The Green Bay Packers return to Lambeau this Sunday against the upstart St. Louis Rams, who are fresh off of knocking off the previously undefeated Arizona Cardinals, in Arizona no less. What I thought would be an easy win has suddenly turned into a tough game.
For the last few years you wondered what the Rams could be if they only had a quarterback. Well, they might finally have found one in Nick Foles. The Rams are 2-2 but have knocked off Seattle and Arizona already with the two losses coming to an always tough PIttsburgh Steelers and suddenly respectable Washington Redskins. The banged up Packers are going have their hands full no doubt.
The last time Foles was in Green Bay he threw for three touchdowns in an easy Philadelphia win over the Scott Tolzien led Packers. This time the Packers will have Aaron Rodgers under center and a rejuvenated defense that has gotten better each week. Factor in the Rams’ unbelievable defensive front four and you have to think this will be another low scoring game.
The Rams’ defense is tied with the Packers for second most sacks in the league so we have seen first hand how disruptive that can be. I am counting on running back Eddie Lacy’s return to full strength being the difference in this game. If Lacy runs like he did last week against the 49ers the Packers will be able to run another ball-control type offense that will limit the Rams chances on offense.
I am very impressed with what Rams’ running back Todd Gurley did last week in gaining 146 yards against a solid Cardinals defense, but the film is out there now and obviously the Packers will be focusing on him as well as Foles. Maybe it’s just me, but I highly doubt Gurley pulls that off in Lambeau.
I think if the Packers’ special teams don’t fall for a Jeff Fisher fake or otherwise give up a big play, the Packers will win this one much like they did last week in San Fran. I’m going to say Packers 24, Rams 14.
Go Pack!