Utilize the Tight End(s)
Los Angeles came into the season touted as potentially one of the best defenses we’ve ever seen. But, that simply has not been the case. While the defense is by no means bad, it is not the caliber of defense we thought we would see. Most likely, this is probably due to the lack of talent at the linebacker position.
Specifically, the Rams have been vulnerable to the opposing team’s tight ends. It just so happens that Green Bay has an All-Pro caliber tight end in Jimmy Graham. Per pro-football-reference.com, the Rams have allowed to the following to opposing tight ends this season: 37 receptions on 59 targets (62.7% catch rate) for 499 yards (13.49 yards/reception) and 1 touchdown. That makes them the fourth worst defense against the tight end in the NFL.
The Packers have the best group of tight ends that they have had in years. The group is headlined by Graham, but Marcedes Lewis is also a very capable receiver. Lance Kendricks has been up and down all year, but has the ability to be an effective pass catcher as well. I would look for all three to be involved over the course of the game.
Graham’s utilization in the Packer offense has been increasing as the season has progressed. Not to mention, star quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ faith in the six-foot-seven target has been ever growing. Over the span of weeks one through three, Graham had a stat line of 13 catches on 19 targets for 148 yards and 0 touchdowns. From weeks 4 through six, Graham’s line was much more promising: 14 catches on 26 targets for 201 yards and 1 touchdown. The catch rate went down, but Rodgers is looking Graham’s way more often and Graham has had a knack for the big play. I expect nothing less in Los Angeles.
