The Los Angeles Rams will take on the New York Giants in their home debut on Monday night. Following a Week 1 loss, Los Angeles looks to get right against a New York team that's quickly gaining momentum. If the Rams wish to secure a win before an extended road trip, these are their five keys to victory.
Do not rush Dart with reckless abandon
When the Rams rush Jaxson Dart, they have to be conscious about his feet. His mobility allows him to navigate the pocket well, and Los Angeles has a tendency to leave gaps in its rush that quarterbacks exploit to advance upfield. Brock Purdy had 29 rushing yards last week, with Dart being faster and bolder than the 49ers' passer.
The Rams can not allow their defensive secondary to be caught out. They will constantly look over their shoulders to see
if Dart is coming, resulting in receivers breaking loose. Force Dart to throw when he has the ball, and make the Giants' pass catchers beat the Rams' defensive backs.
Battle of wills over skills
Giants head coach John Harbaugh made it clear last Sunday that he believes his team is tougher at the line of scrimmage than the opposition. Their defensive line is a beast of its own, but they'll get their own key. The offensive line and bruising running back Cam Skattebo are another issue all to themselves, especially as the Rams were beaten down by San Francisco's rushing attack.
The Giants can also switch to speedier Devin Singletary, deploy Dart as a runner, or use their bruising attack to open up their passing attack with Malik Nabers and Isaiah Likely. If the Rams want to win, they will have to own the point of attack. Can they hold out and force New York into third-and-difficult situations, or will the Giants grind down Los Angeles?
Utilize the run game to neutralize the defensive line
The Giants' defensive line is impressive. Abdul Carter, Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux and even the efforts of rookie Arvell Reese to supplement their attack have many wondering if the Rams can keep up. Against San Francisco, the Rams were moving defensive linemen with their rushing attack.
It's time to throw their game back at them. If the Rams use the run correctly, especially on first and second down, mixed in with high-percentage short-yardage passing plays, the Giants defensive line will exhaust themselves, giving Matthew Stafford more time to target downfield as the game goes on.
The offensive secret for Los Angeles is to go on long drives that burn clock. Use Blake Corum and Kyren Williams to stay ahead of the chains, force the Giants to keep picking themselves off the ground, and then open up the passing game against a defensive line too fatigued to generate meaningful pressure.
Williams is a bruiser in his own way, and Corum is finding his groove. There should be at least 30 carries between the two.
Play the long game
This is not a battle that can be won in the first half. Harbaugh will play the long game, and I'm banking that New York will look to have Aaron Donald on the field often in order to eliminate his fourth-quarter effectiveness. There's no reason for the Rams to outpace themselves.
Work the clock, play field position, take points when available, limit unnecessary risks, and the key is to save all their courageous calls until late. At some point, if the Rams are as good as we believe they are, they will have a lead late. Likely one possession, they may need to convert several third downs or perhaps fourth downs to ice it. That's when you show your ace.
Don't let New York take an early lead, exhausting the roster in the comeback attempt.
Let Stewart loose
Do not be surprised when Josaiah Stewart walks off the field as one of the stars of the game. He's the healthiest defender the Rams have on the defensive line; he's aggressive, fast, and his work ethic has been praised. He has also refined his game and is attacking ball carriers without issue.
It's time to take the training wheels off. With Myles Garrett out, the Rams need an outside linebacker who will play at least 45 snaps. Stewart is that player. Let him do everything they wanted Garrett to do, and watch the results. He can do it all.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams' 5 keys to success against Giants on Monday Night Football
