The narratives are already being written about the Los Angeles Rams as they look to avoid a third straight loss, this time taking on the Las Vegas Raiders in road action. The main topic will be about which team snaps their losing streak, as Las Vegas is currently losers of three straight, but these three storylines should shape how the contest is remembered.
No Nate Landman. Now what?
Team captain and defensive signal-caller Nate Landman will miss the game with a concussion. Landman has never missed a game in his Rams' career, and rarely takes snaps off. Omar Speights looks to be the man to step up, but considering the team has Shaun Dolac and Grant Stuard on the roster, the decision to call up Eric Kendricks from the practice squad has some red flags.
Only because they're
the Rams, and they are known for struggling with the linebacker position, what will Landman's absence mean for the defense? As the team's number one tackler, Landman does it all. So is Kendricks just depth? Is he playing defensive snaps? If so, what's wrong with Dolac and Stuard? How good is Speights? What do the Rams look like without Landman?
So many questions, with not enough information.
Will Kyren Williams get his chance?
Following the team's loss on Sunday, Williams expressed frustration with the Rams' offense through the media. He spoke with head coach Sean McVay following those comments, and it seems both men are aligned in their irritation at the lack of success and the way they'll go about fixing it.
However, the question isn't about snaps; it's about opportunities. When the carries are skewed heavily towards Williams, he becomes the closer the team needs. When it's more split with Corum, he struggles to find and maintain his rhythm.
The bigger question is about his work as a pass catcher. With Adams out, will Williams finally get the targets he needs to prove his worth as a dual-threat running back?
Poona Ford isn't on the field
The Rams lost defensive tackle and premium run stopper Poona Ford this week to a season-ending injury. Nearly single-handedly fixing the Rams' horrific run woes in 2024, Ford was a pivotal part of the rotation and a big reason why the team has been able to effectively rotate the defensive line.
Not only is Ford absent, but Kobie Turner will be as well, leaving Aaron Donald, Braden Fiske, Tyler Davis, Ty Hamilton, and others to secure the inside. The Raiders added All-Pro center Tyler Linderbaum during the offseason, and Ashton Jeanty is one of the fastest, shifties running backs in the NFL. Can the Rams hold the line without their top tackler and number one run defender?
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: 3 biggest storylines heading into Rams vs. Raiders on Sunday
