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Sometimes, the narratives of sport are simple.
The Rams need to win this game.
We talked about the trio of games ahead of the Octet of Pain coming after the Week 4 bye. This, the second of those games, is as vital as it appeared before the season started. If you were looking at the possible roadmaps for the Rams to get into the playoffs, the overwhelming majority would not include an 0-2 start to the season.
That being the case, the inactive list has some impactful holdouts. CB Lamarcus Joyner is out after his back troubled him all week, meaning E.J. Gaines and Brandon McGee will see increased reps. The Rams also held back on rookie RBs Tre Mason and Trey Watts leaving just Zac Stacy and Benny Cunningham as the two lone active running backs.
The bottom line is simple. The Rams have to find a way to get back .500 and get this season on track, regardless of who's taking the snaps at QB.