After surprising the NFL world with a 40-32 victory over the New Orleans Saints, the Washington Redskins are set to come into the Edward Jones Dome on Sunday to face the Rams.
The Rams will have plenty to worry about on the defensive side of the ball with the emergence of rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III, who was arguably the best player in the league in Week 1.
But St. Louis also played a heavily favored Detroit Lions team in Week 1 and could have and maybe should have, won that game.
Despite being out gained 429 to 250 in terms of total yards and watching the Lions pick up twice as many first downs (28-14), it took Matthew Stafford taking the Lions on 80-yard drive in 1:45 to win the game on a touchdown pass to Kevin Smith with just 10 seconds left.
The Rams must shake off the disappointing loss and focus on RG3 and the Redskins, but to win this game, the Rams will need to get something out of their passing game.
Sam Bradford threw for just 198 yards against the Lions with Danny Amendola leading the way with five catches for 70 yards.
Despite their impressive victory against the Saints, the 'Skins still gave up 339 yards through the air, allowing Drew Brees to complete 24 passes.
Hitting short passes over the middle to set up easier third down conversions to move the chains will be key for the Rams' offense. But someone aside from Amendola needs to step up.
Should the Rams be happy with their WR corps?
Should the Rams be happy with their WR corps?
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Yes, it's fine the way it is
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No, they should look for a trade
Other than Amendola, Rams receivers combined for just five receptions against the Lions. Bradford needs to be able to utilize all his weapons in this game and as the season goes on.
Brandon Gibson caught a 23-yard touchdown pass against the Lions to account for the Rams' only offensive score last Sunday. He should be the guy Bradford takes a shot on deep down the field here and there.
Will Steve Smith ever return to the player he was in New York? How will rookies Chris Givens and Brian Quick fit into the team this year? Those are going to be important questions for the Rams as the 2012 season progresses.
Against Washington, having a few of these guys get involved in the passing game and stretching the field will open up the running lanes for Steven Jackson and that will be the key to the Rams winning this game.
Wide Receiver was one of the concerns for this team over the course of the offseason. The defense has players who can keep the game close, as evidenced by their performance against Detroit.
It will be on Bradford and his offense to make plays in the passing game to give this team a chance to win.
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