The Giants come home Sunday for their first of two consecutive home games to take on the Rams at MetLife Stadium. Here's my scouting report:
When the Rams have the ball…
The Rams have one of the most efficient offenses in the NFL, thanks to their passing game. They rank first in the NFL in yards per play (6.71) and yards per pass play (9.02). The Rams 26.4% offensive DVOA (an advanced metric from Football Outsiders that measures offensive efficiency) is the third-highest in the NFL.
Matthew Stafford is having the best year of his career. His completion percentage (68%), passing yards (1587), and passer rating (113.2) are all career bests through the first five games of a season. He is third in the NFL in passing yards and passer rating. He can make every throw and has the athleticism to scramble to create extra time in the face of pressure.
Stafford can throw to three quality wide receivers. Cooper Kupp is the only player in the NFL who ranks in the top five in targets (56), receptions (37), receiving yards (523) and receiving touchdowns (5). Kupp spends most of his time in the slot (185 snaps), although he does have 100 snaps outside this season.
The Rams will also rotate their other two wide receivers, Robert Woods and Van Jefferson, into the slot. No teams plays "11" personnel on more of their snaps than the Rams. Woods is coming off his best game of the season, catching 12 passes for 150 yards against the Seahawks last Thursday night. It nearly matched his output he had in the first four weeks of the season (172 yards). He is one of the best run blocking wide receivers in the NFL.
Van Jefferson (second round, 2020) is having a breakout season with 242 receiving yards and two touchdowns. He is an excellent route runner and is averaging 17.3 yards per catch. Veteran Desean Jackson has played 20-22 snaps in each of the last three weeks. He is the team's speed threat with seven catches for 215 yards and a touchdown.
Tight end Tyler Higbee suffered a shoulder injury last Thursday night but returned to the game. He is third on the team with 17 catches for 166 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
A big reason the Rams' offense is successful because of their offensive line. The Rams are allowing Matthew Stafford to be sacked on an NFL-best 2.33% of his dropbacks. He is being pressured on only 26.3% of his dropbacks, which is the 4th-lowest rate in the NFL. Many of the Rams deep passes have come on plays where Stafford can hold the ball while his receivers run deep routes across the length of the field.
Veteran Andrew Whitworth, in his 16th season with more than 200 career starts, has only allowed one sack and two quarterback hits at left tackle, according to Pro Football Focus. At right tackle, Rod Havenstein has allowed one sack and four quarterback hits. Center Brian Allen and guards Austin Corbett and David Edwards anchor the inside of the line.
The Rams are not running the ball as frequently or with as much success as in the past. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, the Rams running backs are averaging 0.5 fewer yards per rush (3.9) than expected (4.4) this year. Starting running back Darrell Henderson is the only Rams running back who is averaging more rushing yards over expected (+10). The Rams have only one rushing play of over 20 yards this season.
The Rams are only running the ball on 38% of their first-half plays, which ranks 21st in the NFL. More than 50% of their runs are outside zone, which is the second-highest rate in the NFL. The Rams still like to mirror their play-action bootleg game to their running attack on early downs, but they are doing it less frequently than past years. They are only running play-action on 22% of their pass plays, which is the 5th-lowest rank in the NFL.
The Rams have been strong in situational football this season, converting third downs at a 48% rate, which is the sixth-best mark in the NFL. Their ability to convert on 3rd-and-long has stood out – when faced with more than 10 yards to go, they are converting at 53% (more than double the league average of 19.7%.).. On 3rd-and-7+ yards, they are converting more than 43% of their attempts. Both of those marks lead the league.
The Rams are throwing the ball down the field as well as any team in the NFL. Just under 20% of the Rams pass plays have gone for 15+ yards this year, which is the highest mark in the NFL. The Rams' 22 pass plays of 20+ yards is fourth-most in the league. On passes that travel more than 20 yards in the air, Stafford has a passer rating of 100.2. Stafford has not completed a pass beyond 20 yards on the right side of the field. Six of his eight completions that have traveled at least 20 yards in the air have come in the middle of the field.
In the red zone, the Rams are scoring touchdowns on 59% of their appearances, which ranks 22nd in the NFL. The Rams have only 69 yards worth of negative plays this season (fourth-fewest in the NFL).
Keys for the Giants on defense
- Stop the run without safety help
- Prevent big plays on deep crossing routes
- Don't let Matthew Stafford hold the ball in the pocket
View rare photos of the history between the New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams.
The L.A. Rams and New York Giants raise dust during game action at Los Angeles, Aug. 23, 1957. Identifiable players are Rams' Don Burroughs (25) and Dick Daugherty (50). (Vic Stein via AP)
A night game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New York Giants at Los Angeles, Sept. 15, 1960. Identifiable players are: Rams Dick Bass (22), Charlie Bradshaw (79), and New York's Dick Nolan (25), Lindon Crow (41) and Jimmy Patton (20). Giants won, 20-6. (Vic Stein via AP)
Erich Barnes (49), New York Giants halfback, blocks field goal attempt by Los Angeles Rams' Danny Villanueva (11) in first period of NFL game in New York's Yankee Stadium, Oct. 22, 1961. Los Angeles quarterback Frank Ryan (15) held the ball for Villanueva. (AP Photo)
New York Giant end Del Shofner (85) has his eyes on the ball and his hands ready to catch a fourth quarter Charley Conerly pass, top left, as Los Angeles Ram Alvin Hall (46) appears to be outrun. All the giants passes weren't in vain. Conerly completed two for touchdowns in the fourth quarter to give giants a 24-14 win at Yankee stadium in New York on Oct. 22, 1961. It was giants first win at home this season. (AP Photo)
Les Josephson (34) of the Los Angeles Rams runs into a driving tackle by New York Giants Tom Longo (44) after a short gain in the first period of their game at Yankee Stadium, Dec. 20, 1970, New York. Giants Spider Lockhart (43) got a piece of the tackle. Coming up to help are Giants Scott Eaton (20) and Willie Williams (41). (AP Photo)
New York Giants tight end Bob Tucker on Dec. 20, 1970 at New York's Yankee Stadium. (AP Photo/ML)
Fran Tarkenton, the Giants quarterback, gets off a pass, incomplete, in the face of a furious charge by a trio of Los Angeles Rams defenders in the second period at Yankee Stadium, Dec. 20, 1970, New York. Closing in on Tarkenton are Jack Pardee (32), Coy Bacon (79) and Diron Talbert. (AP Photo)
Rams' running back John Cappelletti, the former Heisman winner, is dragged down by a shirt tackle as he tried to circle the New York Giants' left side in Los Angeles Sunday, Sept. 26, 1976. Giant linebacker Brad Van Pelt pulls him down. At right is New York's Dave Gallagher. (AP Photo/George Brich)
New York Giants linebacker Dan Lloyd (54) stops Los Angeles Rams running back Wendell Tyler (26) during an NFL game at the Los Angeles Coliseum on October 28, 1979. The Giants defeated the Rams 20-14. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
New York Giants running back Doug Kotar (44) leaps as he runs upfield during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Coliseum on September 26, 1976. The Rams defeated the Giants 24-10. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
New York Giants Hall of Fame running back Larry Csonka (39) runs upfield after taking a handoff from quarterback Craig Morton (15) during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Coliseum on September 26, 1976. The Rams defeated the Giants 24-10. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Craig Morton (15) throws a pass during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Coliseum on September 26, 1976. The Rams defeated the Giants 24-10. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
New York Giants Quarterback Scott Brunner (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
Los Angeles Rams star running back Eric Dickerson (29) makes a short gain during early NFL action against the New York Giants in Anaheim Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 1, 1984, Anaheim, Calif. The Rams defeated the Giants 33-12. (AP Photo/Liu Heung Shing)
Los Angeles Rams offensive lineman Irv Pankey (75) lead blocks for Los Angeles Rams running back Eric Dickerson (29) as New York Giants defensive end Leonard Marshall (70) gives chase during the NFL football game against the New York Giants on Nov. 10, 1985 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 24-19. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants running back Ottis Anderson rushes for a third quarter touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams in an NFC playoff game at Giants Stadium, Jan. 7, 1990 in East Rutherford. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jim Everett (11) takes a hard hit from New York Giants defensive end Leonard Marshall (70) after throwing a pass during the Rams 19-13 overtime victory in the 1989 NFC Divisional Playoff Game on Jan. 7, 1990 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
New York Giants running back Ottis Anderson (24) scores on a 2-yard run during a 19 - 13 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the 1989 NFC Divisional Playoff Game on Jan. 7, 1990 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) moves in the pocket to avoid Rams linebacker Kevin Greene (91) during the Giants 19-13 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the 1989 NFC Divisional Playoff Game on January 7, 1990 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
New York Giants running back Ottis Anderson (24) scores on a 2-yard touchdown run during a19 - 13 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the1989 NFC Divisional Playoff Game on Jan. 7, 1990 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) rolls out during a 19 - 13 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the 1989 NFC Divisional Playoff Game on Jan. 7, 1990 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
New York Giants running back Ottis Anderson (24) gains nine yards of his team-leading 60 yards during third quarter action against the Los Angeles Rams in Anaheim, Calif., Nov. 12, 1990. On the same possession Anderson scored on a three-yard touchdown run. New York marched to a 31-7 win to remain unbeaten. (AP Photo/Craig Fuji)
With teammate Mark Bavaro (89) leading the way, New York Giants running back Ottis Anderson (24) gains nine yards of his team-leading 60 yards during third quarter action against the Los Angeles Rams in Anaheim, Calif., Nov. 12, 1990. On the same possession Anderson scored on a three-yard touchdown run. New York marched to a 31-7 win to remain unbeaten. (AP Photo/Craig Fuji)
New York Giants cornerback Willie Beamon (21) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams Oct. 16, 1994, in Los Angeles. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Ed McCaffrey (81) runs a pass pattern during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sept. 19, 1993. The Giants defeated the Rams 20-10. (AP Photo/NFL Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants Rodney Hampton(27) in action during a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Anaheim Stadium in Anaheim, California on October 16, 1994. The Rams beat the Giants 17-10. Rodney Hampton played for 8 years all with the Giants and was a 2-time Pro Bowler.(AP Photo/David Durochik)
New York Giants defensive tackle Keith Hamilton (75) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams Oct. 16, 1994, in Los Angeles. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Keith Hamilton (75) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams Oct. 16, 1994, in Los Angeles. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Corey Miller (57) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams Oct. 16, 1994, in Los Angeles. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Keith Hamilton (75) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams Oct. 16, 1994, in Los Angeles. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Keith Hamilton (75) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams Oct. 16, 1994, in Los Angeles. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Corey Miller (57) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams Oct. 16, 1994, in Los Angeles. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Keith Hamilton (75) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams Oct. 16, 1994, in Los Angeles. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
St. Louis Rams quarterback Kurt Warner is flushed out of the pocket as teammate Marshall Faulk (28) holds off New York Giants' Michael Strahan in the third quarter Sunday, Dec. 19, 1999, at the Trans World Dome in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
New York Giants Michael Strahan hits St. Louis Quarterback Kurt warner after he releases the ball in the third quarter Sunday, October 14, 2001 at the Dome at Americas Center in St. Louis.(AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
St. Louis Rams running back Marshall Faulk, right, has the ball knocked from his hands as he was hit by New York Giants' Will Allen, left, and Mike Barrow, top, during the first half Sunday, Oct. 14, 2001, in St. Louis, Mo. The Rams won 15-14.(AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber gains 11 yards during the fourth quarter as St. Louis Rams Grant Wistrom, bottom right, and Aeneas Williams attempt to tackle him Sunday, Sept.7, 2003, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Barber had 24 carries for 146 yards as the Giants beat the Rams, 23-13. Looking on is Rams Jerametrius Butler (23). (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) slips past the St. Louis Rams' Grant Wistrom (98) during the first quarter of their football game in St. Louis Sunday, Sept. 15, 2002. (AP Photo/James A. Finley)
New York Giants cornerback Curtis Deloatch (39) breaks up a pass in the end zone intended for St. Louis Rams wide receiver Torry Holt, left, during the second quarter Sunday, Oct. 2, 2005 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
St. Louis Rams quarterback Marc Bulger, center, is brought down by the New York Giants' Michael Strahan during the third quarter at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Oct. 2, 2005. Bulger attempted 62 passes, completing 40 as the Rams lost 44-24. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
The New York Giants' Jeremy Shockey, right, holds on to the ball as his facemask is pulled back by the St. Louis Rams' Michael Hawthorne, second from left, in the second quarter at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Oct. 2, 2005. At left is the Rams' Pisa Tinoisamoa. Hawthorne received a penalty on the play. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
New York Giants linebacker Reggie Torbor, left, intercepts a pass intended for St. Louis Rams wide receiver Shaun McDonald (84) during the fourth quarter Sunday, Oct. 2, 2005 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Torbor returned it 37 yards, as the Giants beat the Rams 44-24. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
The New York Giants' Plaxico Burress, center, pulls in an end-zone catch for his second touchdown of the day as the St. Louis Rams' DeJuan Groce, left, and Michael Hawthorne, right, defend in the second quarter at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Oct. 2, 2005. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning throws a pass as he is pressured by St. Louis Rams defensive tackle Tyoka Jackson (97) during the second quarter Sunday, Oct. 2, 2005, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Manning completed 19 of 35 passes for 296 yards and four touchdwn passes as the Giants beat the Rams, 44-24. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress (17) catches a pass for a 16-yard gain as St. Louis Rams cornerback Fakhir Brown during the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. The Giants won 41-13. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burres, left, catches a touchdown as St. Louis Rams safety Oshiomogho Atogwe looks on during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer (81) is pulled down by the St. Louis Rams defensive back Ron Bartell, left, as the Rams' Will Witherspoon, left, looks on during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) runs with the ball during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants running back Derrick Ward (34) runs with the ball as St. Louis Rams linebacker Will Witherspoon (51) defends during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants wide receiver Domenik Hixon, right, catches a pass for a 32-yard gain as St. Louis Rams cornerback Fakhir Brown, left, defends during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress catches a 33-yard touchdown pass as St. Louis Rams safety Oshiomogho Atogwe, left, looks on during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer (81) catches a pass for an 18-yard gain before being pulled down by St. Louis Rams linebacker Will Witherspoon during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants running back Derrick Ward (34) pushes his way past St. Louis defenders, from left, La'Roi Glover (97), Chris Long (72), Will Witherspoon (51) and James Hall (96) for a 7-yard gain during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
St. Louis Rams quarterback Marc Bulger (10) completes a pass under pressure from New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) as Rams' Richie Incognito (68) holds Tuck back during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Nick Leckey #60 of the St. Louis Rams looks over the defense prior to snapping the ball at the line of scrimmage against the New York Giants on September 14, 2008 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Mo. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw slips past St. Louis Rams cornerback Tye Hill for a touchdown run during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. The Giants won 41-13. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
Justin Tuck #91 of the New York Giants rushes in during a 41-13 win over the St. Louis Rams on September 14, 2008 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Mo. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Plaxico Burris #17 of the New York Giants tries to break free after making a reception during a 41-13 win over the St. Louis Rams on September 14, 2008 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Mo. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants throws a pass during a 41-13 win over the St. Louis Rams on September 14, 2008 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Mo. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants calls signals as Shaun O'Hara prepares to snap the ball during a 41-13 win over the St. Louis Rams on September 14, 2008 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Mo. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
The offense of the New York Giants prepares to snap the ball at the line of scrimmage during a 41-13 win over the St. Louis Rams on September 14, 2008 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Mo. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Amani Toomer #81 of the New York Giants catches a touchdown pass during a 41-13 win over the St. Louis Rams on September 14, 2008 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Mo. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Domenik Hixon #87 of the New York Giants returns a punt during a 41-13 win over the St. Louis Rams on September 14, 2008 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Mo. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Steve Smith #12 of the New York Giants runs with a reception during a 41-13 win over the St. Louis Rams on September 14, 2008 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Mo. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Amani Toomer #81 of the New York Giants celebrates after catching a touchdown pass during a 41-13 win over the St. Louis Rams on September 14, 2008 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Mo. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Ahmad Bradshaw #44 of the New York Giants scores a touchdown during a 41-13 win over the St. Louis Rams on September 14, 2008 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Mo. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Kareem McKenzie #67 of the New York Giants looks to block during a 41-13 win over the St. Louis Rams on September 14, 2008 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Mo. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) drops back to throw a pass during an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
New York Giants running back Derrick Ward (34) runs with the ball during an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) calls out a play during an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
New York Giants wide receiver Domenik Hixon (87) catches a pass for a 32-yard gain as St. Louis Rams cornerback Fakhir Brown, left, defends during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks for a receiver during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
New York Giants wide receiver Domenik Hixon (87) catches a pass for a 32-yard gain as St. Louis Rams cornerback Fakhir Brown, left, defends during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants wide receiver Domenik Hixon catches a pass during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. The Giants won 41-13. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
New York Giants running back Derrick Ward runs with the ball during an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
St. Louis Rams quarterback Marc Bulger, left, is sacked for a seven-yard loss by New York Giants defensive tackle Fred Robbins during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
New York Giants wide receiver Domenik Hixon (87) catches a pass for a touchdown during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams on Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. Defending are Rams' Craig Dahl, right, and Quintin Mikell. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) points during the NFL week 2 football game against the St. Louis Rams on Monday, September 19, 2011 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 28-16. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) runs the ball during the NFL week 2 football game against the St. Louis Rams on Monday, September 19, 2011 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 28-16. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants cornerback Corey Webster (23) covers St. Louis Rams wide receiver Brandon Gibson (11) on a pass play during the NFL week 2 football game against the St. Louis Rams on Monday, September 19, 2011 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 28-16. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) runs the ball in traffic during the NFL week 2 football game against the St. Louis Rams on Monday, September 19, 2011 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 28-16. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) runs the ball during the NFL week 2 football game against the St. Louis Rams on Monday, September 19, 2011 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 28-16. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) is tackled by St. Louis Rams' James Laurenaitis and Justin King, left, during the first quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) carries the ball during an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams on Monday September 19, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) runs the ball up the middle during the NFL week 2 football game against the St. Louis Rams on Monday, September 19, 2011 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 28-16. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants take on the St.Louis Rams in an NFL football game on Monday September 19, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Domenik Hixon (87) gets tackled after catching a pass by St. Louis Rams wide receiver Greg Salas (87) during the NFL week 2 football game against the St. Louis Rams on Monday, September 19, 2011 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 28-16. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) catches a first quarter touchdown pass while covered by St. Louis Rams cornerback Bradley Fletcher (32) during the NFL week 2 football game against the St. Louis Rams on Monday, September 19, 2011 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 28-16. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants' Eli Manning makes a pass during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Antrel Rolle (26) tackles St. Louis Rams' Mike Sims-Walker (10) during the second quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford (8) throws the ball away from New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) during the third quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Domenik Hixon is defended by St. Louis Rams' Craig Dahl during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. Hixon caught the pass for a touchdown. The Giants won the game 28-16. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs runs for yardage against the St. Louis Rams during an NFL football game on September 19, 2011 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 28-16. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants receiver Hakeem Nicks scores a touchdown against the St. Louis Rams during an NFL football game on September 19, 2011 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 28-16. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
St. Louis Rams cornerback Bradley Fletcher (32) walks away as New York Giants' Henry Hynoski (45) and Victor Cruz (80) celebrate a Brandon Jacobs touchdown during the third quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 28-16. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) runs away from St. Louis Rams defensive back Justin King (21) for a touchdown during the third quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 28-16. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) is tackled by St. Louis Rams' James Hall (96), Bradley Fletcher (32) and another defender, bottom, during the third quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs is tackled by St. Louis Rams linebacker Ben Leber during the second quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
St. Louis Rams cornerback Bradley Fletcher (32) tackles New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) during the first quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks falls into the end zone after catching a pass for a touchdown in front of St. Louis Rams cornerback Bradley Fletcher during the first quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) is tackled by St. Louis Rams free safety Quintin Mikell during the first quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) prepares to throw during the first half of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants take on the St. Louis Rams during a week 16 football game on December 21, 2014 in St. Louis, Missouri (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants running back Andre Williams, left, runs with the ball during the second half of NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New York Giants defensive end Kerry Wynn (72) intercepts the ball on a deflection against the St. Louis Rams during a NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014 in St. Louis. The Giants won the game, 37-27. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) dives for a touchdown during a week 16 football game against the St. Louis Rams on December 21, 2014 in St. Louis, Missouri (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning and St. Louis Rams quarterback Shaun Hill talk following an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014, in St. Louis. The Giants won 37-27. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
St. Louis Rams running back Tre Mason, center, struggles for yardage as New York Giants strong safety Antrel Rolle, left, and defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins, right, defend during the second half of NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
St. Louis Rams quarterback Shaun Hill, left, is sacked for a 4-yard loss by New York Giants defensive end Kerry Wynn during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
New York Giants free safety Stevie Brown, center, is pushed by St. Louis Rams offensive tackle Joe Barksdale, right, as Giants' defensive end Kerry Wynn, left, intercepts a pass during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning throws a pass against the St. Louis Rams during a NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014 in St. Louis. The Giants won the game, 37-27. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants tight end Larry Donnell (84) makes a leaping catch during a week 16 football game against the St. Louis Rams on December 21, 2014 in St. Louis, Missouri (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle, left, dives into the end zone past St. Louis Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson after catching a 7-yard pass for a touchdown during the second half of NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
The New York Giants offense gets set at the line of scrimmage against the St. Louis Rams defense during a NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014 in St. Louis. The Giants won the game, 37-27. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants running back Orleans Darkwa, right, heads for the end zone past St. Louis Rams strong safety T.J. McDonald for a 12-yard touchdown run during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
New York Giants running back Andre Williams (44) runs for a 45-yard gain as St. Louis Rams defensive end Chris Long (91) and T.J. McDonald give chase during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New York Giants tight end Will Tye (45) is tackled by Los Angeles Rams middle linebacker Alec Ogletree (52) during an NFL football game between New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham stadium in London, Sunday Oct. 23, 2016. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) evades a tackle by Los Angeles Rams running back Benny Cunningham (23) during an NFL football game between New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham stadium in London, Sunday Oct. 23, 2016. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) makes a catch during a week 7 NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on October 23, 2016 in London, U.K. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during an NFL football game between New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham stadium in London, Sunday Oct. 23, 2016. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
The New York Giants offensive line lines up across from the Los Angeles Rams defensive line during an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016, in London. New York won 17-10. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
The New York Giants offensive line lines up across the Los Angeles Rams defensive line during an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016, in London. New York won 17-10. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) runs a route during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016 in London. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) passes the ball in the first quarter during an NFL football game at Twickenham stadium in London, Sunday Oct. 23, 2016. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) runs after the catch during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016 in London. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws the ball during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016 in London. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
New York Giants tight end Rhett Ellison (85) runs after the catch in front of Los Angeles Rams safety Blake Countess (24) during a week 9 NFL football on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) prepares for the snap during a week 9 NFL football against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
The New York Giants offensive line lines up across the Los Angeles Rams defensive line during a week 9 NFL football on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Los Angeles Rams' Marqui Christian (41) closes in on New York Giants' Sterling Shepard (87) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
The Los Angeles Rams offensive line lines up across the New York Giants defensive line during a week 9 NFL football on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Los Angeles Rams' Nickell Robey-Coleman tackles New York Giants' Sterling Shepard (87) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Tavarres King (12) catches a pass for a touchdown in front of Los Angeles Rams' John Johnson (43) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Los Angeles Rams' Nickell Robey-Coleman tackles New York Giants' Sterling Shepard (87) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) catches the ball during a week 9 NFL football against the New York Giants on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
The Los Angeles Rams offensive line lines up across the New York Giants defensive line during a week 9 NFL football on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones throws against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Daniel Jones (8)
The Los Angeles Rams offensive line lines up across the New York Giants defensive line during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif. Rams won 17-9. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) runs past Los Angeles Rams linebacker Jachai Polite during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis )
Sterling Shepard (3)
Daniel Jones (8)
New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29)
Darnay Holmes (30)
Azeez Ojulari (51)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) and defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) sack Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during a week 6 football game on Sunday October 17th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during a week 6 football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday October 17th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants linebacker Azeez Ojulari (51)
New York Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas (78) during a week 6 football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday October 17th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
When the Giants have the ball…
The Rams' defense, which was the best in the league last season by most metrics, has not been nearly as effective this season. They are allowing the 10th-most yards per game this season. They are better in yards per play (15th fewest), points (23.2 – tied for 12th), and in defensive DVOA (14th). They have also struggled on third downs, where they have allowed opponents to convert at 48% (third-highest).
The Rams are a heavy zone team and like to play their two safeties deep pre-snap. Thy run "Cover-3" (3-deep DBs) at the 6th-highest rate in the league (36.3%) and quarters (4-deep) at the ninth-highest rate in the league (16%). They will dare teams to make long sustained drives down the field by using the run game and short passing game.
According to Pro Football Focus, the Rams have only put eight men in the box 27 times this season, which is the second-fewest in the league. They have played the 4th-fewest snaps (29) in base defense in the NFL. They have played the third-most snaps in "dime" (6 defensive backs) and the 7th-most in "nickel" (5 defensive backs).
Aaron Donald may be the best defensive player in the NFL. He is being lined up all along the defensive line. He is actually getting more snaps at defensive end this season than he is at defensive tackle. Donald is tied for the team lead with three sacks and leads the team with eight quarterback hits. According to Pro Football Focus, Donald's 29 pressures this season are the fifth-most in the NFL.
Leonard Floyd is only three spots behind him with 25 total pressures, including three sacks and five quarterback hits. Floyd lines up almost exclusively over the opponent's right tackle, with only 27 coming over the opponent's left tackle this season.
The Rams blitz on 28% of their snaps, which is the 10th=highest rate in the league. They also often use stunts (29.2% of plays – 8th) to produce pass pressure. They will blitz linebackers, cornerbacks, and safeties from different parts of the field and use multiple front to create confusion on the offensive line.
Jalen Ramsey is still the team's best coverage cornerback. He is spending more time in the slot than he has in years past. He has lined up wide 132 times this season, while he has been in the slot 166 times and lined up in the box 39 times. This season he has allowed 23 catches on 37 targets for 233 yards and a touchdown, according to Pro Football Focus.
Keys for the Giants on offense
- Run the ball consistently against light fronts
- Block Aaron Donald and Leonard Floyd
- Be patient in the passing game
View photos of the Los Angeles Rams likely starters ahead of the Week 6 matchup against the Giants at MetLife Stadium.
HC Sean McVay
OC Kevin O'Connell
DC Raheem Morris
STC Joe DeCamillis
QB Matthew Stafford
RB Darrell Henderson Jr.
WR Cooper Kupp
WR Robert Woods
WR DeSean Jackson
WR Van Jefferson
TE Tyler Higbee
LT Andrew Whitworth
LG David Edwards
C Brian Allen
RG Austin Corbett
RT Rob Havenstein
DE A'Shawn Robinson
NT Sebastian Joseph-Day
DT Aaron Donald
OLB Justin Hollins
OLB Leonard Floyd
ILB Troy Reeder
ILB Kenny Young
CB Jalen Ramsey
CB Robert Rochell
SS Jordan Fuller
FS Taylor Rapp
P Johnny Hekker
K Matt Gay
H Johnny Hekker
LS Matthew Orzech
PR Cooper Kupp
KR Tutu Atwell
Tickets for 2011 10th Anniversary Celebration
Limited tickets are available for the 2011 10th Anniversary Celebration game
