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Rams-Chargers: Matchup breakdown
By Nick Wagoner
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/13928/rams-chargers-matchup-breakdown
EARTH CITY, Mo. -- A look at three individual matchups to keep an eye on when the St. Louis Rams and San Diego Chargers meet at 4:04 p.m. ET Sunday.
Rams defensive end Robert Quinn vs. Chargers left tackle King Dunlap
Quinn got a week off from appearing here last week because there were more pressing matchups and because I promised to put him in this space every week. But Quinn's presence here is certainly relevant this time around. Dunlap is probably the best of a questionable lot on San Diego's offensive line but with so many other spots along the line struggling, it could force San Diego into leaving Quinn and Dunlap matched up one-on-one on the outside.
Quinn didn't have any sacks last week, ending a small surge he had in the weeks before it. He still might have been as disruptive as he's been all year against Denver. The Broncos decided to let Ryan Clady take on Quinn on an island and Quinn beat him repeatedly. Only a number of penalties that weren't called allowed Clady to keep Peyton Manning upright. Dunlap isn't a bad player but he's not in Clady's class and if the Chargers can't provide help for him, it could be a long day for a hurting Philip Rivers.
Rams safety T.J. McDonald vs. Chargers tight end Antonio Gates
The Rams have used McDonald in coverage much more over the past three weeks and he's been better than expected as he continues to grow in his second season. Yes, McDonald is still at his best attacking near the line of scrimmage but in the past three games, he's been targeted 12 times and allowed eight completions for just 38 yards with two passes defended. McDonald might give up a completion here or there but he's often right there to deliver a hit soon after the catch is made.
McDonald won't cover Gates exclusively as the Rams can also turn to linebacker Alec Ogletree and various other looks to help keep Gates in check but he'll get his chances. Having covered Vernon Davis and Julius Thomas in recent weeks, though, McDonald is more prepared now to handle another difficult challenge than he might have been before. Make no mistake, Gates is still productive and a dynamic red zone threat with nine touchdowns catches on the season. With Rivers struggling, it's likely he'll lean on his most reliable target to get the offense going.
Rams tight end Jared Cook vs. Chargers safety Eric Weddle
Weddle is one of the best safeties in football and probably one of its most underrated players regardless of position. The Chargers use him in a variety of ways but teams generally avoid throwing his way. According to Pro Football Focus, teams have targeted Weddle just 23 times in 10 games. The results include 15 completions for 124 yards with no touchdowns, an interception and three pass breakups. That calculates to a passer rating of 60.8.
Cook battled a back injury in practice during the week but he's a valuable cog in what the Rams want to do. After Kenny Britt's big week last week, don't be surprised to see him get more attention from San Diego. That should theoretically open up opportunities for others, including Cook. But the Chargers will likely lean on Weddle to keep the middle of the field quiet.
By Nick Wagoner
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/13928/rams-chargers-matchup-breakdown
EARTH CITY, Mo. -- A look at three individual matchups to keep an eye on when the St. Louis Rams and San Diego Chargers meet at 4:04 p.m. ET Sunday.
Rams defensive end Robert Quinn vs. Chargers left tackle King Dunlap
Quinn got a week off from appearing here last week because there were more pressing matchups and because I promised to put him in this space every week. But Quinn's presence here is certainly relevant this time around. Dunlap is probably the best of a questionable lot on San Diego's offensive line but with so many other spots along the line struggling, it could force San Diego into leaving Quinn and Dunlap matched up one-on-one on the outside.
Quinn didn't have any sacks last week, ending a small surge he had in the weeks before it. He still might have been as disruptive as he's been all year against Denver. The Broncos decided to let Ryan Clady take on Quinn on an island and Quinn beat him repeatedly. Only a number of penalties that weren't called allowed Clady to keep Peyton Manning upright. Dunlap isn't a bad player but he's not in Clady's class and if the Chargers can't provide help for him, it could be a long day for a hurting Philip Rivers.
Rams safety T.J. McDonald vs. Chargers tight end Antonio Gates
The Rams have used McDonald in coverage much more over the past three weeks and he's been better than expected as he continues to grow in his second season. Yes, McDonald is still at his best attacking near the line of scrimmage but in the past three games, he's been targeted 12 times and allowed eight completions for just 38 yards with two passes defended. McDonald might give up a completion here or there but he's often right there to deliver a hit soon after the catch is made.
McDonald won't cover Gates exclusively as the Rams can also turn to linebacker Alec Ogletree and various other looks to help keep Gates in check but he'll get his chances. Having covered Vernon Davis and Julius Thomas in recent weeks, though, McDonald is more prepared now to handle another difficult challenge than he might have been before. Make no mistake, Gates is still productive and a dynamic red zone threat with nine touchdowns catches on the season. With Rivers struggling, it's likely he'll lean on his most reliable target to get the offense going.
Rams tight end Jared Cook vs. Chargers safety Eric Weddle
Weddle is one of the best safeties in football and probably one of its most underrated players regardless of position. The Chargers use him in a variety of ways but teams generally avoid throwing his way. According to Pro Football Focus, teams have targeted Weddle just 23 times in 10 games. The results include 15 completions for 124 yards with no touchdowns, an interception and three pass breakups. That calculates to a passer rating of 60.8.
Cook battled a back injury in practice during the week but he's a valuable cog in what the Rams want to do. After Kenny Britt's big week last week, don't be surprised to see him get more attention from San Diego. That should theoretically open up opportunities for others, including Cook. But the Chargers will likely lean on Weddle to keep the middle of the field quiet.
