4 Keys to Beating the L.A. Rams

The 2-3 Lions take on the 3-2 Los Angeles Rams at Ford Field this Sunday.

In a game that looked like an easy win before Detroit’s 1-3 start, the Rams actually present a very tough challenge. Despite not getting much out of the quarterback position, the Rams have been impressive with victories over Seattle and Arizona. With a win, the Lions can get back to a .500 record. Another loss and things are all but over for this 2016 group. Let’s look at four areas where the Lions need to succeed in order to get their third win of the year.

1. Keep Todd Gurley contained

Gurley has gotten off to a slow start after an impressive rookie season in 2015. Averaging just 2.7 yards per carry, Gurley hasn’t looked like the same player thus far. His struggles essentially come back to the Rams’ abysmal quarterback play. Case Keenum has a 75.4 quarterback rating and hasn’t done much to open up the box for Gurley to run. Opposing defenses look at the Rams’ offense and see very few playmakers other than Gurley. Therefore, it’s easy to focus on the talented runner without the fear of getting beat on a long pass. Detroit lost a critical game last season to the Rams, with Gurley rushing for 140 yards and two touchdowns. It’s very easy to say you’re going to stop him, but much harder to achieve on the field. Unfortunately, Detroit will be without Haloti Ngata. If Detroit can stop Gurley, though, the Rams will have a hard time putting up points.

2. Force 3rd and Long

This key isn’t just specific to the Rams, obviously, but without a decent QB, 3rd and long can be devastating. Keenum, outside of a few plays, hasn’t shown he can handle these situations consistently. Stopping Gurley plays right into this. The Rams have not invested many resources into improving their passing game (for this season at least). 1st-overall pick, QB Jared Goff, may be the future but for now, he hasn’t proven to be better than Keenum. Last week, Keenum threw two interceptions in the Rams’ 30-19 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Jeff Fisher, while a great defensive coach, is not known for his offensive innovation. In fact, if you look at his career, he’s had several talented teams that eventually fell apart because of poor QB play. The Rams have outperformed expectations, but offensively they are really struggling.

3. Be effective on 1st down

Defensively, the Rams are extremely tough up front. Aaron Donald is probably the best defensive tackle in the NFL. One of the biggest complaints about former Lions offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi was his predictable play-calling. Running against a loaded box on first down used to be the norm in this league, but these days you’re essentially wasting a down by doing so. Jim Bob Cooter needs to avoid running directly at Donald on first downs. Detroit isn’t a great running team in the first place and hasn’t been the same since losing Ameer Abdulah. I’m not suggesting Detroit completely abandon the run, however, they do need to understand where their bread is buttered. Matthew Stafford throwing short, effective passes on first down will be extremely important to keep the chains moving against a great defense.

4. No Interceptions

Matthew Stafford miraculously stopped throwing interceptions when Jim Bob Cooter took over last season. Some of that was simply Stafford making better decisions, but mostly it was due to the play-calling being tailored around what he does best as a quarterback. It wasn’t a coincidence that the team went 6-2 down the stretch and nearly earned a wild-card spot once Stafford started taking better care of the ball. This season, Stafford has played well, however, some critical turnovers are one big reason the Lions are 2-3. He has an impressive 10 touchdowns, but also 4 interceptions in five games. The Lions are 2-0 in games that Stafford hasn’t thrown any picks, but 0-3 in games he has thrown at least one interception. Taking care of the ball and knowing when to take sacks could be the difference in this game.

Follow Matt Urben on Twitter @MattUrben88