The Los Angeles Rams have an inexperienced defense, which has led to opponents generating a large number of explosive plays on the ground and through the air against them. Entering a Week 9 matchup with the Green Bay Packers, the Rams are allowing the fifth-most explosive plays to opposing offenses.
Explosive plays are considered runs of 10-plus yards and passes of 20-plus yards. The only four teams who have surrendered more explosive plays than the Rams thus far are the Indianapolis Colts, the Buffalo Bills, the Cincinnati Bengals, and the Denver Broncos.
Explosive plays allowed through 8 weeks of the season pic.twitter.com/Fie2LsVvew
— Arjun Menon (@arjunmenon100) October 31, 2023
Aside from Aaron Donald, the Rams don’t have many veterans residing on the defensive side of the ball. In the secondary alone, the Rams are leaning on second-year players Derion Kendrick, Cobie Durant, and Russ Yeast.
During last week’s 43-20 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, the Rams allowed seven total explosive plays (two on the ground, five through the air). Two of those explosive passing plays came on touchdown throws to CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks.
While the Packers haven’t been lighting up the scoreboard, Jordan Love leads all quarterbacks in intended air yards per attempt at 9.4 yards. Love wants to push the ball down the field to Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, and his other weapons.
Provided that, the Rams will need to limit explosive plays if they want to defeat the Packers on the road in Week 9.