:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4189475/156948280.0.jpg)
On Dec. 2nd, the St. Louis Rams take on the San Francisco 49ers for the second time in three weeks.This time, it will be at the Edward Jones Dome.
Unfortunately, the last time these two division rivals faced each other the game ended in a bloody tie. This week, the Rams will be trying their best to make sure they come out on top.
Helping the Rams are:
This pick was obvious. If Jackson runs hard, the team's chances of winning significantly increase. Steven started a nasty streak against San Francisco, and the Rams will need him to keep that hard-nosed play going this week too.
WR Chris Givens
Givens had by far the best game of his young career last week against the Cardinals. He burned Arizona for 115 yards and a touchdown. Using Chris to spread out the field would not only help our passing game, but it also keeps the '9ers from loading up the box against the run. He'll also open up the middle for Lance Kendricks and Danny Amendola (hopefully Danny plays).
Plus, I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who enjoys watching him make a big play out of snicklefritz.
CB Trumaine Johnson
Johnson is the new nickle corner. Unless there is an injury, it ain't gonna change. So all we could do is hope the rookie takes control of his new role. Opposing QBs have targeted Tru, and have gotten away with it. In the three weeks since passing Bradley Fletcher on the depth charts, he has a -4.4 overall rating, according to Pro Football Focus. His pass coverage rating during that stretch is -5.4. No wonder QBs have been throwing to his side of the field.
This needs to change.
C Scott Wells
Wells was noticeably rusty in his first game back since the season's debut, but he was pretty solid overall. When the news broke that he sat out practice earlier this week, my thoughts were, "Oh shit, not again," but the coaching staff was just resting him. The Rams will need him to be rested against a stout 49er front seven. Hopefully all of the rust was knocked off, too.
DE Robert Quinn
The Rams' starting defensive ends did not really get to the quarterback last week. Both Quinn and Chris Long were kept away from Arizona's Ryan Lindley.
This week, the 49ers have Colin Kaepernick under center. Not only do the ends need to pressure him to keep him shaky, they also have to contain the edges to keep Kaepernick from breaking off a big run down the sideline. Quinn was held out of practice for most of the week for a concussion but did end up participating on Friday. If he doesn't display any concussion-like symptoms, he will be a go.