Game Recap: Atlanta ends Rams season 26-13

In a heart-breaker, the Los Angeles Rams lose a game they never really seemed to be in, 26-13 to the Atlanta Falcons at the Coliseum.

In a game that was equal parts disappointing and maddening, the Los Angeles Rams lost to the Atlanta Falcons 26-13 in a playoff game fans will want to forget and players will certainly regret.

For the better part of Saturday night, the Rams offense looked out of sync, as first downs were at a premium early on. Atlanta, who gained traction offensively before LA, got the first points of the game on a field goal and never looked back.

Los Angeles would get on the scoreboard in the second quarter when quarterback Jared Goff would find Cooper Kupp for a touchdown, then get  to within a field goal when Sam Ficken connected on a field goal just before halftime, cutting the Falcons lead to 13-10. The offense that seemed so remarkably prolific all season long looked absolutely anemic., leaving some to wonder in the postscript if the day off in Week 17 might have been one reason why.

That was about as close as the Rams ever would seem to threaten.

Goff, who looked to struggle early on, finished 24 of 45, for 259 yards and 1 touchdown, while running back Todd Gurley would finish a strong 2017 campaign with 101 yards on 14 carries.

Atlanta meanwhile will move on to play the Philadelphia Eagles next weekend. The Falcons, looking to get back to the Super Bowl after a disastrous loss to the New England Patriots in last years championship game, got a strong performance from kicker Matt Bryant who made all four kicks, including one from 54 yards, while quarterback Matt Ryan would complete his night throwing for 218 yards on 21 of 30, and 1 touchdown.

Related Story: Rams defy conventional wisdom in 2017, find success

The Los Angeles Rams finish the season with 11 wins and 6 losses, exceeding all expectations after finishing just 4-12 last year.

Sean McVay, the likely NFL Coach of the Year, looks to have solved the riddle that was their quarterback situation, while Gurley has come back from a disappointing season in 2016. While the Rams will have some questions to solve on defense, offense won’t be an issue moving into 2018.