​The Los Angeles Rams team seemed to have regressed on both sides of the ball this season. Many appeared to have pointed fingers at fourth-year quarterback Jared Goff for the decline in offense. However, people cannot put the blame solely on Goff for the team inadequacy sub-par play.

Despite Goff's horrible first quarter performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, aside from his three interceptions and one fumble, he did not allow those negative plays to prevent him from continuing to compete throughout the game. Goff finished the game 45-68 (45 competitions tied for NFL record), 517 passing yards, and two touchdowns. 

The Rams fell to the Seattle Seahawks last Thursday, in a heartbreaking loss 30-29. Kicker Greg Zuerlein missed a 44-yard field goal with 11- seconds left in the game. Two crucial penalties on the drive led to the long field goal attempt, which pushed slightly to the right of the goal post.

​Here are three contributing factors that led to the Rams loss to the Seahawks last week:

Todd Gurley has fumbled against the Seahawks for the fourth time in his young NFL career, which could have made a pivotal outcome of the score. Trailing by eight points with 5:25 left before halftime, Goff would find Cooper Kupp across the middle for a 25-yard reception setting the ball at the Seahawks 20-yard line. 

Now with first and ten, Gurley takes a hand-off to the right for a short gain but is stripped by linebackers Jadaveon Clowney and Bobby Wagoner. Surprisingly enough, it is the third time that Wagoner been able to force a fumble from Gurley.  The Rams were driving with four minutes before the half, and Gurley fumble took what could have been a golden opportunity to put points on the board. 

Nonetheless, it did not; however, the Rams would receive the ball back with one more opportunity as Goff found Kupp for a short touchdown pass with 12 seconds left before the end of the half. If not for Gurley fumble and the offense could not score, the percentage of Zeurline converting a field goal was high. 

​The Rams appeared to have stopped the Seahawks on a third down and long, however, they penalized for a shocking roughing the passer call by Clay Matthews on Russel Wilson. The awful penalty extended the Seahawk's drive trailing the Rams by six late in the fourth quarter. 

The Rams were out of challenges as replay visibly showed Matthews indeed did not inflict a personal foul on Wilson. Video replay showed Matthews turned his head to the side and nudged Wilson with his shoulder, causing him to go down the turf. Wilson appeared to have given up on his read and was throwing the ball away. 

Nonetheless, Matthews could of just his extended his arms out using his hands to contact Wilson more than likely would not have been flagged. The Seahawk's capitalized on the penalty and ended up taking the lead on a fantastic scramble by Wilson and finding a wide-open Chris Carson in the end zone for the go-ahead touchdown. 

On a drive after relinquishing their lead to the Seahawks, the Rams received the ball back with 2:29 remaining in the game. It was a third down and ten on their 34-yard line. Goff drops back to pass and would find an open Gerald Everett at the 43-yard line. 

Whether a slightly errant pass, this was a very catchable pass for Everett to have made in which he would not only pick up the first down but also gain additional yardage. It appeared that Everett might have misjudged the trajectory of the ball. Catch it with his body or his hands; it was a very catchable pass. The drop resulted as a deflection that ended up in the hands of a diving Tedric Thompson. It was a fantastic catch as Thompson was able to get his hands underneath the ball for the turnover barely. 

Everett did not allow that miscue to remove him mentally from the game. On the very next possession, Goff would connect with Everett on the same route that led to an interception, for a huge 32-yard reception. 

On a third down and 15 yards to go, the two connected again on a 12-yard reception, which put them in field goal range. Had Everett ran for one more yard, that may have been a difference of Zeurlein missed winning field goal. 

However, we have to give Everett credit after playing merely the best game of his career with seven receptions and yardage total as he gained 136 yards on seven catches. It was Everett's first career 100-yard receiving game and has seemed to start delivering as McVay been expecting.

​The Rams would not resign veteran center John Sullivan and lost their longest-tenured starting guard Ram Roger Saffold to free-agency. Moving forward with two second-year players at those positions have shown a tremendous difference on the offensive line.

The first-year starter at the center position Brian Allen has struggled significantly this season. At the crucial point on Ram's final drive, Allen was the culprit of two mental errors causing penalties. 

On a second-down and one yard to go, Allen somehow did not focus on Goff, who was clapping for him to snap the ball. The miscommunication resulted in the play clock running down, and the offense penalized with a five-yard delay of game penalty. 

On the same possession with 36 seconds left and on a third down and one, a mental lapse caused another penalty. Allen forgets the snap count that resulted in the entire offensive line with a full start penalty. The penalties stopped the momentum of the Rams defense that had the Seahawks on their heels.  Allen would get bailed about crucial catches by Robert Woods and Kupp, who were able to pick up the first downs.

Allen, who has played back to back nightmare games, will not get any easier this Sunday against a defensive line that applies much pressure with their front four.  Allen will practically need to flawless against the San Francisco 49ers front seven in a game will also be missing starting running back Todd Gurley to assist with protection.

​The Los Angeles Rams have ruled out their starting running back Todd Gurley for their game against the San Francisco 49ers at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Gurley, who appeared late during the week on the injury report with a bruised thigh, will sit out what will be a pivotal game for the Rams. The Rams will seek to prevent a three-game losing streak for the first time under head coach Sean McVay's tenure.

The Rams have activated second-year running back John Kelly from the practice squad whom the team cut in a fierce battle during the pre-season. The Rams drafted Kelly in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL Draft from the University of Tennessee, where he split carries with the New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara. 

Kelly is a powerful runner between the tackles who also is an excellent receiver from the backfield. The 215-pound ran a 4.50 second at Tennessee's pro-day and is shifty but a powerful back. During his short NFL career, Kelly has rushed the ball 27 times for 74-yards and also has two receptions for 27 yards. A significant decline in numbers from Gurley, but is amicable enough to contribute on Sunday.

The 49ers will bring their number two overall defense to the Coliseum that has a front seven that applies significant pressure to the quarterback. Kelly more likely will be used on passing down to help restrict some of the Niners pressure of quarterback Jared Goff.

In a corresponding move, the Rams released rookie wide receiver Nsimba Webster from the active roster.

The Los Angeles Rams today have added former University of Florida EDGE rusher Jachai Polite to their practice squad. Polite's signing comes just two days after the Rams lost linebacker Dakota Allen to the Oakland Raiders after signing him to their active roster.

The New York Jets selected Polite in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. The talented EDGE rusher had him projected as a late first-round or early second-round draft choice. However, from bad team interviews, and his poor performances at the 2019 NFL Combine, his stock plunged to the third round. Polite expressed that he had issues with a lingering hamstring that supported with his lousy performances at the combine.

Polite's time with the Jets became short after the team released him during the preparation of the final cuts. Polite continuously compiled internal fines of about $100K from his $1.1M signing bonus for violating team rules and being late for team meetings.

The Seattle Seahawks would sign Polite to their practice squad after clearing waivers in which he only as spent just three weeks with the team. There was no explanation from the Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll in regards to Polite's release. Carroll only indicated that they needed to make a roster spot and they were moving on from Polite. He was released from the practice squad on Monday, as the Rams signed him this morning.

The Rams were pretty high on Polite during the draft process, after inviting him a couple of times for private workouts. Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips was knowledgeable of Polite's skill of being an elite pass rusher. 

Now bringing in yet another player who had baggage to this team, only exemplify that the Rams can sign any player to play under their "We, Not Me" philosophy. The organization has brought in other players who fell under the "so-called" horrible guy label, and had done nothing but blossomed under head coach Sean McVay's philosophy.  ​It is paramount that Polite buy-in to the McVay's system as he is running out of chances in the league. If he adapts well, never will know when he will get the chance for promotion to the active roster.

​​After having a stellar performance on Sunday night against the Cleveland Browns, the Los Angeles Rams linebacker Clay Matthews Jr played well in front of family. Matthew's first season with the Rams after signing with the team as a free-agent this past off-season play has paid off immensely. 

​Matthews excellent play against the Browns could not come at a better time as his father Clay Matthews Sr, was being inducted into the Brown's Ring of Honor. The Matthews family were in full attendance to witness Matthew Sr induction of the Browns where he played linebacker for 16-seasons. Mathew's Jr was not able to be present during the ceremony, however, just after the conclusion of Clay Sr. speech, Clay Jr surprised him at the podium with a hug.

​On his father's commemorative night, not only did Clay Jr show up, but he also showed out on the field. Matthews Jr posted his first multi-sack game in nearly two seasons on Sunday night. He ended the night with three tackles (three for loss), two sacks, one forced fumble, two quarterback hits, and one pass deflection. Matthews great night helped the Rams defeat the Browns 20-13, after stopping them on a fourth and goal. 

Matthew's two sacks on Sunday now puts him as the team leader and tied for fourth with leagues best. He will seek to increase his sack total on this up-becoming Sunday against a Tampa Bay Buccaneer's pass happy offense. The veteran linebacker has fitted in perfectly with this Rams defense as their 16.3 points allowed have the Rams defense ranked fifth in the NFL

​The Oakland Raiders have signed linebacker Dakota Allen from the Los Angeles Rams practice squad. Allen, who impressed just about everyone on the coaching staff immediately became the fan-favorite in Los Angeles from competitive play. 

Shock-waves went through the Rams fan base once the final cuts of the 53-man roster finalized, and Allen was not listed.​After not making the final cuts, the Rams quickly signed Allen as a practice squad player after clearing waivers. The rookie linebacker from Texas Tech University was grateful even to have the opportunity to be with a team. Head Coach Sean Mcvay and Les Snead remained optimistic that Allen would clear waivers and they made it a priority to get him signed.

Allen fulfilled his childhood dream and a promise that he committed to after a brush with the law. During his sophomore year at Texas Tech, Allen got arrested for breaking into a home during the winter school break stealing a gun safe containing seven firearms, a 40-inch TV, and two digital cameras. Following his arrest, Allen was subsequently dismissed from the Texas Tech football program and school transferring to an East Mississippi Community College. 

Allen starred in the NETFLIX documentary on "Last Chance U" as he revived his career by winning a national junior college championship with East Mississippi Community College. Allen would contact Texas Tech shortly after graduating from EMCC and spoke to the coaching staff and administration and won them over for a second chance. It paid off as the Rams drafted Allen in the seventh round of the 2019 NFL Draft.

The practice does not protect any player as any other NFL teams can sign a player off any practice squad to their active roster. Like the case, the Raiders who injuries to their defense have decimated a team, signed Allen who will have the opportunity to play immediately.

The Rams will genuinely miss this kid who defied against all the odds to get his life right and make it at the next level.

Overview: It's certainly not beyond the realm of possibility that this could be a Super Bowl preview, although the Cleveland Browns haven't exactly looked ''super" so far. Even so, we are only two games into the season and there is a lot of talent on the Browns roster. The Los Angeles  Rams, meanwhile, are coming off a big win against their NFC arch-rival New Orleans Saints and sport a 2-0 record. They need a win to potentially keep pace with the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers, both of whom carry unbeaten records into play this weekend.

Rams Offense vs Cleveland Defense: This game could very well be decided in the trenches as both defensive fronts have top shelf talent and are going against O-lines that have some questions. For the Rams, it's looking like starting right guard Austin Blythe may not play with an ankle injury, although that isn't certain at this point. If he can't go, Jamil Demby will start at guard. Demby frankly played poorly in the preseason, but seemed to hold his own last week against the Saints. The Rams will likely need him to step up again, assuming Blythe is not available. Center Brian Allen and guard Joseph Noteboom, both new additions as starters on the Rams O-line this year, have been solid so far this season and will need to play well on Sunday night.  It's looking like that Browns defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi, who has been battling injury, will play on Sunday night. While the Browns defensive end Myles Garrett gets most of the headlines, tackles Sheldon Richardson and Ogunjobi are no walk in the park either. The Rams interior O-linemen have a big challenge facing them on Sunday night, and their success or lack thereof could be critical to the outcome of those.

Speaking of Myles Garrett, his battle with Rams tackle Andrew Whitworth is one of the better matchups you are likely to see all season. Whitworth is a perennial All-Pro candidate who seems to have lost little, if anything, at age 38. Garrett is a former top draft choice who notched 13.5 sacks last season, and we all know Rams Jared Goff is not the same quarterback under pressure as he is with time to throw the ball.

Of course, a lot of the Rams passing game works off of the play action pass, which in turn needs an effective running game to work. While Todd Gurley has been used somewhat less so far this season compared to past years, he has looked more or less like his old self. He's a dynamic playmaker who can take it to the house either running the ball or as a receiver. This year he's been effectively paired with Malcolm Brown, a tough, hard nosed back who fights for the last yard and breaks tackles. Brown was battling an ankle injury earlier this week, but was a full participant in practice on Thursday and Friday and is expected to play on Sunday night.

The Browns ability to pressure Goff is made even more critical by the fact they face some injury issues in the secondary. Safety Damarious Randall has been declared out for Sunday's game, and cornerbacks Denzel Ward and Greedy Williams and fellow safety Morgan Burnett are all questionable. It's likely that some or all of that trio will play, but may not be at top speed. That's bad news against one of the deepest groups of receivers in the league. Expect to see the Rams three top receivers on the field for the big majority of snaps. Brandin Cooks is a speedster who notched a big catch on a 54 yard pass against the Saints last week, Robert Woods is a great route runner and jack of all trades who catches pretty much everything thrown in his direction. Slot receiver Cooper Kupp is coming off a 120-yard game against the Saints, including a 67-yard catch that came just inches from being a touchdown.

The Rams will be missing starting tight end Tyler Higbee, but fellow tight-end Gerald Everett is a player who can make some big plays when needed. 

The Browns really needs to pressure Goff and contain the running game, or this could get ugly. If they can do those things up front, they have a chance in this game.

Edge: Rams

Rams Defense vs Browns Offense: Once again, this battle may be decided up front. Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald is listed as ''questionable" with a back injury, but he's widely expected to play on Sunday night. While Donald hasn't notched a sack in the first two games, that's misleading. Both the CarolinaPanthers and Saints double and even triple teamed Donald, and he still spent a good deal of time in their backfields. Donald is widely considered the best defensive player in the NFL, and if he ends up not playing or isn't up to his usual dominating standards it will be bad news for the Rams

One thing all of the attention Donald draws has done is open things up for defensive tackle Micheal Brockers and linebackers Dante Fowler and Clay Matthews, all of whom have notched sacks in the Rams first two games. Cleveland is loaded with offensive stars, but their offensive line was likened to a ''lawnmower engine" in a high-performance sports car this week by NFL network commentator Maurice Jones-Drew this week. That's a problem for the Browns, especially assuming Aaron Donald plays and is anywhere near his usual self. The Browns face an even bigger challenge because tackle Kendall Lamm is not expected to play, and starting right tackle Chris Hubbard is rated as questionable.

Cleveland is loaded at wide receiver, perennial All-Pro Odell Beckham Jr is coming off a huge game against the New York Jets, and his old college team-mate Jarvis Landry (played together at LSU) isn't far behind Beckham in terms of talent and can easily take over a game if ignored. The Rams secondary has a big challenge on their hands, although unlike their counterparts on the other side, they come in healthy. Even so, if the Rams can't pressure the Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield, they could get lit up. Corners Aquib Talib and Marcus Peters will have their hands full in this game, especially if Mayfield gets time to throw.

It's hard to know what to think of the Rams rush defense after two games. They got shredded by the Panthers Christian McCaffrey in the season opener before shutting down the Saints Alvin Kamara last week. They did have the luxury of loading up against the run after Drew Brees got hurt in the Saints game, which may have been a factor. The Browns won't have running back Kareem Hunt, who is serving an 8-game suspension, but they do have Nick Chubb, a former top draft pick who can take over a game all by himself. The question here again is the effectiveness of the Browns O-line. 

Rams inside linebacker Corey Littleton has looked like an All-Pro so far this season. Not bad for a guy who wasn't even drafted coming out of college. Fellow inside linebacker Bryce Hager has been solid against the run. On passing downs he's often replaced by safety/linebacker Taylor Rapp, who would probably start for most NFL teams. Cleveland will be missing tight-end David Njoku, who is out with an broken wrist.

Cleveland has under-performed on offense so far this season, but two games is an awfully small sample size and their talent is certainly capable of lighting up the scoreboard. IF they can get a solid performance from their O-line--which is a big if--they could break out this week. Even so, we are going to check this box for the Rams.

Edge: Rams

Special Teams: So far the Rams special teams don't seem to have hit their stride. They were frankly not very good in the season opener against Carolina, somewhat better against the Saints. Punter Johnny Hekker in particular has been less than his usual stellar self. But the thinking here is that special teams coach John ''Bones" Fassell will have corrected whatever problems have been in play. The Rams generally have the best special teams in the NFL. They have been pretty average so far this season. That's due to change. If it doesn't on Sunday night, we could see an upset in this game.

Edge: Rams

Coaching: Sean McVay vs. Freddie Kitchens. Enough said.
Edge: Rams

Prediction: Even though we gave the Rams the edge across the board in this game, there are a lot of x-factors and question marks that could make this game much closer than it might appear,. A Browns win is by no means out of the question, make no mistake. The outcome of injuries to the Browns secondary and Rams all-world defensive tackle Aaron Donald could completely change how this game plays out. The battles in the trenches could be critical, and if neither O-line can hold their own we could be looking at a defensive slugfest.

​​Oddsmakers are favoring the Rams by three on the road and on paper, they should win. But Cleveland is a time bomb waiting to go off, especially if the can find a way to give Baker Mayfield time in the pocket.

Rams 28, Cleveland 24

The Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee reportedly been hospitalized with an apparent lung issue. Higbee’s sustained a hit in Sunday’s game in the defeat over the New Orleans Saints 27-9 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. 

Reported that Higbee coughed up blood an had to be admitted as a precautionary measure to further evaluate his symptoms. At this point, the Rams organization has not reported how long Higbee would be out due to this injury. If Higbee is to miss any significant time the Rams will consider using their “next man up”, with third-year tight end Gerald Everett. Many have expected that this was going to be Everett’s breakout season after displaying significant flashes last season.

Also, reserve tight end Johnny Mundt is expected to step up in the absence of Higbee too, when the Rams travel to Cleveland to play the Browns next Sunday on the SNF late game. The Rams offense have suffered a blow with Higbee’s injury, while the Browns secondary is expected to play the Rams receivers in press coverage all game long. This will allow the tight ends to see a lot of targets in the middle of the field and Higbee is a dominant force in the seams.

Higbee signed a new four-year contract extension last week for $31M and could earn up to $36M with incentives. Higbee’s extension also revealed that he receives $15.5M in guarantee, and is with the team up through the 2023 football season.

​The Los Angles Rams and Johnny Hekker have agreed on a restructure and contract extension for the four-time pro bowl punter. The terms of the extension are for a one-year $4.25M and will lock the versatile punter though out the 2023 season.

The Rams signed the seven-year veteran in 2012 as an undrafted free agent. Hekker's dominant leg is the 12th man of the Rams defense as he pins team inside of the 10-yard line consistently. At Superbowl LIII, he set a record for the longest punt of 65-yards against the New England Patriots. 

Hekker is simply a jack of all trades when it comes to the game of football. He was a quarterback in high school before landing at Oregon State where he focused on punting. Hekker has not only been called upon to punt the football, but has also thrown a touchdown pass, kicked point-after attempts, and even field goals when kicker Greg Zuerlein went down in the 2017 NFL season with a groin injury. 

Hekker currently holds a career average of 47-yards per punt during playing in 112 games. He also has a 57.9 completion percentage while completing 11 passes of 19 attempts for 156 yards.

The Rams extension of Hekker is done several days after quarterback Jared Goff signs a record extension that pays him $110M in guarantees. Starting tight end, Tyler Higbee signed a new four-year extension with $31M in guarantees too. Hekker contract extension also comes with General Les Snead and Head Coach Sean McVay both have been extended through the 2023 season as well.

Overview: Oddsmakers are favoring the Rams on the road by anywhere between 1.5 and 2.5 points. It's the season opener for both teams, who are expected to contend for NFC playoff spots in 2019. This will be the first outing for the explosive Rams offense since they laid an egg in Super Bowl LIII, scoring only three points. Since Los Angeles Rams Head Coach Sean McVay essentially rested his starters in the preseason (an increasingly common NFL practice), it will be interesting to see if the Rams will appear rusty coming out of the gate.

Rams Offense vs Panthers Defense: On paper, this is the most intriguing part of the game, putting what is believed the teams' strongest units against one another. The Carolina Panthers, which frequently shifts from a 3-4 defense to a 4-3 alignment and vice versa, will be missing pass-rushing linebacker/defensive end Bruce Irvin, who is out with an injury. He will mostly be replaced by rookie Bruce Burns, Carolina's first-round selection of the 2019 NFL Draft from Florida State University. At 6-3 and 250 pounds, Burns has bulked up a little since his college days with the Seminoles. Linebacker Thomas Davis, a Panther stalwart on defense for the last decade, is gone after the Panthers decided not to re-sign him. But any discussion of the Panther’s linebackers has to start with Luke Kuechly, who along with Bobby Wagner of the Seattle Seahawks, is probably the premier middle linebacker in the NFL.. Intelligent and athletic, Kuechly is one of those rare defenders who you must account for on every play. He'll be joined in both defensive alignments by Shaq Thompson, a former number one draft choice out of the University of Washington. Thompson is one of the reasons the Panthers felt comfortable letting Davis walk, and they are expecting big things from him as a full-time starter in 2019.

The Rams, meanwhile, will be debuting their 2019 offensive line, and there are some questions about that unit. No longer there is guard Rodger Saffold and center John Sullivan, a couple of heady veterans who helped lead the Rams to the Super Bowl last season. They are replaced by second-year Joseph Noteboom at guard and second-year Brian Allen at center, both players who saw a smatter of playing time in 2018. They'll be facing a Panther defensive line that will feature multiple fronts after under-performing in 2018. But Carolina does have some talent up front. Veteran tackles Dontari Poe and Kawann Short both tended to disappear last season and are looking to bounce back this 2019 season. Poe, a mountain of a man at 6-3 and around 350, will be the primary nose tackle when the Panthers go into their 3-4 alignment. Brian Allen is giving up roughly 50 pounds versus Poe, so he may need some help moving him out if the Rams intend to run the ball at the heart of the Panther’s defense.

Addressing the running game, one of the key subplots to this game will be the whole Todd Gurley injury saga. As every NFL fan knows, the Rams star running back saw relatively little action in the 2018 NFC title game and Super Bowl LIII, sparking a torrent of speculation about his health and specifically that of his surgically-repaired knee. When Gurley is healthy, he is probably the best all-around running back in the NFL, despite the media hype surrounding Dallas Cowboys Zeke Elliot and the immense talent of the New York Giants' Saquon Barkley.  

So, is he healthy? Media reports over the last few months have ranged in tone from ''He's absolutely fine" to ''He is done as an NFL back," covering about every shade in between. The Rams insist that he is  good to go on Sunday and Gurley will not be on any sort of snap count.

But head coach Sean McVay has also promised touches for rookie Darrell Henderson out of the University of Memphis and veteran backup Malcolm Brown, even hinting that all three backs could see the field at once against the Panthers. Henderson, the third-round pick in this year's 2019 NFL Draft is compared to New Orleans Saints Alvin Kamara type running back, who is capable of breaking off big plays on the ground and as a receiver. Brown is more of a power-type back, a bit of a plodder in terms of breakaway speed, but a tough, hard-nosed inside runner who has played well when given the chance over the past couple of years. For the Rams fans, the effectiveness and composition of the running game on Sunday is almost as important as notching a win.

The Rams boast one of the deepest receiving corps in the NFL, and welcome back slot-receiver Cooper Kupp, a favorite target of quarterback Jared Goff when healthy. Kupp missed the second half of the season last year, despite Josh Reynolds stepped in for him and played well, his return is critical to this offense. Adding him with speedster Brandin Cooks and Robert Woods, who simply catches everything thrown his way and runs great routes, give the Rams one of the best receiving units in the NFL. Don't forget about Reynolds either, who made a lot of big catches in the Super Bowl LIII run last season.

The depth of this unit could pose problems for the Panthers, who have a decent secondary not loaded with depth. Safety Eric Reid is one of the better players at his position in the NFL. Fellow safety Rashaan  Gualden and corners James Bradberry and Donte Jackson are solid to above average players who make up a solid unit overall. Corn Elder will likely step in as the nickel back. None of these are bad players, but whether they can cover the deep and talented Rams receivers core on a regular basis could be one of the keys to the outcome of this game. IF the Rams can allot Goff time in the pocket and if the run game for the Rams is credible, the may be able to put up some points on Sunday’s contest.

Edge: Rams

Rams Defense vs Carolina Offense: Panther’s quarterback Cam Newton was having one of his best seasons in 2018 until a shoulder issue effected his play. He wasn't the same player down the stretch, and it showed as the Panthers ended up missing the playoffs despite s strong start. He suffered an ankle injury in the preseason, but it reportedly was not serious and he is expected and will be fine for the game. When healthy, Newton is a truly dynamic player who can beat you with his legs or his arm. While he has a very strong arm, he sometimes struggles with accuracy, and has only had one season where he finished with a completion rate of over 60 percent. Even so, he is a very dangerous player who can get hot and carry his team to victory.

Newton had arthoscopic surgery on his throwing shoulder in January, all indications are that it went well and his shoulder is fine. The Panthers certainly hope so, because if he is ineffective, Carolina has virtually no shot at making the playoffs.

Running back Christian McCaffrey is the other Panther player who keeps defensive coordinators awake at night. The son of former Denver Broncos and New York Giants wide receiver Ed McCaffrey, racked up over 1,000 yards rushing last season in addition to 867 yards as a receiver. Carolina supposedly wants to scale back his workload in 2019, but the problem is that the depth behind him is not great. He played 93 percent of the Panthers offensive snaps last season. The top reserves, Cameron Artis-Payne and rookie Jordan Scarlett, don't really scare anyone.

One of the keys for the Panthers in this game is controlling the Rams defensive front with a suspect offensive line. That job didn't get any easier when starting left tackle Greg Little ruled out of Sunday’s game with an concussion. Little is expected to be replaced by Darryl Williams, who spent most of 2018 on injured reserve. He was excellent in 2017, being named second-team All-Pro. How much impact will the injury and layoff have? We will see on Sunday.

Of course, anytime you face the Rams defense, job one is containing reigning two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald, an absolute monster who gives quarterbacks nightmares. Despite facing double and even triple teams last season, AD still overcame with 20.5 sacks. He was rated the number one player in the league in the NFL Network's countdown of the Top 100 players, an honor that carries added weight because it is voted upon by the players themselves. Panthers WILL need to account for Donald on every play and keep him at least somewhat under control if they are to win this game. Donald had held out for much of the past two preseasons and tended to get off to rather slow starts by his standards. Will he get off to a faster start with a full training camp behind him?

The Rams are hoping outside linebackers Dante Fowler and Clay Matthews can generate enough of a pass-rush to take some of the pressure of off AD.

The Rams will have to replace Ndumukong Suh at nose tackle, and it looks like Sebastion Joseph-Day will see most of the action, with rookie Greg Gaines also getting snaps. They lost starting inside linebacker Micah Kiser to a pectoral injury in the preseason. The Rams was pretty bad in defending the run last season, giving up an average of five yards per carry. That remains a concern, and having to replace your nose tackle with a couple of untested young players and then replace one of your starting inside linebackers doesn't help. Whether the Panthers can run the ball effectively with McCaffrey and Newton could be a key factor in this game.

The Carolina receiving corps is somewhat underwhelming on paper, although McCaffrey helps make up for that by basically serving as another receiver, and a good one at that. Tight end Greg Olsen has had a great career, but he is also coming off an injury at age 34.  Devin Funchess is gone via free agency, leaving D.J. Moore and Curtis Samuel as the likely starters. Moore racked up 788 yards last season, and he is considered the number one receiver on this roster. Samuel is a former second round pick who has yet to live up to expectations. These guys aren't bad, but the Rams secondary shouldn't let them have big days. If they do would could be looking at a Carolina win.

Edge: even

Special Teams: The Rams probably have the best special teams in the NFL, and they will have the edge in this category again on Sunday. But Carolina's special teams are actually pretty good, and this category might be close had the Panthers not lost kicker Graham Gano to a season-ending injury. Gano was money in pressure situations, and his absence could be a factor in a close game.

Edge: Rams

Prediction: There are a lot of ''x-factors" in this game. Is Todd Gurley 100 percent? Can the Panthers run on a Rams defense that had persistent problems in that area last season? How will the Rams rebuilt offensive line match up against the variable fronts they will see on Sunday? Opening day usually includes some surprises, and a Panthers win here wouldn't shock anyone. But the Rams appear to be the better team.

Rams 27, Panthers 24

The Los Angles Rams and Johnny Hekker have agreed on a restructure and contract extension for the four-time pro bowl punter. The terms of the extension is for a one-year $4.25M and will lock the versatile punter though out the 2023 season.
(FULL STORY TO FOLLOW)