Los Angeles Rams

5 Questions For Los Angeles Rams Heading Into Week 6 Against Detroit Lions

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Oct 2, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Rams head coach Jeff Fisher looks on against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Rams look to get back on the winning track on the road against the Detroit Lions in Week 6.

After a crushing home loss against the Buffalo Bills in Week 5, the Los Angeles Rams hope to turn things around on Sunday against the Detroit Lions to keep up with the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC West.

The Rams entered last weekend’s contest on an impressive three-game winning streak, but they failed to take advantage of playing at home after falling to the Bills 30-19. Now, Jeff Fisher‘s squad will hit the road to take on a Detroit team that’s coming off a big win against the Philadelphia Eagles, their first victory since opening weekend.

Los Angeles (then St. Louis) came through with the 21-14 win when these two teams met in Week 14 last year, but things are completely different this time around. With both teams in need of a win to stay in the hunt for their respected divisions, don’t be surprised if Sunday’s game between the Rams and Lions ends up being decided in the fourth quarter.

So what should Los Angeles fans expect from their team on Sunday? Well, let’s take a look at five questions surrounding the Rams heading into Sunday’s game against the Lions that will play a key factor in whether this team has what it takes to improve to 4-2.

Sep 25, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald (99) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Will Aaron Donald Match Last Year’s Success?

With all of the injuries on the defensive side of the ball, the Rams could use a monster performance by Aaron Donald against the Lions, especially if it was similar to the one from last year.

When these two teams met towards the end of last season, Donald was an absolute nightmare for Matthew Stafford after the quarterback was sacked three times by the two-time Pro Bowler. Donald may not be off to the hot start man expected with only two sacks in five games, but the argument can be made those numbers would be better with a healthier defense.

Donald has constantly been getting double teamed by his opponents, and rightfully so when considering he recorded 20 sacks over his first two seasons in the league. Stafford may be one of the league’s toughest quarterbacks, but the last thing he wants to deal with is seeing his offensive line fail to protect him against Donald.

As difficult as it may be to match last year’s success, Sunday’s game seems like the perfect opportunity for Donald to play catch up on his sack total. And if that does happen, Los Angeles will have a much better shot at pulling off a road win in this one.

Oct 9, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley (30) breaks free from Buffalo Bills outside linebacker Lorenzo Alexander (57) at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Can Todd Gurley Record His First 100-Yard Game?

Expectations were high for Todd Gurley heading into his second season with the Rams after taking home Rookie of the Year honors in 2015. Unfortunately, Gurley has struggled to get anything consistent going in the ground game, but it’s not entirely his fault.

When looking at the weak receiving corps of Los Angeles, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist for opponents to figure out the key to shutting down the Rams’ offense is simply stacking the box. The more Gurley struggles, the more trouble this team is going to have putting up points on a weekly basis.

So when it comes to big surprises of the 2016 season, Gurley heading into Week 6 without a 100-yard game is close to the top with the rest of them, but that doesn’t mean that streak can’t end against Detroit on Sunday. With the Lions’ defense ranking near the bottom of the league by averaging just under 115 rushing yards per game, this is the perfect opportunity for Gurley to break loose with that first 100-yard game of the season.

If not, well let’s just say fantasy football owners that took Gurley in the first round of their drafts are going to continue being frustrated over their beloved running back.

Oct 2, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson (22) reacts after intercepting a pass against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Rams won 17-13. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

How Will Rams Adjust Without Trumaine Johnson?

Isn’t it ironic how days after the Rams decided to part ways with Coty Sensabaugh, they lose Trumaine Johnson to an ankle injury during their Week 5 game against the Buffalo Bills?

With Johnson out, Los Angeles hopes to see Troy Hill step it up on defense, but the jury is still out on how effective the cornerback can be. If the first couple of games are any indication of what to expect, the Rams will be just fine at cornerback as this is the perfect opportunity for Hill to shine on defense and take his game to the next level.

Detroit may only be 2-3 on the season, but Stafford has plenty of weapons to work with in the passing game as any receiver seems capable of taking off at any point. Between Golden Tate, Marvin Jones, and Anquan Boldin, Los Angeles is going to have their hands full on defense as the Lions look to get back to .500 with their second-straight win.

Adjusting without Johnson won’t be easy, but Hill and the rest of the defense seems ready for the challenge as they look to keep the Lions’ offense in line like they did when these two teams met in 2015.

Oct 9, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Case Keenum (17) tries to elude Buffalo Bills outside linebacker Lorenzo Alexander (57) during the 4th quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

What Should Los Angeles Expect From Case Keenum?

Frustration is beginning to build when it comes to the play of Case Keenum at quarterback, and it’s easy to see why when taking a closer look at his numbers not only from this season, but his career.

For whatever reason, Keenum just can’t seem to get the job done on offense as this team’s inability to find the end zone was on display in Week 5 against the Bills when the Rams were forced to settle for field goals on four-scoring drives. While Keenum deserves some benefit of the doubt when looking at what he has to work with in the passing game, his inability to find success is frustrating when considering all of the records he set in college.

For a quarterback with only one career 300-yard game in 21 appearances, Keenum better figure out a way to overcome these offensive struggles before it’s too late, especially since he’s only the short-term answer for the Rams’ offense. With Jared Goff anxiously waiting his turn as the starter, a few more disappointing performances by Keenum may give the rookie a chance to prove himself earlier than originally expected.

And if that’s not enough pressure for Keenum, keep in mind this season should be considered an audition for the veteran since his future will most likely be with a team outside of Los Angeles.

Jun 14, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Justin Forsett (29) runs with the ball during the first day of minicamp sessions at Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Can Los Angeles Shutdown Detroit’s Running Backs?

One of the main reasons why the Rams fell to the Bills in Week 5 was due to their inability to stop LeSean McCoy in the ground game. The former Pittsburgh star may not have found the end zone, but McCoy still managed to record 150 rushing yards on just 18 carries.

If the Bills can find a way to put up these kind of numbers against the Rams, there’s no reason why the Lions won’t be looking to do the same on Sunday. Unfortunately for Detroit, Theo Riddick has already been ruled out for Sunday, which means the team may heavily rely on Justin Forsett–who signed with the team this week–against Los Angeles

Originally, the Lions were expected to use Forsett on a limited basis, but those plans quickly changed thanks to Riddick’s ankle injury. The Baltimore Ravens released Forsett at the beginning of the month, and even though he’s only recorded 98 rushing yards in three games this season, a fresh start with Detroit is just what the veteran needs.

With Forsett playing with a little extra motivation to prove he’s still capable of being effective in the NFL, the Rams’ defense needs to be cautious to avoid a disaster like last weekend.