hawaiitribune_herald
The NFL's grandest stage, the Super Bowl, will return to the Los Angeles area in February, but based on the current standings, neither of SoFi Stadium's home teams is expected to be part of the festivities. The Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers will meet on Sunday for just the second time since both relocated to Inglewood, Calif., and the third time in their recent Los Angeles history.
The Rams (3-4) are coming off a season-high scoring outburst, a 35-21 road victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, and believe their best football is still ahead. Meanwhile, the Chargers have spent the past two weeks searching for answers to a season that has spiraled out of control. They enter the bye week winless in six games and were last seen starting four rookies on the offensive line in a 22-6 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Oct. 18.
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford threw three touchdown passes for 195 yards, while the running game amassed 199 net yards behind Kyren Williams (99 yards, one TD) and Blake Corum (93 yards, one TD). "I trust both of those guys to execute any play we have in our offense at any time," Stafford said. "It's a unique situation. I haven't been a part of that before where you feel really comfortable with everything we ask of (either) halfback in this offense. It's an awesome feeling that you're getting a player who is fresh and motivated and ready to rock and roll."
Nothing about the Chargers seems fresh or worthy of energetic music. Injuries along the offensive line were devastating last season when they still advanced to the playoffs, and have been even worse this season. Quarterback Justin Herbert did not throw a touchdown pass against the Chiefs and has thrown at least one interception in every game this season. He has been sacked 21 times, tied for third-most in the NFL. The Chargers rank last in the NFL in scoring at 15.0 points per game. A defense that was so strong a year ago is allowing 123.8 rushing yards per contest (21st in the NFL) and 25.2 points per game (22nd).
The addition of former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel as offensive coordinator was highly anticipated, but it has yet to make a difference. Head coach Jim Harbaugh said this week that McDaniel will retain play-calling duties. "Everyone in the organization approached this bye week and, going forward, I mean, every resource, everybody contributing from analytics to coaching to every corner of the building (is involved)," Harbaugh said. "We need to win, and that's what it starts with today."
In addition to injuries along the Chargers offensive line, safety Derwin James Jr. will miss his fourth straight game with a hamstring issue and could be headed to injured reserve after a setback in his recovery. Guard Kayode Awosika (fibula), defensive back Deane Leonard (concussion) and wide receiver Brenen Thompson (quadriceps/hamstring) also were ruled out. Cornerbacks Donte Jackson and Rodney Shelley are questionable because of hamstring injuries. Rams long snapper Joe Cardona (ankle) is doubtful, while center Coleman Shelton (hip), tight end Colby Parkinson (rib), cornerback Trent McDuffie (groin) and wide receiver Jordan Whittington (back) are questionable.
Key Analysis
The Rams have been in this position before, preparing for a winnable home game, but they stumbled in Week 6 against the Arizona Cardinals, losing 18-16 after losing their second kicker of the season to injury. However, the convincing win over the Raiders has reinvigorated the team. The Chargers, on the other hand, are desperate for a win to salvage their season. With a banged-up offensive line and a struggling quarterback, they face an uphill battle against a Rams team that seems to be finding its stride. The game will be a test of resilience for both teams, but the Rams appear to have the momentum.
Originally reported by hawaiitribune_herald.