Detroit Lions vs. St. Louis Rams: What's the Game Plan for St. Louis?

The St. Louis Rams (4-8) will host the Detroit Lions (4-8) this Sunday at the Edward Jones Dome. It's an NFC showdown between two teams out of the playoff hunt, so both clubs are merely reaching for moral victories at this point. 

Around midseason, the Rams were riding high on the back of Todd Gurley, and people were touting them as an up-and-coming playoff contender. Now, the team has regressed into the same old mess St. Louis fans have endured for years. After five straight losses, the best the Rams can hope for is a modest 8-8 season, which would require a four-game win streak—in other words, it's a pipe dream. 

The Lions are going in the opposite direction. Ever since firing offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, per NFL.com, Detroit has transformed into a competent squad. The team has lost just one game in the last four contests. The one loss was to Green Bay, where the Lions blew it on a last-second Green Bay touchdown on a Hail Mary—a total fluke play. 

Based on the direction these two teams are heading—one showing life, the other drowning in despair—there's no reason for St. Louis fans to feel optimistic. 

However, if the Rams can execute a flawless game plan under new offensive coordinator Rob Boras—making his debut as an NFL coordinator—then St. Louis has a chance.

Offensive Game Plan

L.G. Patterson/Associated Press/Associated Press

Like every week, St. Louis' primary focus on offense should be getting the ball into the playmakers' hands. Not only that, but the offensive line must step up and allow the playmakers to succeed. 

The Rams fired first-year offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti earlier in the week and replaced him with tight ends coach Rob Boras, per Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com. St. Louis is hoping the change will finally spark something on offense. 

It's hard to imagine the offense will do anything drastically different, but perhaps the firing of Cignetti will wake up the players and force them to realize their jobs are on the line as well. 

The main objective is to spark Gurley in the run game. Opponents have held the rookie running back under 100 yards in each of his last five games, and he hasn't scored a touchdown since Week 11.

The offensive line hasn't been giving him a chance to succeed, but it's deeper than that. Gurley has fewer than 10 attempts in each of the last two games, and he has exceeded 20 carries just once in the last four. 

Gurley is not able to produce if the Rams cannot get him touches. Not only does he need more carries, but he needs a much bigger role in the passing game. 

Speaking of the passing game, Case Keenum will be making his second start. The Rams will count on Keenum to buy time with his mobility, which will hopefully result in a stronger aerial attack. If St. Louis forces Detroit to respect the pass, Gurley will run wild. 

The Rams must also get the ball into Tavon Austin's hands. He had just three touches last week, which is mind-boggling. St. Louis is struggling greatly on offense, yet it refuses to create opportunities for Austin, who is one of two players on the offense capable of making a difference. 

It seems like we cover the same points every week, but time after time, the Rams fail to achieve these seemingly minor tasks. If that changes this week, the Rams will have a chance.

Defensive Game Plan

Rick Osentoski/Associated Press/Associated Press

Despite Detroit's struggles for most of the season, the dangerous passing game is still quite alive. Detroit ranks ninth overall in passing with 265 aerial yards per game. The connection between Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson remains effective. 

Normally, the Rams are eager to play pass-happy teams, as it gives them a chance to unleash their potent pass rush. However, with Robert Quinn on injured reserve, per NFL.com, the once-dominant pass rush is a fraction of what it used to be. 

Additionally, Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported cornerback Janoris Jenkins is doubtful for Sunday's game: 

"

CB Janoris Jenkins still in concussion protocol. He's doubtful for Detroit.

— Jim Thomas (@jthom1) December 11, 2015"

Jenkins has been the team's top corner this season and would have been responsible for shutting down Johnson. He's been facing off with No. 1 receivers all year, but without him, the Rams are vulnerable through the air. 

Now, the Rams must smother Johnson with a team of defensive backs. Trumaine Johnson—now the top corner in Jenkins' place—will be the primary defense. St. Louis must stick a second corner on Johnson while also having a safety watch over the top. 

Also, it's important to keep tight end Eric Ebron—who has four touchdown grabs on the year—contained in the red zone. At 6'4" and 255 pounds, he'll be a threat inside the 20. 

The Detroit rushing game ranks second-to-last in the NFL at 76.7 yards per game, so the primary threat is through the air. If St. Louis can contain Johnson and get after Stafford with Aaron Donald, the team should be in decent shape.

Prediction: Lions 21, Rams 13

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The Rams have lost their last five games, and three of those games—Chicago, Baltimore, Arizona—were not even close. Jeff Fisher teams frequently have manic highs and lows. We keep waiting for the Rams to escape the valley and hit another peak, but it's just not happening—there's no fight left. 

The firing of Cignetti is a slither of hope. That could provide just enough of a spark to get the team going. Still, with the playoffs out of the question and nothing left to fight for, it's doubtful the change will accomplish much. It's too little, too late. 

Not to mention, given the St. Louis fanbase is simultaneously suffering through relocation rumors and yet another losing season, you can count on the home-field environment being hollow and apathetic. That home-field advantage would be beneficial, but the Rams won't benefit from it this Sunday. 

Unless the new offensive coordinator exceeds expectations, expect Detroit to take care of business.