Jets Opponent Profile: NY Offense Faces Respectable Rams Defense In Week 10
Following a heartbreaking loss to Miami, the New York Jets return home and will have a great opportunity to get back on track as they face the Los Angeles Rams in Week 10 of the 2016 NFL season. MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey will be the site for this interconference affair between two clubs coming off close loses in Week 9.
Opening kickoff is scheduled for Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. ET. This week's game marks only the 14th meeting between the Jets and Rams, with Los Angeles leading the head-to-head series, 9-4-0.
The last time they faced each other dates back to the 2012 NFL season, when the Jets came away with a 27-13 victory at Edward Jones Dome. The win extended the Jets' win streak over the Rams to two games.
Los Angeles Rams Record: 3-5-0
The Rams' return to Southern California hasn't exactly gone as planned, as Jeff Fisher's bunch is off to another dreadful start. Losers of four straight ballgames, LA hopes a little time away from home will yield a much-needed road victory.
Thus far this season, the Rams are 1-3 at home, 2-2 on the road and 2-1 against intradivisional foes. Los Angeles is also 3-4 against fellow NFC teams, 0-1 versus non-conference teams, and have dropped four straight. They have a 1-5 record in their last 6 games played.
Rams on Offense
The Rams offensive coordinator is Rob Boras, and thus far, his unit has produced some of the worst numbers in the National Football League. Heading into Week 10, the Rams offense ranks last in points per game (16.2), 2nd to last in total yards (311.5), 30th in rushing yards (77.2), and 24th in passing yards per game (234.2).
Having the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year on your roster, it comes as no surprise that the Rams' offense revolves around the ground game. Nevertheless, with Boras running the show, the Jets defense must also be wary of the tight ends as legitimate threats down the middle of the field.
Rams on Defense
Defensively, the Rams present a number of problems, particularly against a Jets offense that has struggled all year long. The Rams defensive coordinator is Gregg Williams, who most people remember for his involvement in the infamous New Orleans Saints' bounty scandal, better known as "Bountygate."
However, his second stint with the Rams has yielded positive results, despite all the controversy surrounding his suspension and subsequent release from the then-St. Louis Rams. Williams' defense enters Week 10 ranked ninth in total yards allowed (330.9), 10th in passing yards (232.2), 11th in points (20.9) and 12th in rushing yards per contest (98.6).
Rams Players to Watch: Todd Gurley, Aaron Donald
As stated above, running back Todd Gurley is the focal point of this offense, and thus, he's the Rams player to watch on the offensive side of the football. Following a very successful rookie campaign, the Georgia product has rushed for 451 yards on 146 carries and three touchdowns this season. Out of the backfield, Gurley also has 25 receptions on the year for 194 yards, but has fumbled the ball twice as a receiver.
On the defensive side of the ball, Ryan Fitzpatrick and the Jets offense must account for defensive tackle Aaron Donald at all times. In his third season out of Pitt, Donald leads the team in sacks (5), is tied for the second-most fumbles forced (1) and is seventh on the team in tackles with 27 (23 total, 4 assist).
Outlook
According to NFL Week 10 oddsmakers, the New York Jets are the early favorites over the Los Angeles Rams in the betting department. Opening point spreads have the Jets as two-and-a-half-point favorites (-2½), the Rams as underdogs by the same margin (+2½), and everything indicates this will be a low-scoring affair, as the OVER/UNDER is set at a combined total of 40 points.
Post Author: Abraham Gutierrez.