The Los Angeles Rams look to pick up their second win of the season on Sunday night as they take on the Denver Broncos in a road contest. If the team hopes to achieve that goal, accomplishing these five keys will be critical to winning in Mile High.
Be aware of the elements
Not only do the Rams have to be careful about the changes in altitude, but the Broncos also have one of the best and loudest fanbases in the NFL. In a night game, the fans will be going wild with deafening cheers. Momentum will play a big factor in this contest, so success early is crucial.
The Rams have to rotate their players well to keep them as fresh as possible for the fourth quarter, balancing that task while maintaining their effectiveness. They also have to take the fans out of the game early
and let those fears of an ineffective offense – fears that have been stoked by poor play over the last two weeks – fill the minds of those in the seats.
If the Rams can keep the fans out of the game for a while, their worry will put unnecessary pressure on the Broncos. At that point, that pressure might mitigate whatever extra fatigue Los Angeles is feeling.
Prevent Waddle from finding open space
Jaylen Waddle had a breakout game last week for his new team, displaying the speed, pace, and playmaking ability he had with the Miami Dolphins. Against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Waddle had eight catches for 138 yards. When he excels, it opens up Denver's entire offense. When he's kept quiet, like in Week 1, the offense suffers.
Denver has speed at multiple places, but Waddle is the fastest. Expect the Broncos to use Waddle in motion to either attack interior defenders or find space in zone coverage. Also, if the Rams blitz, expect Waddle to be the hot route that quarterback Bo Nix turns to.
12 personnel will pave the way to victory
The Rams' 12 personnel offense is special, with Davante Adams excelling as a true WR1, while tight ends Colby Parkinson and Terrance Ferguson were excellent last week. The Broncos' defense is very good and for the Rams to have success, it's paramount that they stay ahead of the chains and time up their shots perfectly against their opposing secondary.
12 personnel allows the Rams to run the ball against any defense. Their tight ends present mismatches inside, with Adams threatening the defense on the outside. Their backup receivers all played a role in the team's win last week, adding multiple interchangeable elements to the personnel package to give the team as much flexibility as possible.
13 personnel doesn't have enough plays that target enough areas of the field in an effective, timely manner to work as the Rams' primary offense. The absence of Puka Nacua makes utilizing 11 personnel difficult, too. 12 personnel puts the Rams' best offensive players on the field at all times, and they will outmatch Denver.
Take as much pressure off the special teams unit as possible
The unit has not been fixed, and there are too many red flags to rely on them in this matchup. If Xavier Smith looks shaky catching punts, put in Kyren Williams. Do not force Ethan Evans to punt from his own end zone, and preferably outside the Rams' 30-yard line. The kickoff unit needs to be detailed before they give up a major return.
Prioritize putting the special teams in good positions, even at the cost of play calls, as they have yet to prove themselves as reliable. Last season, their failures induced losses. Avoid failures, avoid a loss.
Eliminate Pat Bryant and Evan Engram on third downs
Nate Adkins too, if possible. Bryant, Engram, and Adkins (to an extent) represent the more reliable targets available for Nix on third-down situations. At some point, Adkins will likely be the one player that the Rams must give the most advantageous matchup they have to, as shutting down the rest of the Denver offense has to take priority.
Look for the Broncos to use Bryant and Engram in the short and medium passing game, likely when they're matched up against a linebacker or slot corner. They use their bodies well to shield defenders, and Nix will go to them when Waddle isn't open, especially on third downs.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: 5 keys to victory for the Rams against the Broncos
