The Denver Broncos, as part of their difficult six-game stretch to open the season, face a tall order this Sunday night as the Los Angeles Rams come to town.
The Rams
were the Super Bowl favorite of many before the season kicked off, and then they were easily defeated by the San Francisco 49ers in Australia in Week 1. Much of that went away this past Monday night when they ran over the New York Giants 28-6 without their best offensive player on the field.The Broncos were another top pick to reach the Super Bowl this offseason but also suffered a humbling Week 1 defeat before getting a big victory in Week 2. Now these two teams, who many feel could meet again in Super Bowl LXI, face off looking to build some momentum, making it one of the key
games of this early season so far.
The Broncos will have the home crowd, but the Rams have a stellar roster. There will be several things for the Broncos to be concerned about in this matchup, but these four stand out the most.
Broncos' top concerns vs. Rams in Week 3
1. Aaron Donald
Aaron Donald is still one of the most intimidating players in the league, even if he took a brief hiatus. He is back with the Rams and there is no doubt that he brings an energy to the team that won't be found in many places.
He made his return this past Monday and recorded three tackles (1 for loss) against the Giants and now that he has his feet wet, he could wreak havoc at any time. He is one of the best defensive players in NFL history and the Broncos will have to be prepared to deal with him.
2. If Puka Nacua comes back
Wide receiver Puka Nacua sat out Week 2 while dealing with what is being described as a hip/groin injury. His status for Sunday against the Broncos remains uncertain, but the Rams likely won't rush him back.
The Rams are obviously a better team with him on the field, as he is one of the best wide receivers in the league, so having him on the sidelines would give the team one less thing to worry about, and it's a big thing.
3. Matthew Stafford might be hot
Even without Nacua in Week 2, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford torched the Giants' defense, throwing for 327 yards and four touchdowns. He is the reigning NFL MVP and the Broncos don't want to face him if he's in a groove.
If he throws the ball the way he did on Monday night, the Broncos will need to pressure him. The Giants only sacked Stafford one time in Week 2.
4. Broncos' running backs banged up
The Broncos should be looking to possess the ball and control the clock in this game to perhaps shorten it and keep Stafford and the Rams offense off the field. In order to do that, they will need to run the ball effectively.
RJ Harvey missed Week 2 with a hamstring injury and J.K. Dobbins left that game, also with a hamstring injury. On top of that, it's been revealed that Jonah Coleman sprained his ankle in the win, so the Broncos could have an issue at running back.
The Broncos will need to get healthy here quickly because any combination of Tyler Badie, Adam Prentice and Cody Schrader (practice squad) as the team's only healthy running backs would likely struggle mightily against this tough Rams defensive front.
Social: Follow Broncos Wire on Facebook and Twitter/X!
This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: 4 causes for concern when Broncos host Rams in Week 3
