NASHVILLE – The Titans travel to California on Sunday to face the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium.
Here's a quick look at the Rams:
Record: 7-1.
Points for/against: 30.6/21.0.
NFL RANKINGS
Offense: 5th overall, 405.9 ypg (19th rushing, 4th passing).
Defense: 21st overall, 367.5 ypg (11th rushing, 21st passing).
TEAM LEADERS
Head coach: Sean McVay.
Offense:
QB: Matthew Stafford (188-of-273, 2,477 yards, 22 TDs, 4 INTs, 118.0 rating).
Top RBs: Darrell Henderson (110 rush, 507 yards, 5 TDs), Sony Michel (65 rush, 251 yards, 1 TD).
Top WRs: Cooper Kupp (63 catches, 924 yards, 10 TDs), Robert Woods (38 catches, 458 yards, 4 TDs).
Top TE: Tyler Higbee (30 catches, 273 yards, 2 TDs).
Defense:
Sacks: OLB Leonard Floyd (6.5), DL Aaron Donald (5).
Leading tackler: S Jordan Fuller (60).
Interceptions: Four tied at 2 – Troy Reeder, Jalen Ramsey, Taylor Rapp, Nick Scott.
Take/Give: +6 (13/7).
Kicker: Matt Gay (14-of-15 FGs, 27-of-28 PATs).
Punter: Johnny Hekker (42.1, 41.1).
Last meeting: December 24, 2017: Rams 27, Titans 23.
Of note:
-Titans guard Rodger Saffold was drafted by the Rams in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft and he played from 2010-2015 with the team.
-Titans receiver Josh Reynolds was drafted by the Rams in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft and he played from 2017-2020 with the team.
-Titans cornerback Jackrabbit Jenkins was drafted by the Rams in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft and he played from 2012-2015 with the team.
-Rams tight end Brycen Hopkins is a native of Nashville who played at Ensworth High School, and he's the son of former Titans tackle Brad Hopkins.
-Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey is from Smyrna and he attended Brentwood Academy.
-Rams running back Darrell Henderson attended the University of Memphis and he's the second-leading rusher in school history with 3,082 yards and 31 rushing touchdowns.
-Rams receiver Van Jefferson is from Brentwood, and he attended Ravenwood High. He is the son of former Titans assistant Shawn Jefferson.
Injury Report
DL Bobby Brown (NIR-Personal)
TE Brycen Hopkins (illness)
WR Cooper Kupp (NIR-Rest)
LB Von Miller (ankle)
QB Matthew Stafford (Back)
CB Jalen Ramsey (NIR-Rest)
OL Andrew Whitworth (NIR-Rest)
WR Robert Woods (foot)
DL Sebastian Joseph-Day (chest)
Titans HC Mike Vrabel …
(on the Los Angeles Rams and the challenges they present)
Talented. Explosive. The quarterback is playing extremely well and Cooper Kupp. They find ways to run the ball. They are creative and find ways to run the ball. (Robert) Woods has always been a player that I personally have respected. He goes out there and blocks, Cooper (Kupp) blocks, they are good route runners, strong with the football, good after the catch. (Tyler) Higbee is someone who continues to show up when you watch. The line has been intact. The defense plays fast and really forces the quarterback when they throw the ball, to make some quick decisions. Obviously (Jalen) Ramsey is a huge challenge. They have guys that are playing fast and really understand what they are trying to get done.
(on Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford and what he is impressed by)
He is at the top in most statistical categories. He has a great grasp on what they want to do. His ability to manage the line of scrimmage, great cadence, his arm talent, the way he moves inside the pocket is very impressive. They are playing extremely well. They are playing extremely explosive, and it will be a great challenge.
(on Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp and the challenges he presents)
I would say not only does he lead the league in touchdowns, catches, and targets, I would say that him and (Robert) Woods are two of the best blocking wide receivers in the league. It has been impressive just to watch them not only with their route craft and what they do, but the commitment they make to blocking players. I am not talking just DBs, they are trying to block outside linebacker, cut them off or do whatever they need to do in their offense.
(on Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey and how to avoid throwing the ball his direction)
I think you want to be smart. I have never thrown a pass in any sort of competitive football game, so my guess is you want to be smart where you are throwing over there with someone that is that good. Then kind of see where they are playing him, he has played all over the place. They have blitzed him, played in the slot, played on the outside, he has matched players. We will have to see where he is at on Sunday and then adjust accordingly.
(on how much of a problem Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald is)
You can ask anybody that question and they would say a huge problem. When elite players, talented players, play with great technique and effort, they become Hall of Fame players and that is what Aaron (Donald) has done. He has got explosiveness, he is athletic, he is very flexible to be able to bend and he is quick with his hands. Then when he plays the run, his hands go right in the guys' chest, his hands are above his eyes and is playing with great pad level. There are a lot of problems there. Obviously, the effort that he plays to be able to chase down plays and disrupt them.
