New Orleans Saints: Breaking down all areas vs. Los Angeles Rams
By Jason Reed
Defense:
Defensive line: Advantage, Rams
The Los Angeles Rams have the best defensive player on the planet in Aaron Donald anchoring the defensive line, it is hard to argue against that. Michael Brockers and Dante Fowler Jr. are no joke either.
The Saints have a good defensive line with Cameron Jordan and Sheldon Rankins if Rankins is healthy for Week 2. While it is good, it is not quite as good as the Rams’.
Linebackers: Advantage, Rams
Again, this is a very narrow advantage that I have to give to the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams may not have a great linebacker unit, but it is better than the unit in New Orleans.
Cory Littleton had a huge first week and Clay Matthews can be a difference-maker, although he is questionable for this game. Samson Ebukam is good as well, although he lines up more frequently as a linebacker on the defensive line, as does Fowler.
The Saints’ do have talent at linebacker, especially in the middle in Alex Anzalone. However, it still doesn’t stack up to the Rams’.
Cornerbacks: Advantage, Saints
On paper, the Rams should have the better cornerbacks with both Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib in the starting 11. However, Talib is obviously in the latter stages of his career and Peters has not been as good as he was in Kansas City in LA.
Meanwhile, the Saints have Marshaun Lattimore, who already has a pick on the year and Eli Apple as a strong 1-2. I believe the Rams do have a little bit more depth at the position, but not enough to give them the edge.
Safeties: Advantage, Rams
With Eric Weddle on track to play this week after suffering a concussion in Week 1, the Rams get the edge at the safety position. Marcus Williams was limited in practice on Wednesday and John Johnson and Vonn Bell are practically a wash.
Plus, the Rams have a little bit more depth at the position with rookie Taylor Rapp. As we saw against Houston in Week 1, the Saints’ safety unit can be a bit troublesome, at times.