It’s time once against to go behind enemy lines and get the inside scoop ahead of this week’s Pittsburgh Steelers game. The Steelers are heading to Los Angeles to take on the Rams so we reached out to our friend Cameron DaSilva, editor of Rams Wire to find out what is going on with the Rams this week and does he think the Rams will beat the Steelers.
What is the plan for the Rams at Running back this week?
That’s a great question because no one really knows. They haven’t given any indications as to who will be the starter and who will be the No. 2 option, and they have four guys who are all candidates to step up. I think rookie Zach Evans makes the most sense as the starter because he’s been the No. 3 guy all season, but Royce Freeman is better in pass protection, Darrell Henderson Jr. has experience in this offense and Myles Gaskin is a new face who could provide a spark.
Who is a player or two on the Rams who deserves more credit for how well they are playing?
Rookie edge rusher Byron Young has been a stud for the Rams. Even as a third-round rookie, he’s been their top edge rusher, leading all rookie defenders in the NFL in pressures and quarterback hits. He’s only getting better as the season progresses, too. He has the potential to be a future Pro Bowler at outside linebacker. Nose tackle Kobie Turner, another rookie, has also been excellent next to Aaron Donald.
How good have former Steelers Ahkello Witherspoon and Kevin Dotson been for the Rams?
Dotson has been fantastic at right guard. He’s filling in for the injured Joe Noteboom, but I don’t see how the Rams can go back to Noteboom when he is healthy. Dotson brings toughness and power to the offensive line, which is especially beneficial in the run game. Witherspoon may be even better. He’s the Rams’ top cornerback and he already has two interceptions, each of which were highlight-reel plays. They’ve absolutely been difference-makers for Los Angeles.
How much better is the Rams offense now that Cooper Kupp is back?
I don’t know that it’s necessarily better because they have yet to put together a complete game on offense this season, but it definitely makes them tougher to defend. With Kupp and Puka Nacua being such great route runners, they get open often and give Matthew Stafford a lot of easier throws. Then you have Tutu Atwell, whose speed can take the top off a defense and stretch the field vertically. Kupp’s blocking also helps a lot in the running game.
Who wins this week?
I don’t think the Steelers are a particularly good team despite being 3-2, and the offense is really concerning because I’m not sure there are many playmakers who strike fear in the defense. Getting Diontae Johnson back will help, but if the Rams can finally play well from start to finish instead of only one half of the game, they should win. Rams 23, Steelers 17.
