Week 12: Bears vs Rams 5 Questions with Ramblin’ Fan
By Mike Praser
What is the Rams most favorable matchup against the Bears?
Sep 19, 2012; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams defensive end Robert Quinn (94) reacts after sacking Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (not pictured) during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports
"There has been one easy answer for the “favorable matchup” question all season: Robert Quinn. The third-year phenom is having an All-Pro caliber season, recording 12 sacks, 16 hits on the quarterback, and 28 hurried throws in only 10 games. In fact, according to Pro Football Focus, Quinn currently has the second highest grade of any player (at any position) in the NFL this year, trailing only J.J. Watt. Combined with the fact that he is manning up against an undersized offensive tackle with average, at best, pass protection, and you have a recipe for disaster."
What is the Rams most unfavorable matchup against the Bears?
"Brandon Marshall has been an unfavorable matchup versus anyone he has faced this season, regardless of who is throwing him the football. The Rams’ Janoris Jenkins has been a monster in coverage since new DC Tim Walton moved away from the “soft zone” towards a Cover 2/Man-Under scheme. However, you can pretty much bet that he is good for one “What Just Happened?” moment per night. In, what should be, a defensive battle, one mistake could be all it takes to crown one team the victor."
What is your prediction for the game, including a final score?
Oct 28, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams defensive end Robert Quinn (94) celebrates after sacking Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (not pictured) during the first quarter at Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
"In the last three weeks, the St. Louis Rams have: 1) been within one yard on the final play of the game from beating the Seattle Seahawks, 2) in position to win on the final drive against the Tennessee Titans, and 3) blown out the Indianapolis Colts by 30 points. The real St. Louis Rams, without Sam Bradford, are somewhere in-between. The key to each of those games has been Zac Stacy, and the Rams ability to move the ball without forcing Kellen Clemens to make too many throws. Going against the Bears’ 32nd-ranked run defense (according to PFF), he should continue to make his case for Offensive Rookie of the Year. With the Bears beaten, tired, and bruise after their “extended” Sunday game and the Rams coming off their Bye Week, I look for St. Louis to win this one with some ease. 27-17 Rams"
I want to thank Nathan Kearns for taking the time out to answer our 5 Questions. Make sure you check out Ramblin’ Fan for all of your news and info on 2013 Bears Opponent St. Louis Rams.