RADIO
The Los Angeles Rams obliterated the Minnesota Vikings, 27-9, in a completely non-competitive contest in the last outing of NFL teams in the Wild Card round of the playoffs. Minnesota simply had no answer for the pressure the Rams defense applied, and the game seemed over before the second half even started.
While L.A. is considered an underdog to be the Super Bowl LIX champions, its victory in the first round of the postseason showed that it has improved massively since its 1-4 start to the season. It would be misguided to think it has no shot.
So, what do the Rams have and what can they do that makes them possible Super Bowl winners soon?
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Sean McVay, Puka Nacua, and Matthew Stafford are Still Elite
Despite Nacua not being very productive against the Vikings, catching five of his nine targets for 44 yards, we saw the star wideout catch nine of 10 passes floated his way for 181 yards and one touchdown last year in the first-round playoff loss to the Detroit Lions.
Puka Nacua sending Lions players with the hesi.
He's going to be an All-Timer.#RamsHouse pic.twitter.com/LvRThrrzXj
— Mob Squad (@MobSquad_app) January 15, 2024
He's been an unstoppable force at times, and if Rams head coach Sean McVay can find more ways to scheme him open and give him opportunities to work, he could elevate the offense to great heights like he's done ever since joining the team.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford has also played very well despite problems with the offensive line. He's put together a stellar career, and he isn't finished yet. He completed 19 of his 27 pass attempts for 209 yards and two scores against Minnesota.
You knew it was over on the first drive when Matthew Stafford uncorked this "seam" shot to Tyler Higbee.
Great coverage, but a dime. pic.twitter.com/Gw2gBOX9Ny
— Sosa Kremenjas (@QBsMVP) January 14, 2025
He continues to make ridiculous throws, beat tight coverage, and save the offense from big negative plays by throwing the ball away when under serious pressure. He's one of the league's best and most intelligent playmakers. His ability to execute McVay's offense gives the team a real chance to score sufficiently against some of the league's best defenses.
The Defense is on Fire
A rough start to the season for the Rams shouldn't have been surprising. Nacua injured his knee in Week 1, a ton of offensive linemen started going down with injuries, and some of the defense's core players were rookies getting their first few games of experience in the NFL.
The Rams' defense has allowed fewer than 10 points in 4 of their last 5 games.
Take a bow, Chris Shula. pic.twitter.com/7AUhS71yBU
— Sosa Kremenjas (@QBsMVP) January 14, 2025
But things have turned around for them in a big way since then. As you can see from the above graphic, Los Angeles has completely shut its opponents down in the majority of its recent games. Linebacker Jared Verse and defensive end Braden Fiske have wreaked havoc on opposing offensive lines, and the pressure they've generated has heavily disrupted opposing offenses.
The Rams had 9 sacks on Minnesota last night. Can that defense go into Philly and stop the Eagles as well? pic.twitter.com/V829jZ0eJD
— The Cowboy Regg ✭ (@Irish_Cowboy88) January 14, 2025
The Darnold Demolition Derby they hosted just a few days ago was impressive. If they can keep the flames of their pressure going, this team has a real chance of taking the Lombardi Trophy home for the 2024-25 season.
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