Rams vs. Packers: 4 Areas for St. Louis to Focus On

 It feels like a punishment for the 0-4 St. Louis Rams to have to play the 5-0 Green Bay Packers this Sunday. The Rams should be punished for their putrid start. Poor defensive execution, a lackluster receiving core, and the inconsistent offensive line have put the Rams in a huge hole.

 For Rams fans, a reasonable goal Sunday is not to beat the defending Super Bowl champion Packers. The realistic goal is to compete. With 12 games left this season, the Rams must show signs of life and energy. If not this Sunday against the best the NFL has to offer, then when?

 Here are four areas for the Rams to focus on this Sunday against Green Bay.

1. Throw the Ball Successfully

The Green Bay Packers are known for their vaunted air attack.  The reality is that they also have one of the weakest pass defenses in the NFL.  The Packers rank 30^th in the league in pass defense at 299.8 yards per game. 

For example, rookie Cam Newton of the Carolina Panthers threw for a season high 432 yards against Green Bay in Week 2.

St. Louis should be able to throw the ball effectively provided the receiving core is able to catch balls downfield. 

2. Change Offensive Game Plan

It seems like the Rams can never protect their quarterbacks.  Even when Marc Bulger played the position, St. Louis allowed far too many hits and sacks on its quarterback.

With Danny Amendola out for the season now, the Rams need to shift their passing game plan up as well.  Sam Bradford was at his best in 2010 when he rolled out away from the pressure in the pocket. 

While the Rams no longer use a west coast system, offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels should employ a similar attack going forward.   This would prevent further hits on Bradford and help build offensive confidence with short, simple throws.

3. Stop the Run

The Packers are fourth in the NFL in passing at 329.6 yards per game.  While a run stopping strategy will hardly contain the Packers, the Rams could make Green Bay even more one dimensional.  Any NFL offense, no matter how explosive, is less threatening when limited to a singular strategy offensively.

St. Louis cannot continue to give up 179.8 yards per game on the ground.  Improvement in this area is vital if the Rams are to compete with Green Bay and win any games going forward.

4. Create Defensive Pressure and Turnovers

Aaron Rodgers, the Packers’ quarterback, has been sensational so far in 2011.  The Rams must do their best to create turnovers in order to slow down the red hot Rodgers.

The Rams best game defensively was probably against New York when they were able constantly pressure and confuse Eli Manning in the first half.

By employing some effective pressure, the Rams might be able to create turnovers and keep the Packers from driving up and down the field.