Getting Minnesota to obvious passing situations
Throughout this season, Rams players and coaches have discussed the importance of earning the right to rush the passer. That is achieved by putting opposing teams in obvious passing situations, which is what L.A. did last time around, especially on third downs in the second half.
The Vikings went 2-for-7 (28.6%) on third downs in the last showdown, and when they faced third downs of three yards or more, they went 1-for-6 (16.7%). Their season-long third-down conversion rate was 40%, so this game was an outlier for them. In their most recent loss to Detroit last week, they went 3-for-13 (23.1%) on third downs.
In the second half, L.A. forced Minnesota into obvious passing situations, and then generated pressure and/or disguised coverages. Darnold was pressured four times on six third-down passes, converting just one.
The Rams backed Minnesota into those unfavorable circumstances with negative plays on early downs and consistent run stuffs. Vikings running back Aaron Jones’ 3.1 yards per carry against the Rams was his third-fewest of the season. Thus, Los Angeles’ young front will need another strong performance on Monday to bring about similar results.
“I felt like they started to give some problems along the line of scrimmage… that kind of resets the whole day,” said Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell postgame. “They were doing a lot of things coverage-wise to try to keep a roof on the coverage and not let the big plays happen.”
Confusing Darnold or rushing him through progressions, especially on third down, is the key to a successful defensive effort on Monday night, as it was in Week 8. And they can only get there with efficiency on the early downs.
What’s new for each team?
Over the last six weeks, Minnesota has brought pressure 48% of the time, nearly 8% higher than their season average. Last week, they brought pressure 54.3% of the time against a Lions offense that was even more successful than the Rams against the blitz this season. It didn’t work in their favor.
Meanwhile, the Rams have showcased even better offensive line play with increased health and continuity among that unit. Week 8 was the first time all season L.A. didn’t allow a sack. Since then, it’s allowed zero sacks in six of their 10 games. The Rams got offensive lineman Steve Avila back from injury in Week 10, which helped spark that run. They also…
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