Eagles and Rams set to clash in Week 4 with defenses and run games in focus
The Philadelphia Eagles, 2-1, host the 1-2 Los Angeles Rams in Week 4. Analysts highlight the matchup between the Eagles' run defense and the Rams' rushing attack, as well as the battle between the secondary units.
Philadelphia (AP) – The Eagles, who are 2-1 after victories over Washington and Tennessee and a loss to Chicago, travel to face the Los Angeles Rams, also 1-2, in Week 4. Both teams bring contrasting strengths that could shape the contest.
The Rams have relied on a balanced offense that pairs a strong running game with play-action passing. Running backs Kyren Williams and Blake Corum have each averaged more than 5.3 yards per carry this season, and together posted 147 yards on 28 carries in their 2025 regular-season meeting with Philadelphia. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio noted the Rams’ ability to combine the run with effective play-action, adding that quarterback Matthew Stafford “has the weapons and the tight ends” to execute the scheme.
Philadelphia’s defensive line will be missing interior starters due to injuries, and safety Zack Baun is listed with a concussion. The Eagles have not recorded a defensive takeaway this season and have struggled with missed tackles, which could give the Rams an opportunity to exploit the run game. Williams, however, has a history of fumbling – 12 lost balls since the 2023 season – a factor the Eagles hope to capitalize on.
In the secondary, the Rams feature a prolific wide-receiver duo in Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. Nacua, a first-team All-Pro in 2025, missed the first two games of 2026 with a hip injury but practiced in limited capacity on Wednesday. Adams, who has 18 catches for 358 yards this season, remains a key target for Stafford. Fangio praised Adams for his size and release skills, saying he “knows how to body up DBs and get an advantage.” The Eagles’ cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean and Riq Woolen will be tasked with containing the pair, while the team’s safeties continue to be a concern.
Philadelphia’s run game showed promise early against Chicago, with Saquon Barkley gaining 74 yards on his first nine carries before a holding penalty erased a longer run. Barkley’s past performances against the Rams have been strong, including 255 yards in 2024 Week 12. The Eagles will look to build on that early momentum.
The Rams’ secondary has dealt with injuries to cornerback Jaylen Watson, safety Kam Kinchens and defensive back Josh Wallace, leading to positional shuffling. Availability for Sunday remains uncertain, which could affect the matchup against Eagles receivers DeVonta Smith, Dontayvion Wicks and emerging target Makai Lemon.
An additional storyline involves veteran defensive tackle Aaron Donald, who returned from retirement to join Myles Garrett on the Rams’ line. Donald has been limited by a sore back and did not practice on Wednesday, but his presence adds another layer of challenge for the Eagles’ interior offensive line.