What’s changed since the last time the Eagles and Rams played each other?
56 days.
That’s what separates the Philadelphia Eagles’ divisional round playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams this Sunday from these two teams that met in Week 12.
The Eagles came out victorious in that one, eliminating the Rams by a final score of 37 to 20. Six Rams points came in garbage time with a minute left and the Eagles were playing backup defenders.
While the Birds will be looking for a similar result, let’s take a look at what’s different from the last game.
EAGLES INJURIES BEFORE THE GAME: The Eagles entered Week 12 without DeVonta Smith due to a hamstring injury. He will play this time. The team had also just placed Bryce Huff — who played just one snap in the Eagles’ Wild Card victory — on injured reserve.
EAGLE INJURIES DURING THE GAME: The Eagles notably faced multiple injuries during the match against the Rams. Brandon Graham suffered his (potentially) season-ending triceps injury in that one. Darius Slay was limited to 44% of the Eagles’ defensive snaps due to being ruled out with a concussion. Reed Blankenship missed a few snaps after colliding with Slay.
EAGLES INJURIES SINCE THE GAME: Nakobe Dean is obviously now out for the season. It is all the more unfortunate that he played very well against the Rams. One might expect Sean McVay to go after Dean’s replacement(s) in Oren Burks and/or Jeremiah Trottter Jr. The Eagles are also missing Ben VanSumeren, who recorded five offensive snaps at the ‘back. Perhaps Khari Blasingame will be a little more involved against the Rams, assuming the Eagles temporarily elevate him from the practice squad.
RAMS INJURIES BEFORE THE MATCH: The Rams were mostly healthy entering Week 12, but were missing starting right tackle Rob Havenstein and starting tight end Tyler Higbee. Havenstein is ready to play this time.
RAMS INJURIES SINCE THE GAME: Higbee was hospitalized Monday evening with a chest injury. He could therefore miss this weekend’s match. (UPDATE: Apparently Higbee is scheduled to play. Wow.)
Edge rusher Byron Young (not to be confused with the Eagles defensive tackle of the same name) appeared to be attacked Monday night. Young ranks third on the Rams in sacks with 7.5. Something to watch for on the injury toll this week.
THE ASCENSION OF NOLAN SMITH: Nolan Smith has taken on a larger role since Graham’s disappearance and he has thrived with more playing time. Smith has produced five sacks and six TFLs in six games since the Eagles faced the Rams.
IMPROVED RAM DEFENSE: After allowing the Eagles to produce 37 points and 314 rushing yards in Week 12, the Rams defense has allowed just 15 points per game and 100.5 rushing yards per game since then (excluding week 18 when Los Angeles rested the starters). Saquon Barkley, who had 255 rushing yards against the Rams, will test their improvement.
HIGH CEILING, LOW FLOOR RAMS OFFENSE: Although the Rams’ defense has improved, their offense hasn’t always been sharp. Their offensive point totals since playing the Eagles: 21, 44, 12, 19, 13 and 20 (excluding Week 18 where Los Angeles rested the starters). The 44-point performance against the Buffalo Bills really stands out…but five out of six games with 21 or fewer offensive points isn’t very threatening. Especially in hopes that the Eagles’ top-ranked defense is able to limit the damage to the Rams.
SAQUON BARKLEY’S DECLINED RECEIVING PRODUCTION: Against the Rams, Barkley had four targets and four catches for 47 yards. Since then, in six games, Barkley has been targeted 12 times for eight catches and just 25 receiving yards. Maybe the Eagles can figure out how to get him as a pass catcher against the Rams.
REST ADVANTAGE: The Eagles entered Week 12 with a mini-bye since they played Thursday night in Week 11. The Eagles will enter this weekend’s game with another rest advantage since they played Sunday after -noon and the Rams played Monday night. The Rams will also face traveling from Arizona (where Monday’s game was held due to the Los Angeles wildfires) to California and then to Philadelphia this weekend. Meanwhile, the Eagles have been in Philadelphia since returning from their Dec. 22 game in Landover, Maryland.
PLACE: The Eagles played at SoFi Stadium in Week 12. This time, the Rams will come to Lincoln Financial Field. The Rams don’t have drastic home/road splits and there were already plenty of Eagles fans at the Los Angeles game.
WEATHER REPORT: The last meeting was obviously played in a dome. This time, the Eagles and Rams will play outdoors. Here are the conditions planned for the kick-off: