Patriots' defense gifted huge advantage ahead of Week 11 matchup vs. Rams

A game against the LA Rams is far from an easy win for any team this season, especially a team not having much success like the New England Patriots. It's even more difficult when the Super Bowl LVI champions are coming off an embarrassing loss to the Dolphins on Monday Night Football, with most believing they'll be looking for redemption in Foxboro this week.

With a loaded offense in all aspects, the Patriots defense will not have an easy outing. But their day might be a bit easier with Christian Barmore back in the lineup, as the defensive tackle returned to practice last week and is expected to make his 2024 season debut in Week 11.

His addition to the defensive line should inevitably make a tremendous impact on the defense's efforts to stop the run, something they have been struggling with all season long. That will be important in a game against a talented backfield led by Kyren Williams. Barmore will also help create opportunities in the pass rush, which will also be a key to victory with Matthew Stafford lined up across from them.

Fortunately, the New England defense is already aware that their day won't be as challenging as they expected due to the countless injuries to the Rams' offensive line.

The Rams' depleted offensive line is a welcomed gift for the Patriots' struggling front seven

Similar to the issues the Patriots have dealt with this season, the Rams have had a long list of injuries to their offensive linemen, including starting right tackle Rob Havenstein. He is one of the better players at the position in the league, and LA's offensive production struggles when he's not on the field.

Because he injured his ankle this year, Havenstein has already missed two games before Sunday's matchup, and to make matters worse, his backup (Joe Noteboom) is considered doubtful, meaning the Rams could be down to their third-string right tackle in Week 11.

Although this doesn't guarantee anything for the Patriots defense, especially since they still have to deal with quarterback Matthew Stafford and receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, it should make for an easier day to make an impact early and often, providing a big chance they could create some opportunities for the offense to get back on the field.

Slowing things down when an offense is as talented as the Rams will never be easy, even with a guy like Barmore back in the lineup. However, the defense took advantage of the Bears' depleted offensive line last week, leading to nine total sacks on the day, so building upon that against another weakened group would be quite an accomplishment for a defense that has mostly underwhelmed this year.

More Patriots news and analysis: