Stephon Gilmore vs Robert Woods
It is possible that Gilmore is assigned Brandin Cooks. But factoring in size and speed, it makes sense for Gilmore to cover Woods. Gilmore is 6′ 1”, 190 pounds and Woods is 6’0”, 194 pounds. Gilmore was very good against Sammy Watkins and shut down Travis Kelce in the fourth quarter on Sunday. Belichick always mixes up matchups when things are going wrong, so it is possible that Gilmore switches his assignment. Woods has been the best all-around receiver on the Rams this season, and Gilmore has arguably been the best corner in football all season.
Brandin Cooks vs a double team
The Patriots will probably have the same attack against Cooks as they did against Tyreek Hill. They are similar in size, weight, and are both insanely fast. New England double-teamed Tyreek Hill in the AFC Championship. They rotated Jackson, Crosson, Jones and both McCourty’s, who held him to just one catch. Cooks caught 80 passes in the regular season, averaging over 15 yards per reception. Crossen got burnt on the one catch by Hill, and should not be a central part in Belichick’s game plan.
Rams running game vs Patriots front seven
The best running back in the league and Todd Gurley will be a big problem for the Patriots, even though the front seven has improved tremendously throughout the season. Kyle Van Noy was arguably the MVP for New England on Sunday. Los Angeles ranked third in total rushing yards and yards per game during the regular season. On the flip side, New England ranked 11th in total rushing yards and 29th in yards per attempt during the regular season. Bill Belichick will probably load the box in hopes of stopping the run game.
Patriots O-line vs Rams D-line
Aaron Donald and Ndamukong Suh are the best d-tackle pairing in the league, but the Patriots have been able to run the ball at will with Sony Michel and the offensive line. Center David Andrews and guards Joe Thuney and Shaq Mason will have to deal with blocking them. Wade Phillips is the last one to come up with a scheme that stopped the Patriots’ offense in the playoffs. Tom Brady is the best quarterback in the league when it comes to pocket awareness and release time, so quick throws to Edelman or White should be at a premium. Since the Rams are so dominant up the middle, it would make sense for the Patriots to run plays to the outside, mainly with James White.
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How should the Rams defend Edelman, White, and Gronkowski?
Edelman, White, and Gronkowski may be the hardest offensive trio to defend in football. They definitely are not the best, but a slot receiver, pass-catching running back, and tight end are the hardest positions to defend. Nickell Robey-Coleman is the Rams’ slot corner and he should be assigned to Edelman throughout the game. Aqib Talib is physical enough to hang with Gronkowski and could cover him. Gronk is not as much of a matchup nightmare as he used to be, because he can be defended one on one. James White is often matched up with a linebacker, which is usually a field day for Tom Brady. The Rams like to bring safeties down to play a hybrid linebacker position, which would be a more favorable matchup against White.
The Giants showed the formula to slowing down the Patriots in the two Super Bowls: rush four and play man coverage. There is no one better at beating the blitz and exposing weak zone coverage than Tom Brady, so the Rams must come up with a creative plan to slow down New England.
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