The Los Angeles Rams (LAR) have become the first team in the National Football League (NFL) to punch their ticket to the playoffs and claimed the National Football Conference (NFC) West Division, with a 30-16 win over the Detroit Lions (DET) on Sunday.
With both sides of the team executing, the Rams looked once again like Super Bowl favorites as they gave the Lions nothing to celebrate in their huge performance. According to ESPN, Quarterback (QB) Jared Goff threw for 207 yards, one touchdown (TD), one interception (INT), and one fumble lost.
Seven Rams players had at least one reception with Wide Receiver (WR) Robert Woods leading the pack for 67 yards receiving and one receiving TD. Meanwhile, Running Back (RB) Todd Gurley II had a quiet 165 total yards and two TDs.
The defense responded on their end with an absolute tear on the Lions offensive. Defensive Tackle (DT) Aaron Donald had two sacks, new Defensive End (DE) Dante Fowler Jr. picked up one, and Linebacker (LB) Cory Littleton also brought (QB) Matthew Stafford down to the turf one time. Cornerback (CB) Troy Hill tallied the only Rams pick for the day.
With a league best (11-1) record the Rams have enjoyed this season has favorites to win nearly every match-up they’ve had, however nothing has come easy. The Rams have been tested many times against teams like the Kansas City Chiefs (KC), Green Bay Packers (GB), Minnesota Vikings (MIN), Seattle Seahawks (SEA) and the New Orleans Saints (NO).
The Saints have been the only team to defeat the Rams this season (45-35) during their week nine match-up. Although, the Rams responded quickly with a win the following week versus the Seahawks.
Ranked in the top of nearly every stat line, the Rams hold great levels of play on both sides of the ball.
Beginning with (QB) Goff, he’s now emerged in the Most Valuable Player (MVP) conversation. With 3,457 passing yards, 26 passing touchdowns, six interceptions, and with a QB passer rating of 113.5. He’s thrown the ball down the field with accuracy of fellow NFC QB Aaron Rodgers of the Packers and he’s driven down field with control of the team as fellow American Football Conference (AFC) QB Tom Brady of the New England Patriots (NE).
A prime (RB) in Gurley II, the rams command the ground on rushes and pass catches. Gurley II has 1,484 total yards, 17 total TDs and one fumble lost on the season. Even with top (WR) Cooper Kupp out for the season, the team has leaned on fellow WRs Josh Reynolds and Pharoh Cooper to make up yards. The offense is deep and very unselfish, which puts Goff in the best position to make plays.
The defense led by All-Pro Donald continues to make the strongest efforts with a total of 29 sacks and 10 interceptions as a team on the season, according to ESPN.
The Rams have proven why they’re the team to beat and have given reason to believe will be representing the NFC in the Super Bowl this year.
