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Between injuries and trades, the Los Angeles Rams team that takes the field this weekend will look completely different than the one that was fielded just a short few weeks ago.
This was the Rams' starting defense less than three weeks ago. Amazing. pic.twitter.com/eUwwki7ZLD
— Rich Hammond (@Rich_Hammond) October 16, 2019
That’s a rough pill to swallow as Rams fans. Our favorite team has been blessed with incredible health the last few years, but 2019 has not been so kind.
The injuries have had a drastic impact on Sean McVay’s normally potent offense. With sub-par play along the offensive line, the offense has struggled mightily over the Rams three game losing streak.
The combination of injuries and poor performance made selecting most of these players simple.
Jared Goff
Goff’s struggles have only increased the scrutiny around him. Many still question his extension. We all (rightfully) question his ability to perform when under duress.
How Goff responds to his worst game as a professional will tell us a lot about his composure and ability to lead a team out of a rut.
David Edwards
The rookie out of Wisconsin will get his first NFL start on Sunday after Joseph Noteboom was lost for the season with a torn ACL. The 2019 5th round pick is quick on his feet and should be able to reach the second level when asked, but at this point I’m just hoping he’s not another Jamil Demby.
Taylor Rapp
Rapp will take over for the (also) injured John Johnson III. He has already seen a bit of action this season and has compiled 26 tackles and a pair of passes defensed.
He will have big shoes to fill as Johnson has played at a Pro Bowl level for Wade Phillips, and will likely look to veteran Eric Weddle to help him through his first start.
Troy Hill
Speaking of injuries..... Hill will fill in for Aqib Talib as the latter hit the injured reserve list this week with a rib injury. He was somewhat of an enigma with Rams fans early in his career, but has developed into a solid corner over the course of the past year.
Nonetheless, there is a difference between being the 4th or 5th CB on the depth chart and starting. Let’s see how he responds now that the security blanket is gone.
Jalen Ramsey
I deliberately saved Ramsey for last. He is one of the best CBs in the game and the Rams just delivered an armored truck’s worth of draft capital to the Jacksonville Jaguars to acquire him.
This move terrifies me because the Rams gave up so much for him. It’s hard to justify the transaction given how top-heavy the Rams roster is, but it will still be fun to watch him in horns.