The Los Angeles Rams (5-5) vs. Philadelphia Eagles (8-2) in a ‘Sunday Night Football’ showdown. The Rams’ third and, barring a schedule flex, final primetime matchup has significant consequences for the NFC playoff picture and one major award race. The team has also played every primetime game at home at SoFi Stadium.
Rams vs. Eagles: The Rams’ Trial By Fire
After a 1-4 run in the first five weeks, the 2024-2025 season already looked like a lost cause. But with four wins from five games after the bye, the Rams are the first team outside the playoff bubble. However, the giant boulder standing in their way is Philadelphia.
A win for the Rams puts the team a step closer to a playoff berth. If the Seattle Seahawks beat the Arizona Cardinals in their matchup, Los Angeles would remain second in the NFC West, but have a tied record with Arizona and Seattle.
The Eagles also had some questionable losses to start the year, including a one-point defeat to the Atlanta Falcons. However, the City of Brotherly Love has a six-game winning streak and holds the second seed in the NFC. The Eagles’ high-powered offense is back to working order, with running back Saquon Barkley currently second in the NFL with 1,137 rushing yards.
However, star wide Eagles receiver DeVonta Smith is out of the contest with a hamstring injury. His absence takes some pressure off the Rams defensive backs, who already need to contend with A.J. Brown.
Philadelphia’s defense is also seeing a resurgence after collapsing at the end of last season. Largely due to the presence of a rookie duo in the secondary.
Verse vs. Mitchell, Battle of the Rookies
Sunday night’s game may have big implications for the Defensive Rookie of the Year award race.
Rams rookie Jared Verse is the betting favorite to win the award, succeeding defensive tackle Aaron Donald as the last Ram to hold the honor. Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell is the current runner-up. If he wins, it would make him the first Eagle to be Defensive Rookie of the Year and the fourth cornerback to win since 2000.
Both players may face the toughest opponents of their young careers. Verse must go up against a top-three offensive line in the NFL. If Verse still lines up on the right side of the defense, he will see plenty of one-on-one duels against two-time All-Pro left tackle Jordan Mailata.
While Verse faces an elite offensive line, Mitchell will cover two of the best wide receivers in the game. While defensive coordinator Vic Fangio often favored zone-heavy schemes, his new job in Philadelphia has seen more man coverage. This is partly due to Mitchell’s hyper-athleticism and speed which allows him to play tighter than most corners.
Mitchell playing man coverage on wide receivers Cooper Kupp or Puka Nacua will be a matchup to watch. Since the duo moves around the formation, Mitchell will likely face both and must continue to show his lockdown abilities to further his case for the award.
Both rookies will have an opportunity to showcase their talents on a national stage against some of the best opposition the league has to offer. If Los Angeles plays to their potential, the defensive line can disrupt quarterback Jalen Hurts, and if Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford can protect the football, the Rams can win this football game.
Main Photo: Brian Fluharty – USA Today Sports
