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Rams Must Stop Playing Down to their Competition

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, October 9th 2025 at 6:21 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Rams Take on Ravens: What the Game Means for the Los Angeles Franchise

The Los Angeles Rams will step onto the field to face the Baltimore Ravens this Sunday, a clash that has become a focal point for the Rams’ owners, coaching staff and fans alike. The matchup, which falls on the Rams’ fourth straight week of football, offers a unique lens into the team’s trajectory, the health of its key players, and the competitive landscape of the NFC West. In what many analysts are calling a “pivot game,” the Rams’ performance against the Ravens could dictate the rest of their regular‑season schedule and their playoff aspirations.

A Brief Overview of the Teams

The Rams, led by head coach Sean McVay, entered this matchup with a 4‑0 record, a streak that has put them at the top of the NFC West and a hotbed of talk about their potential to win a division title for the first time in decades. Their offense has been fueled by the dynamic play of rookie wide‑receiver Cooper Kupp and a revitalized running back corps featuring Aaron Donald, Jalen Ramsey and the ever‑perplexing offensive line that has struggled to hold a consistent stance on the line of scrimmage.

The Ravens, meanwhile, are coming off a hard-fought 24‑20 win over the San Francisco 49ers that showcased the grit of their offense, especially with quarterback Lamar Jackson, who is a constant threat on the ground. Their defense, anchored by a dominant front line and a secondary that has been closing the door on receivers, is one of the best in the NFL. Their schedule also includes high‑profile matchups against the Titans and the Patriots, making them a formidable opponent on any given Sunday.

Key Storylines Heading Into the Game

1. Lamar Jackson’s Game‑Changing Magic

Jackson’s performance in the previous weeks has been a point of fascination for Rams’ fans. In the 24‑20 victory over the 49ers, he accounted for more than 200 yards of total offense and a rushing touchdown that cemented his reputation as a dual‑threat quarterback. The Rams’ coaching staff, particularly offensive line coach Chris Hoke, is determined to create opportunities for the offense to counter Jackson’s explosive game plan. With a defense that boasts a 12‑tackle average and a top‑ranking pass rush, the Rams will rely heavily on their front seven to slow the down, while the secondary will have to keep the receivers in check.

2. Derrick Henry’s Impressive Dominance

Although Henry is a Titans player, the Rams’ management and media analysts are keen to compare his performance to their own inside game. Henry’s 2023 season saw him rack up a staggering 2,000 rushing yards, a testament to his resilience and power. The Rams will be hoping that their offensive line, particularly the combination of left tackle Ryan Jensen and the newly signed guard, can mirror Henry’s productivity and make the running game the cornerstone of their offense. In addition, the defensive front of the Rams, led by Von Miller, will be eager to bring the same ferocity that Henry’s defensive counterpart—Jenkins—has shown in recent games.

3. Mac Jones and the Patriots’ Influence

Mac Jones, who is a rookie quarterback for the New England Patriots, has been making waves for his ability to lead a team that traditionally relies on its offensive line. The Rams’ defensive coordinator, Donnie Sutherland, sees the matchup against the Patriots as a future benchmark to test the defensive scheme that he has been developing for the season. While the Patriots will not play the Rams this week, the Rams’ defense must prepare for the possibility of a high‑scoring offense in the future weeks of the schedule. Jones’s play‑calling and his arm strength are qualities the Rams’ front will be looking to challenge and contain.

Defensive Matchup: Rams vs. Ravens

The Rams’ defense has been a key strength this season. With a lineup that boasts the likes of Aaron Donald, Jalen Ramsey, and an unrelenting pass rush, they have forced an average of 8 sacks per game. The Ravens, on the other hand, have proven themselves as a defensive juggernaut with their 3‑0 record, boasting a top‑tier defensive line that can pressure a quarterback from all angles. In this matchup, the Rams will need to focus on limiting Jackson’s running options and putting pressure on his pocket. They will also rely on the secondary to make big plays on the pass, as the Ravens have recently shown that they can create turnovers when the offense starts to become predictable.

Offense and the Rams’ Forward Pass

The Rams’ offense has had a mixed performance so far. With Kupp at the top, the offense has been productive in short yardage, but they struggle when the defense forces them into longer plays. The addition of new wide receiver Jameson Williams and the rookie quarterback, who is working hard to improve his accuracy, are crucial to keep the offense unpredictable. The Rams’ offense also has to find a way to effectively protect the quarterback and give them the time to develop an offensive rhythm. The offensive line has been a focus of improvement, with the new signing of guard and the presence of veteran tackle Ryan Jensen, providing better protection for the offense.

The Rams’ Schedule and the Significance of the Game

The Rams are looking to finish with a record that could potentially qualify them for a playoff berth. They face several high‑profile matchups over the next weeks, including the Titans and the Patriots, who have strong offensive lines. The game against the Ravens, therefore, is not only a critical test of the Rams’ current performance, but it also provides an insight into how well the Rams will be able to tackle future opponents. It will also help the Rams determine whether their defensive scheme can keep pace with the best teams in the league, and how well they can protect their offensive line in the most critical moments.

Bottom Line

The Rams vs. Ravens game is more than a simple Sunday matchup. It is an opportunity for the Rams to showcase their resilience, their strategic adaptability, and their potential to compete at the highest level in the NFL. With the focus on the offensive line, the defensive scheme, and the performance of their key players, the Rams’ performance against the Ravens will provide a clear indicator of the team’s ability to navigate the remainder of the season and secure a playoff spot. For fans, the game is an essential chapter in the Rams’ story, marking a new era of determination and high-level competition that could define the remainder of the 2023 season.