La temporada de los Rams llega este domingo a su punto medio: el noveno partido de un calendario de 17. Y la sensación tras los primeros ocho juegos es buena, pero el récord de ganados y perdidos (3-5) no lo es.
Por eso, la visita al histórico Lambeau Field para un duelo tempranero con los Green Bay Packers (10 am Pacífico/FOX) es muy importante, incluso vital, en las aspiraciones de los Rams.
Ellos, a pesar de algunas derrotas dolorosas y la paliza sufrida en Dallas la semana anterior, podrían disfrutar de su semana de descanso, que será la siguiente, con una aceptable marca de 4-5 y buenas perspectivas para la segunda mitad de la temporada, teniendo en cuenta que el nivel de los rivales posiblemente no será tan alto.
Green Bay, por su parte, es un equipo en reconstrucción, plagado de jóvenes igual que Los Ángeles, pero que llega al partido con un modesto récord de 2-5, incluyendo una racha de cuatro derrotas.
Matthew Stafford, lastimado del pulgar derecho, está en duda para jugar. Si no puede hacerlo, Brett Rypien iniciará su primer partido con los Rams. El quarterback de 4a. campaña tiene números de 2-1 como abridor en la NFL, cuando jugaba en Denver.
El entrenador Sean McVay dejó abierta la posibilidad de que Stafford pueda jugar, algo que dijo se decidirá el mero domingo.
Cuando le preguntaron a McVay sobre si la lesión de Stafford y otras en el equipo empiezan a sentirse como las del año pasado, cuando hubo una reacción en cadena, el coach fue enfático al responder que no y explicó que lo que menos espera de sus Rams es que se hagan las víctimas.
"No vamos a hacer eso. No creo que tengamos eso en nuestro vestidor", opinó McVay. "Yo lo veo como una oportunidad de que realmente es importante para otros hombres que tengan la oportunidad y [ver] cómo podemos ayudarles y permitirles que sus talentos salgan a relucir".
El juego en Green Bay también marcará un duelo fraternal entre Matt LaFleur, el entrenador en jefe de los Packers, y Mike LaFleur, el coordinador ofensivo en su primera temporada con los Rams, quien querrá ayudar a McVay a "arruinar" la celebración del cumpleaños 44 de su hermano mayor (3 de noviembre).
Los Rams, por cierto, buscarán romper una racha de ocho derrotas en partidos realizados en noviembre. La última vez que ganaron uno en dicho mes fue el 23 de noviembre de 2020 contra Tampa Bay.
Ahead of Sunday's Los Angeles Rams vs. Green Bay Packers Week 9 matchup, take a look back through photos of historical matchups between the two teams.
FILE - In this Dec. 7, 1952, file photo, Los Angeles Rams' Dick "Night Train" Lane leaps to intercept a Green Bay Packers pass intended for Packers' end Bob Mann (87), in the second quarter of their game before 35,000 fans in Los Angeles. Other player shown is halfback Herb Rich (42). The hard-hitting cornerback had 68 interceptions in 14 seasons, mostly with the Chicago Cardinals and Detroit Lions in the 1950s and 60s. Lane entered the hall in 1974 and earned his nickname from his teammates from the then-popular song "Night Train†during his first training camp with the LA Rams in 1952. (AP Photo/Harold P. Matosian, File)
Green Bay Packers halfback Al Carmichael (42) runs upfield during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams in Milwaukee, Wisc., on Oct. 11, 1953. The Rans defeated the Packers 38-20. (AP Photo/Vernon Biever)
Jim Taylor (31) of the Green Bay Packers carries the ball during NFL game with the Los Angeles Rams at Milwaukee, Dec. 2, 1962. (AP Photo)
The goal post appears to prevent Hank Gremminger (46) of the Green Bay Packers as he tries to stop a pass to Pervis Atkins (27) of the Los Angeles Rams from quarterback Zeke Bratkowski, Oct. 6, 1963, Green Bay, Wisc. Atkins scored on the play in the 1st quarter at City Stadium. (AP Photo)
Los Angeles Rams Marlin McKeever (86) catches the ball while pursued by Green Bay Packers Tom Brown (40), at Los Angeles, Nov. 28, 1965. Rams won, 21-10. (Vic Stein via AP)
Green Bay Packers' Willie Wood (24) tries to wrestle the ball away from Los Angeles Rams' Henry Dyer as the teams met at the Milwaukee County Stadium, Oct. 13, 1968. The Rams edged Green Bay, 16-14. (AP Photo/Paul Shane)
FILE - In this Oct. 7, 1962, file photo, Green Bay Packers halfback Paul Hornung (5) carries the Detroit Lions, including Roger Brown (76, to the right of Hornung), during the second half of an NFL football game in Green Bay, Wis. To the left of Hornung are Lions' Wayne Walker (55) and Packers quarterback Bart Starr (15). Brown, a College Football Hall of Famer and six-time Pro Bowl selection with the Lions and the Los Angeles Rams, has died. He was 84. The Lions and College Football Hall of Fame announced his death Friday, Sept. 17, 2021. The Lions said a member of Brown's family confirmed the death. No cause was given. (AP Photo, File)
Green Bay Packers end Carroll Dale (84) fumbles the ball as he is tackled by Los Angeles Rams Maxie Baughan (55) and Irv Cross (27) in the first quarter of the NFL Western Division championship game in Milwaukee, Wis., Dec. 23, 1967. The Rams recovered the ball and went on to score the first touchdown of the game. At left is Rams Myron Pottios (66). (AP Photo)
Green Bay Packers' Willie Wood (24) tries to wrestle the ball away from Los Angeles Rams' Henry Dyer as the teams met at the Milwaukee County Stadium, Oct. 13, 1968. The Rams edged Green Bay, 16-14. (AP Photo/Paul Shane)
Running back Eric Dickerson of the Los Angeles Rams is seen during a game against the Green Bay Packers, 1984. (AP Photo)
Green Bay Packers quarterback Don Majkowski (7) dives across for the Packers' first six points against the Los Angeles Rams as Rams Kevin Greene (91) comes in from behind at Anaheim Stadium, Sept. 24, 1989. (AP Photo/Doug Sheridan)
Antonio Freeman #86 of the Green Bay Packers tries to catch a pass while defended by Toby Wright #32 of the St. Louis Rams on November 9, 1997 in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers defeated the Rams 17-7. (Joe Robbins via AP)
"St. Louis Rams Kurt Warner throws a pass against the Green Bay Packers during an NFL Divisional playoff game on January 20, 2002 in St. Louis. The Rams won 45-17. (Photo by Bill Stover/St. Louis Rams)"
"St. Louis Rams Aeneas Williams celebrates a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during an NFL Divisional playoff game on January 20, 2002 in St. Louis. The Rams won 45-17. (Photo by Bill Stover/St. Louis Rams)"
"GREEN BAY, WI - OCTOBER 8: Steven Jackson #39 of the St. Louis Rams dives in for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin on October 8, 2006. The Rams won 23-20. (Photo by Bill Stover/St. Louis Rams)"
"GREEN BAY, WI - OCTOBER 8: Tye Hill #26 of the St. Louis Rams defends a pass against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin on October 8, 2006. The Rams won 23-20. (Photo by Bill Stover/St. Louis Rams)"
"GREEN BAY, WI - OCTOBER 8: Steven Jackson #39 of the St. Louis Rams runs for yardage against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin on October 8, 2006. The Rams won 23-20. (Photo by Bill Stover/St. Louis Rams)"
"ST. LOUIS - DECEMBER 16: Torry Holt #81 of St. Louis Rams celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers at the Edward Jones Dome on December 16, 2007 in St. Louis, Mo. Green Bay defeated St. Louis 33-14. (Photo by G. Newman Lowrance/St. Louis Rams)"
"ST. LOUIS, MO - SEPTEMBER 27: Daniel Fells #46 of the St. Louis Rams makes a touchdown reception against the Green Bay Packers at the Edward Jones Dome on September 27, 2009 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by G. Newman Lowrance/St. Louis Rams)"
"ST. LOUIS, MO - SEPTEMBER 27: James Laurinaitis #55 of the St. Louis Rams rushes in against the Green Bay Packers at the Edward Jones Dome on September 27, 2009 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by G. Newman Lowrance/St. Louis Rams)"
"ST. LOUIS, MO - SEPTEMBER 27: James Hall #96 of the St. Louis Rams rushes in against the Green Bay Packers at the Edward Jones Dome on September 27, 2009 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by G. Newman Lowrance/St. Louis Rams)"
"ST. LOUIS, MO - SEPTEMBER 27: Daniel Fells #46 of the St. Louis Rams makes a touchdown reception against the Green Bay Packers at the Edward Jones Dome on September 27, 2009 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by G. Newman Lowrance/St. Louis Rams)"
"ST. LOUIS, MO - SEPTEMBER 27: Daniel Fells #46 and Kyle Boller #12 of the St. Louis Rams celebrate following a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers at the Edward Jones Dome on September 27, 2009 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by G. Newman Lowrance/St. Louis Rams)"
"ST. LOUIS, MO - SEPTEMBER 27: Daniel Fells #46 of the St. Louis Rams makes a touchdown reception against the Green Bay Packers at the Edward Jones Dome on September 27, 2009 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by G. Newman Lowrance/St. Louis Rams)"
"ST. LOUIS, MO - SEPTEMBER 27: Daniel Fells #46 of the St. Louis Rams makes a touchdown reception against the Green Bay Packers at the Edward Jones Dome on September 27, 2009 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by G. Newman Lowrance/St. Louis Rams)"
"St. Louis Rams Steven Jackson runs for yardage during an NFL Football game against the Green Bay Packers on October 16, 2011 in Green Bay, WI. The Packers won 24-3. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)"
"St. Louis Rams linebacker Chris Chamberlain makes a tackle on James Starks during an NFL Football game against the Green Bay Packers on October 16, 2011 in Green Bay, WI. The Packers won 24-3. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)"
"St. Louis Rams Robert Quinn applies pressure during an NFL week 7 football game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, Oct. 21 in St. Louis. The Packers won the game 30-20. (G. Newman Lowrance/St. Louis Rams)"
"Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is sacked by St. Louis Rams Michael Brockers during an NFL week 7 football game on Sunday, Oct. 21 in St. Louis. The Packers won the game 30-20. (G. Newman Lowrance/St. Louis Rams)"
"St. Louis Rams linebacker James Laurinaitis makes a tackle on Green Bay Packers Randall Cobb during an NFL week 7 football game on Sunday, Oct. 21 in St. Louis. The Packers won the game 30-20. (G. Newman Lowrance/St. Louis Rams)"
"The St. Louis Rams defense gets set at the line of scrimmage against the Green Bay Packers offense during a NFL football preseason game on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2013 in St Louis. Green Bay won, 19-7. (Photo by G. Newman Lowrance/St. Louis Rams)"
"St. Louis Rams Steven Jackson runs in to score a touchdown during an NFL week 7 football game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, Oct. 21 in St. Louis. The Packers won the game 30-20. (G. Newman Lowrance/St. Louis Rams)"
"St. Louis Rams Steven Jackson runs for garage during an NFL week 7 football game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, Oct. 21 in St. Louis. The Packers won the game 30-20. (G. Newman Lowrance/St. Louis Rams)"
"St. Louis Rams Darren Woodard against the Green Bay Packers during a NFL football preseason game on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2013 in St Louis. Green Bay won, 19-7. (Photo by G. Newman Lowrance/St. Louis Rams)"
"St. Louis Rams tight end Jared Cook runs with a reception against the Green Bay Packers during a NFL football preseason game on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2013 in St Louis. Green Bay won, 19-7. (Photo by G. Newman Lowrance/St. Louis Rams)"
"St. Louis Rams Cody Davis makes a tackle against the Green Bay Packers during a NFL football preseason game on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2013 in St Louis. Green Bay won, 19-7. (Photo by G. Newman Lowrance/St. Louis Rams)"
"St. Louis Rams linebacker Ray Ray Armstrong makes a tackle on Green Bay Packers Angelo Pease during a NFL football preseason game on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2013 in St Louis. Green Bay won, 19-7. (Photo by G. Newman Lowrance/St. Louis Rams)"
"St. Louis Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald during the game against the Green Bay Packers. (Photo by Scott Rovak/St. Louis Rams)"
"St. Louis Rams defensive end Chris Long during the game against the Green Bay Packers. (Photo by Scott Rovak/St. Louis Rams)"
"St. Louis Rams punter Johnny Hekker and St. Louis Rams kicker Greg Zuerlein during the game against the Green Bay Packers. (Photo by Scott Rovak/St. Louis Rams)"
"St. Louis Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald during the game against the Green Bay Packers. (Photo by Scott Rovak/St. Louis Rams)"
"St. Louis Rams during the game against the Green Bay Packers. (Photo by Scott Rovak/St. Louis Rams)"
"St. Louis Rams wide receiver Brian Quick during the game against the Green Bay Packers. (Photo by Scott Rovak/St. Louis Rams)"
"St. Louis Rams tackle Garrett Reynolds during the game against the Green Bay Packers. (Photo by Scott Rovak/St. Louis Rams)"
Los Angeles Rams' Aaron Green runs during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Los Angeles Rams' Justin Davis runs during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)
Center (66) Austin Blythe of the Los Angeles Rams against the Green Bay Packers during the Rams 10-24 loss to the Packers in a Week 4 NFL Pre-season game, Thursday, August 31, 2017, in Green Bay, WI. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Kicker (4) Greg Zuerlein of the Los Angeles Rams against the Green Bay Packers during the Rams 10-24 loss to the Packers in a Week 4 NFL Pre-season game, Thursday, August 31, 2017, in Green Bay, WI. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
The Los Angeles Rams against the Green Bay Packers during the Rams 10-24 loss to the Packers in a Week 4 NFL Pre-season game, Thursday, August 31, 2017, in Green Bay, WI. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Defensive back (43) John Johnson of the Los Angeles Rams against the Green Bay Packers during the Rams 10-24 loss to the Packers in a Week 4 NFL Pre-season game, Thursday, August 31, 2017, in Green Bay, WI. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Head coach Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams coaches against the Green Bay Packers during the Rams 10-24 loss to the Packers in a Week 4 NFL Pre-season game, Thursday, August 31, 2017, in Green Bay, WI. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Cornerback (36) Dominique Hatfield of the Los Angeles Rams against the Green Bay Packers during the Rams 10-24 loss to the Packers in a Week 4 NFL Pre-season game, Thursday, August 31, 2017, in Green Bay, WI. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Defensive back (43) John Johnson of the Los Angeles Rams against the Green Bay Packers during the Rams 10-24 loss to the Packers in a Week 4 NFL Pre-season game, Thursday, August 31, 2017, in Green Bay, WI. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Robert Woods (17) celebrates during an NFL Football game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Los Angeles. (Hiro Ueno/Rams)
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (16) at the line of scrimmage during an NFL Football game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Los Angeles. (Hiro Ueno/Rams)
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) is sacked by Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald (99) during an NFL Football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Los Angeles. (Hiro Ueno/Rams)
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) is sacked by Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald (99) during an NFL Football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Los Angeles. (Hiro Ueno/Rams)
Wide receiver #83 Josh Reynolds of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates after a touchdown during the Rams 29-27 victory over the Green Bay Packers in an NFL season game eight match, on October 25, 2018, in Los Angeles, CA. (Daniel Bowyer/Rams)
The Los Angeles Rams take on the Green Bay Packers during Week 12 of the 2021 regular season.
The Los Angeles Rams take on the Green Bay Packers during Week 12 of the 2021 regular season.
The Los Angeles Rams take on the Green Bay Packers during Week 12 of the 2021 regular season.
The Los Angeles Rams take on the Green Bay Packers during Week 12 of the 2021 regular season.
La frase
"Sea cuando sea que ellos me digan... Me voy a preparar de todas maneras como si fuera el abridor esta semana. Eso es lo que siempre haces, pero especialmente cuando alguien tiene una lesión y no está practicando, eso definitivamente eleva el nivel de conciencia"
Brett Rypien
Quarterback de los Rams acerca de la posibilidad de abrir el domingo en Green Bay
Reporte de lesionados
Por primera vez en la temporada los Rams encaran la posibilidad de múltiples ausencias significativas en un partido debido a lesiones, obviamente encabezadas por la de Matthew Stafford. El quarterback fue puesto oficialmente como "cuestionable" en el reporte de lesionados, es decir, que no existe certeza de que pueda jugar mientras se sigue recuperando del pulgar de la mano derecha.
Además, el tackle derecho Rob Havenstein (pantorrilla) también será una decisión el día del partido y el receptor Puka Nacua (rodilla) es otro con la misma designación de cuestionable en la ofensiva. El ala cerrada Hunter Long (tendón de la corva) seguirá ausente esta semana.
Del lado defensivo hay más lesionados, destacando el linebacker interior y capitán Ernest Jones IV (rodilla), quien no jugará en Lambeau Field. El esquina Cobie Durant (hombro) y el tackle defensivo Larrell Murchison (rodilla) están como cuestionables.
Por su parte, los Packers tienen a dos jugadores como cuestionables: el linebacker Quay Walker(ingle) y el safety Rudy Ford (pantorrilla), quienes son los dos líderes tacleadores del equipo hasta ahora.
Las claves
- Ante la lesión de Matthew Stafford y sobre todo si el veterano mariscal no puede jugar, los Rams deben orientar su ofensiva al ataque por carrera y apostar a dominar la trinchera. L.A. ha promediado 135 yardas por carrera en sus pasados tres juegos y el 1-2 de Darrell Henderson Jr. y Royce Freeman se ha visto bastante sólido detrás de una línea ofensiva cuya parte interior es poderosa. Si los Rams pueden establecer su ataque por carrera, le quitarían bastante presión al quarterback en una semana en la que eso se antoja como un requisito. Por cierto, Green Bay permite 132 yardas por carrera en promedio por partido.
- Es realista pensar que si los Rams van a ganar este juego será porque la defensa habrá hecho los méritos necesarios para ello ante una ofensiva que ha estado apagada en el inicio de la era post-Aaron Rodgers. Ahora es cuando para que la defensa angelina sume algunos balones recuperados, un renglón que sigue causando inquietud. Green Bay ha perdido potencia en su ataque por carrera (3.8 yardas por intento), es uno de los peores equipos de la temporada para sostener sus series y su quarterback Jordan Love, trabajando con un grupo de jóvenes receptores, apenas ha completado el 57.7% de sus pases, ya con 8 envíos interceptados.
- No se puede pasar por alto la importancia de que los Rams logren ofrecer un partido limpio en equipos especiales luego de haber batallado en esa fase a lo largo de la campaña. Hace dos semanas fueron las patadas falladas en goles de campo y punto extra; luego la semana anterior el pateador debutante Lucas Havrisiklo hizo bien, pero hubo un despeje bloqueado muy costoso y también se permitió una larga devolución en otra patada. No hay margen de error.
Take a look through photos of outside linebacker Byron Young, wide receiver Puka Nacua, kicker Lucas Havrisik & more Rams players getting ready for Sunday's Week 9 matchup against the Green Bay Packers.
El dato: 9
El raquítico total acumulado de puntos anotados por los Packers en las primeras mitades de sus últimos cinco partidos. La ofensiva de Green Bay es una de las peores en varias categorías.
Los antecedentes
La larga y rica historia de Rams vs. Packers llegará este domingo a su partido No. 99 con un saldo sumamente parejo: 49 ganados para Green Bay, 47 para Los Ángeles y 2 empates. Ellos se han enfrentado tres veces seguidas en Lambeau Field desde enero de 2021 y en todas ganó el equipo local en batallas similares en las que los Packers sinceramente dominaron a losRams, quienes no han salido triunfantes de ese estadio desde 2006. Cabe mencionar que esos tres encuentros fueron jugados en climas muy fríos al realizarse en la recta final de la campaña o en la postemporada. Para este domingo se pronostican temperaturas alrededor de los 50 grados F.
