts on field goals and has been 52-53 on extra points.
The punter for the Saints is Thomas Morestead and he is one of the best in the league, although he hasn’t had to be used a ton. He has had 43 punts with an average of 46.4 yards per punt.
Edge
I think the Saints have a slight edge because of their rush defense but Rankins is a big loss for this team. Whichever defense is better on Sunday will help lead their team to the Super Bowl!
