The Los Angeles Rams are already facing a major challenge in Week 3, with star wide receiver Puka Nacua listed as doubtful for their Sunday Night Football clash against the Denver Broncos. But let’s be real, while losing Nacua to a hip/groin injury is a tough blow for their receiving corps, the real Achilles’ heel that could sink the Rams offense against Denver might just be right on their offensive line: Kevin Dotson.
Dotson’s Pass Protection Is a Problem
Look, the reports are clear. Kevin Dotson, despite being stout in run blocking, is a major weak spot when it comes to pass protection. We’re talking “shaky at best” levels of vulnerability. This is exactly where the Broncos’ Zach Allen comes in. Allen, who’s been moved around the defensive line way more this season than in previous years, was practically unblockable against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He’s got a massive advantage over Dotson with his pass-rush ability. Denver’s defensive line needs to demand double teams against the Rams’ rushing offense, but Dotson is one of the hardest guys to do that against. His pass protection is the biggest weakness Denver will be looking to exploit, period.
Rams Offense Needs to Sync Up Fast
This isn’t just about one guy, though. The Rams’ entire offense needs to click in sync to hit the level their fans and the team expect. They have a quarterback who isn’t exactly a mobile threat, even if he did scramble a bit in Week 2. Plus, their running backs aren’t the kind of guys who can consistently overcome bad blocking and just make magic happen. With Nacua out, who hasn’t practiced since September 17 and isn’t practicing today (Friday) according to McVay, targeting a Week 4 return, the pressure on the rest of the offense is even higher. It’s a “major break” for the Broncos, who get to avoid playing both Nacua and star edge rusher Myles Garrett, according to the reports. This is a Rams team that won’t be at 100%, and they can’t afford a single weak link.
The Rams are hitting the road this Sunday Night to face the Broncos. Kickoff is at 5:20 PM PT on NBC. With Nacua on the sidelines and Dotson’s pass protection struggles, this game is going to be a true test of whether the Rams’ offense can truly stay “in sync” and avoid letting a clear weakness unravel their early season.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Turf Show Times.
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