NFL St Louis Rams

Tre Mason is Key to St. Louis Rams Week 12 Win

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By @TSturmRS

Tre Mason Rams

Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

The St. Louis Rams surprisingly dominated Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos in Week 11, but sit at the bottom of the NFC West with a 4–6 record. The Arizona Cardinals (9–1), the Seattle Seahawks (6–4) and the San Francisco 49ers (6–4) all look more likely to receive a playoff berth than the Rams.

However, the next three games for St. Louis could change everything, as they play a tough game away from home against the San Diego Chargers followed by two much easier matchups with the Oakland Raiders and the Washington Redskins.

Their Week 12 game is against San Diego, who have lost three of their last four and barely scrapped by Oakland, 13–6. If St. Louis can play pass defense as well as they did against the Broncos, and control the clock, this is a very winnable game for St. Louis.

The need for the Rams to control the clock and keep Philip Rivers off the ball is why rookie running back Tre Mason will be the key to St. Louis’ success against San Diego.

Mason ran for 113 yards against the Broncos and opened up the pass game for Austin Davis and Kenny Britt. Deep ball success doesn’t work from the play-action pass if the run game is absence. The Chargers are allowing over 100 yards rushing per game to opponents this season, which means that Mason will have more than enough opportunities to wear down San Diego’s defense.

If Mason can help the Rams control the clock, there is no doubt that St. Louis can come out on top over the Chargers and, with remaining games against Arizona and Seattle, potentially fight their way back into playoff contention.

Taylor Sturm is a Columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @TSturmRS, like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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