Patriots' Keys Vs. Rams Include Staying Healthy, Delivering Statement Win

The easiest three-game stretch of the New England Patriots’ schedule wraps up Sunday when the Los Angeles Rams come to Gillette Stadium.

The Patriots should beat the Rams handily despite losing Rob Gronkowski to a herniated disc in his back and in spite of the many other injuries ailing New England’s offense.

Here are the Patriots’ keys to not only beating the Rams but keeping their Super Bowl hopes alive.

STAY HEALTHY
New England’s offense is seriously banged up right now: Gronkowski is out and quarterback Tom Brady (knee), tight end Martellus Bennett (ankle/shoulder) and wide receivers Chris Hogan (back) and Julian Edelman (foot) all listed on the injury report.

The Patriots must come out of this game unscathed, especially on offense. They can’t withstand many more major injuries after losing Gronkowski. The Rams have a tough defense led by top-tier pass-rushing defensive tackle Aaron Donald. Brady already is banged up, so he needs to get rid of the ball quickly, and his offensive line has to give him plenty of protection to not further bother his knee injury.

New England also must be careful with Bennett, who has multiple ailments and didn’t practice Wednesday. If Bennett can’t play or goes down, the Patriots would be left with backup tight end Matt Lengel, who has zero career receptions.

KEEP GENERATING TURNOVERS
The Patriots recovered two fumbles in Week 12 against the New York Jets after going a full month without a takeaway. They must continue to win the turnover battle over the final five weeks of the season and into the playoffs as more pressure is put on their offense with Gronkowski out.

New England really needs to generate more interceptions, and that starts with pressure up front. Pass rushers Trey Flowers, Chris Long, Rob Ninkovich, Jabaal Sheard, Dont’a Hightower and Kyle Van Noy must force Rams rookie quarterback Jared Goff to mistakenly make errant throws.

DELIVER STATEMENT WIN
The Patriots beat the San Francisco 49ers and Jets, but they didn’t truly demolish either opponent. That type of blowout win needs to come this week for New England to instill more confidence in its fanbase.

The Pats must force Goff to make mistakes, shut down running back Todd Gurley and move the ball with ease on offense despite the loss of Gronkowski.