The Los Angeles Rams take on the Denver Broncos in the Mile High city on Sunday night, with offensive masterminds Sean McVay and Sean Payton set to face off for the first time since Payton's move to the AFC. With that storyline and more, here are the three that should define the contest.
Passing concepts for running backs
Last week, McVay was at his best. He used running backs and a variety of eligible pass catchers repeatedly, as Kyren Williams hauled in a touchdown pass and Blake Corum added a catch in the win. On the opposite side, RJ Harvey looks a lot like a modern version of Alvin Kamara.
In a game defined by innovative offensive thought, which of the two will have the more effective concepts for the position? Both coaches believe their offenses run best with as many eligible
receivers as possible. Which designer gives their side the edge?
Plus, Dean Conners, the Rams' practice squad running back who caught multiple touchdowns in preseason, is being elevated for the game. McVay said he wouldn't see offensive snaps unless an injury occurs, but can we really trust him not to have something up his sleeve?
How legit is the Rams' secondary?
The Broncos enter the game with an incredible secondary, headlined by 2024 Defensive Player of the Year Pat Surtain II and All-Pro safety Talanoa Hufanga. The Rams are hoping their up-and-coming unit will be good enough to match after a breakthrough performance last week.
The Denver offense is able to spread the ball around with Bo Nix often targeting a variety of pass catchers in an efficient sequence that keeps the ball moving towards the end zone and keeping defenses on their back foot. Pair that scheme with the speed of Jaylen Waddle, and we'll see if Los Angeles has a unit that can win a championship.
Special teams... the looming disaster
The first two weeks of the season for the Rams' special teams unit have not been kind. Mistake after mistake, constant letdowns, red flags galore.
They haven't had a major impact on winning or losing yet, but that seldom lasts in the NFL. Are these issues simply growing pains for a new coaching staff, or is the Rams' special teams once again a looming disaster that could threaten their championship goals?
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: 3 big storylines entering Rams’ matchup with Broncos
