When the Philadelphia EaglesandLos Angeles Rams meet, the games are often close. The action is normally intense. Most attention naturally shifts to the stars. Matthew Stafford, Aaron Donald, Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, and DeVonta Smith are the names fans recognize immediately. Those players will undoubtedly have a major say in how Sunday's game unfolds.
The NFL rarely comes down to stars alone, however. More often than not, a key third-down conversion, a timely sack, or an unexpected touchdown comes from a player who spent most of the week flying under the radar. As the Eagles prepare for another important NFC matchup,this game represents their toughest challenge so far this season. No disrespect is intended to anyone else they have played.
These four Rams deserve a closer look. Keep a close eye on them as the game unfolds.
Terrance Ferguson, tight end
With Tyler Higbee active in Week 3 but still managing a hip injury, Terrance Ferguson became a bigger part of the Rams' offensive plan. He responded with six receptions for 54 yards and a touchdown, producing his most productive outing of the young season.
Those numbers also rank among the best receiving totals on Los Angeles' roster this season. While Higbee remains the starter and one of Stafford's trusted targets, Ferguson has shown he can step into a larger role when opportunities arise.
The Eagles and Rams have played several tight contests over the years, and games like these often hinge on an unexpected contributor. Ferguson has already shown he can be that player.
Nate Landman, linebacker
This typically isn't one of the names you hear on the sports talk shows when the Rams are the topic of conversation. Maybe he should be.
Nate Landman isn't the first Rams defender most fans think about, but he's a team captain whose production deserves attention. Through three games, he ranks near the top of Los Angeles' defense in both solo (nine) and total tackles (18). He has also contributed a tackle for loss and a pass breakup while serving as a steady presence in the middle of the defense.
Philadelphia will likely test the Rams between the tackles with Saquon Barkley. If Landman continues his strong start, he could become one of the key defenders in slowing the Eagles' rushing attack.
Jaylen Watson, cornerback
Trent McDuffie was one of the Rams' high-profile offseason cornerback additions. Jaylen Watson was the other. The latter has quietly become an important piece of Los Angeles' secondary.
Watson has already collected ten tackles, a tackle for loss, and three pass breakups through the first three weeks. Several of those pass breakups came on plays where he appeared inches away from turning a deflection into an interception.
With Philadelphia still searching for offensive consistency, Watson's ball skills could become a major factor if Hurts is forced into obvious passing situations.
Byron Young, linebacker
The Eagles have spent much of the week discussing interior offensive line protection issues. That makes Byron Young a player worth monitoring.
Young already has a sack this season and has consistently pressured opposing quarterbacks. Pro Football Focus credited him with seven quarterback hurries in Week 3 alone, illustrating how disruptive he can be even when he doesn't finish the play himself.
Hurts has been at his best when operating from a clean pocket. If Young can create consistent pressure, he could play a significant role in determining whether Philadelphia's offense finds a rhythm.
Final analysis
The Rams have enough star power to command attention, but overlooking players like Ferguson, Landman, Watson, and Young would be a mistake. Each has already shown the ability to impact games this season, and each enters Week 4 with a chance to influence another important matchup. If the Eagles hope to rebound from their loss in Chicago, they'll need to account for more than just Los Angeles' biggest names.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles vs. Rams: 4 overlooked threats on the Los Angeles' roster
