The Los Angeles Rams restructured their roster with the sole objective of defeating the Philadelphia Eagles following a devastating playoff loss. Their matchup in Week 3 might serve as a prelude to the postseason.
The Los Angeles Rams have been subtly putting up the ideal strategy to take on the Philadelphia Eagles, the current Super Bowl champions. When the Rams visit Lincoln Financial Field on September 21 for a 1 p.m. ET matchup on FOX, they might finally have the pieces in place to turn the tide after three years of exciting contests. The story is told by the recent playoff history. The Eagles prevailed 28–22 in their most recent encounter when Jalen Carter’s sack of Matthew Stafford stopped a potential touchdown pass. Despite missing a pass to Puka Nacua at the Philadelphia 22-yard line, the Rams managed to drive 60 yards on their last possession. Los Angeles’ whole offseason strategy was influenced by that devastating loss.
The Rams addressed their vulnerabilities with strategic actions. They moved on from injury-prone Cooper Kupp, whose dwindling output rendered him expendable despite his Super Bowl credentials, and signed Stafford to a new contract. They signed Davante Adams to a $26 million contract in his place. Adams adds the dependability and red zone skills that Kupp was no longer able to deliver, along with almost 1,000 career grabs and over 100 touchdowns.
According to NFL Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis, the Rams are in a wonderful position now. Bettis told RG.com, “The Rams are a dark horse when you look at them.”
The secret is still that running game. With 460 yards and three touchdowns of 70 yards or more in just two games—including 205 yards in their playoff loss—Saquon Barkley has been tormenting the Rams. However, Los Angeles signed veteran defensive tackle Poona Ford to particularly address this deficiency. Ford helped the Chargers go up from 22nd to 15th in rush defence and received an 80.3 Pro Football Focus run defence rating in 2024. Additionally, they selected Ty Hamilton of Ohio State, who had the eighth-highest run stop rate among interior lineman.
The game on September 21 is a preseason benchmark for both clubs’ hopes of winning the championship. Against their standard-bearer, the Rams have an opportunity to demonstrate that their strategic advancements translate into on-field success. Philadelphia has the chance to demonstrate that their title was earned while facing a determined opponent out for vengeance. Los Angeles might host the NFC title race this season if Bettis’ prediction turns out to be correct.
By carefully addressing their shortcomings and enhancing their strengths, the Rams have assembled a team that is designed to unseat the reigning champs. The first true test of whether these changes can produce championship-caliber results will be their Week 3 collision course against Philadelphia.
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