Last time the Rams and Eagles faced off, running back Saquon Barkley rushed for 255 yards en route to a 37-20 Eagles victory in Week 12. Thus, Sunday's rematch will feature some major adjustments from L.A. on both sides of the ball. The conditions will be vastly different this time around, with the forecast projecting below-freezing temperatures with a 35-85 percent chance of snow throughout the game in Philadelphia.
When asked if anything stood out from the Week 12 film apart from the run defense, head coach Sean McVay said "certainly there is. I'm not going to say that on here."
Here's how L.A. can avoid their pitfalls from last game in abysmal Philadelphia conditions during a Divisional Round matchup on Sunday:
Maintain gap integrity
Gap integrity was discussed at length after the Rams' Week 12 loss to the Eagles, as Barkley had success running every which way. He averaged over 4.1 yards per carry running through the "A" gap and "C" gap, and averaged 16.7 yards per carry through the "B" gap in that game, according to nflverse data.
Philadelphia's 6.1 yards per carry through the "B" gap this season ranks second in the NFL thanks in part to their two All-Pro tackles, Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata.
"Understanding what your gap is, understanding how to play it, not getting knocked back at the line of scrimmage (is important when defending the run)," said defensive coordinator Chris Shula. "... Just playing good, strong run defense (with) good fundamentals. A lot of things in that game came down to that and I will say, they made us play that way."
Outside linebacker Jared Verse said people were "jumping outside" of their gaps and "doing extra." Instead, they just need to fulfill their role as "one of 11."
Being "gap sound" has been a point of emphasis for L.A. since then and, after allowing 314 rushing yards in the previous matchup, it hasn't yielded more than 143 since. From Week 13 on, the Rams' 104 rushing yards per game allowed ranks sixth in the NFL.
Defensive end Braden Fiske said everyone understanding their individual gap responsibilities and how it impacts the collective scheme has been an important part of their growth since that game. On Sunday, that improvement will need to show against one of the best offensive lines in the NFL.
"Going into this game, we kind of highlight 'who do we have to eliminate?'" said safety Quentin Lake. "Obviously, they have the best running back in the NFL… our job is to try to eliminate the big plays, try to eliminate Saquon to the best of our ability while also being more gap sound.
"We have a good plan to go against them this week, so it should be interesting to see, but I think the guys are really excited for this game because of the result of that previous game against the Eagles."
This defense is motivated by their lack of success in Week 12, and they're coming out with a new strategy on Sunday.
Philadelphia had the least amount of dropbacks in the regular season because when it jumped out to early leads, it relied on a generational running back to put the game away. L.A. can't allow that to happen on Sunday, and one way to ensure it won't is to start fast on offense.
Start fast and get playmakers in space
The Rams have scored a touchdown on their first offensive possession three times this season. They've won all three matchups while totaling at least 27 points in each.
NFL games with high winds and precipitation, which the forecast calls for on Sunday, have shown a significant drop in passing production historically. One way the Rams can adapt to those conditions is to give quarterback Matthew Stafford some quick throws to get his playmakers the ball in space.
Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean went down with a knee injury last week that will sideline him for the entire postseason. He led the team in tackles in the last matchup and also recorded a sack. Without him, the short areas and middle of the field could be more vulnerable than it has been previously. Still, offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur said there are plenty of other defenders who can "pick up the slack," with one of the NFL's top-10 tacklers, linebacker Zack Baun, being one of them.
The Eagles have allowed the fewest yards per pass on attempts within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage (4.6), but the Rams are tied for the ninth-best passing yards per play in that short area (5.6). In the inclement weather, rushing success against a large and physical front will also be important for a Rams offense that has surged recently in that regard.
"Big emphasis this week is getting fit on double teams and making sure we're straining to finish, not letting (defensive tackle) Jalen (Carter) or anybody get off of blocks," said center Beaux Limmer.
In Week 12, Stafford was sacked a season-high five times, so facilitating a successful quick game would help remedy that as well. Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, tight end Tyler Higbee and running back Kyren Williams are all fantastic in space – they can make people miss or run them over.
"We are aware of (the forecast)," McVay said on Sunday. "... Matthew [Stafford] has had experience handling that ball. I know this, if it does snow or if it does rain, we have to be mindful of what we need to do to adjust and adapt, but there's no way it can be as cold as it was at the Jets game."
The Rams' success in poor conditions came against two non-playoff teams, so Sunday will present a whole new challenge versus an Eagles defense that Stafford called "the best in the league."
