Will we be thankful for what Rams team show up this Sunday?
I often tell people that I celebrate Thanksgiving, and the response is always the same: “But you are not American?”
That is true. I am definitely not American. However, if you enjoy food, football, and family time, what is not to love about it?
For fans of the Los Angeles Rams, there is still plenty to love and be thankful for right now.
“But Stuart, your team was easily beaten by an NFC rival in prime time again!” Yes, we absolutely were.
Still, it is fair to argue that the Philadelphia Eagles might be the best team in the National Football League right now. They also appear to have the league’s most valuable player in Saquon Barkley.
So, what do Rams fans have to be thankful for? Quite a few things, actually.
Number one is the performance of this young defense, which has surprised and surpassed expectations, even without Aaron Donald.
In my opinion, Donald is the greatest defensive player to ever play the game. Despite his absence, the defense has excelled.
Kobie Turner has emerged as a leader, taking on the role of ‘conductor’. You would not guess he is only in his sophomore season.
Jared Verse is the clear front-runner for Defensive Rookie of the Year, and Brandon Fiske looks like an offseason steal as a second-round pick.
Number two is that Puka Nacua has maintained his momentum from last season.
With Cooper Kupp injured for much of last year, there were concerns about how a fully healthy Kupp might impact Nacua’s role. Those worries have proven unfounded.
Nacua continues to thrive alongside Kupp.
Number three is the return of tight end Tyler Higbee. Colby Parkinson did a solid job in Higbee’s absence, but Higbee’s presence cannot be overstated.
He brings balance and experience to the offense that the Los Angeles Rams sorely needed.
Looking ahead to this weekend
The Los Angeles Rams face a rejuvenated New Orleans Saints team coming off their bye week. This match-up looks much tougher now than it did just one month ago.
But what version of the Rams will show up this Sunday? This season, the team has been Jekyll and Hyde.
At their best, they look like a balanced, playoff-caliber squad capable of competing with anyone. At their worst, they seem to lack cohesion and struggle to execute in the redzone.
Games between these two teams have not been short on drama. Fans can expect another exciting contest this weekend.
A bounce-back win for the Rams seems likely on paper. If not, perhaps we will have a little less to be thankful for.
