This will be the first time this season that the Rams face a 3-4 defense but don't expect the Packers to be any different then the other teams in the league.  They will continue to put 8 in the box and force the Rams to have to throw the ball or try to jam Steven Jackson down their throats.  The Packers have a very good linebacking corps with Aaron Kampmann, A.J. Hawk, Nick Barnett and Clay Matthews.  That being said Cedric Benson and the Bengals offense was able to rack up 31 points last week at Lambeau.   The Packers are also banged up in the secondary so it would seem that the Rams and Marc Bulger will have opportunities to improve their offense from a league worst 3.5 points per game average.  If the Rams can't put it more points this week then it will truly be a lost season.

When the Packers have the ball

Aaron Rodgers is clearly the biggest threat for the Rams.  He has been relatively quiet in the first two games but is not making mistakes.  The Packers are banged up on the offensive line and much like the Rams are having to shift their line around.  Last week Antwan Odom had 5 sacks himself against the Packers offensive line.  If the Rams pass rush can't make things happen this week then things are worse off then I ever anticipated.  Ryan Grant is a very solid running back and is capable of having a big game.  He is better than Julius Jones so he can make things happen.  Greg Jennings and Donald Driver are both capable receivers who can make plays downfield.  Donald Lee is nothing special at tight end but the Rams have had problems with the tight end so keep an eye on him.

Special Teams

The Rams added Danny Amendola this week to try and address their putrid return game.  If he can do nothing else but hold onto the football and get it out past the 25 on kickoffs then the Rams have made an upgrade.  The Packers return game centers around Will Blackmon.  He has been nothing special this season.  Mason Crosby is a competent kicker for the Packers and Jason Kapinos is an average NFL punter.  This seems to be a part of the game where the Rams might have the advantage.

Prediction

Maybe I am drinking the Kool-Aid this week.  I am actually going to predict a Rams win.  They were close last week in Washington and they are a team and a franchise that is in desperate need of a win.  They need it for so many reasons and it is Deacon Jones day at the Dome.  They will retire his jersey before the game and maybe the Rams will get some motivation from one of the toughest players to have ever put on a uniform in the NFL.  Prediction.....Rams 24 Packers 21

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