Packers vs. Rams: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Time and Predictions
By Chris Roling
Aug 9, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver James Jones (89) dives for extra yards after catching a pass during game against the Arizona Cardinals at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
One of the more interesting Week 2 matchups comes in the form of the Green Bay Packers vs. the St. Louis Rams. Funnily enough, both teams ended up losing in Week 1, but that’s the way the preseason tends to work out.
The Packers are spending time getting the team prepped for a playoff run while the Rams are putting things together on the offensive side of the ball with flashy new weapons like Tavon Austin.
Here is a full breakdown of the game.
Where: Edward Jones Dome
When: August 17, 2013, 8:00 PM ET
Watch: WGBA 26 (NBC – Green Bay), KTVI 2 (FOX – St. Louis)
Live Stream: NFL Preseason Live
Packers Player to Watch: Vince Young
Aug 9, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Vince Young (13) throws a pass during warmups prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
The Packers had serious issues at backup quarterback behind Aaron Rodgers before Vince Young came to town. That was obviously a serious issue with the poor condition of the offensive line.
Young can remedy those issues, but he is going to have to be better than he showed in Week 1. If Rodgers were to go down, Young is the best shot the team has at remaining competitive. Right now that does not look like a good option, but it’s still early and he has a chance to learn even more about the offense against the Rams.
Rams Player to Watch: T.J. McDonald
Aug 8, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Greg Little (18) catches a pass between St. Louis Rams free safety T.J. McDonald (25) and cornerback Trumaine Johnson (22) during the first quarter at FirstEnergy Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports
The Rams have a great secondary that could be even better if rookie safety T.J. McDonald out of USC can keep things rolling in his second taste of NFL action.
McDonald led the team in tackles last week. He has his issues in coverage, but he is a solid athlete that allows him to play the run well. If he can continue to do that he should be able to wrestle away the starting position from others going into the season.
Matchup to Watch: Packers Passing Attack vs. Rams Secondary
December 23, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; St. Louis Rams cornerback Cortland Finnegan (31) reacts against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. St. Louis Rams defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 28-13. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
We all know the Packers have an elite passing attack. What is not as highly publicized is the stellar group of players in the Rams secondary, led by Cortland Finnegan.
We will not see the matchup for long, but it will be interesting to see how the Packers do against such a good secondary without Greg Jennings. It’s also a good testing ground for the secondary itself and guys like the aforementioned McDonald.
Prediction
Aug 8, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; St. Louis Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson (22) on the sideline in the second half against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
It is hard to go either way with this one, but the nod goes to the Rams. Both sides of the football are pretty deep and the Packers offense without Rodgers is just plain ugly.
Packers 17, Rams 30
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