With the return of Aqib Talib and Todd Gurley better after an ankle injury against the Kansas City Chiefs, the Los Angeles Rams look to be getting healthy at just the right time.
The Los Angeles Rams seem to have benefited from some fortuitous timing. After their Week 11 win against the Kansas City Chiefs 54-51, they went on their bye week that came just when the team needed it most.
Los Angeles got a needed break after building a 10-1 record, playing 11 straight games, seeing two players build potential MVP resumes, and being part of the best regular season game this year on Monday Night Football.
Not bad before hitting the first of December.
Best of all, the bye week allowed for some healing. Rams running back Todd Gurley suffered an ankle injury in the Monday night game against Kansas City, while cornerback Aqib Talib returns from a high ankle sprain suffered in Week 3 against the Los Angeles Chargers. While Gurley being back to full strength was expected and will be important to what LA does on offense, the return of Talib is significantly more important.
Talib’s return should help a Rams defense that has been ineffective against the pass. Fellow corner Marcus Peters has especially struggled since Talib went out and has been the target of reasonable criticism. While he’s seen more targets, he’s also been his own worst enemy. His easy interception late against the Chiefs is a lone bright spot in a season where his potential hasn’t been realized.
The Rams have a five game slate in December that will determine a lot. While their repeat as NFC West champions is inevitable, the bigger prize they seek is home field advantage through the the playoffs. Something that will be a battle with the New Orleans Saints, also at 10-1 and holding the tiebreaker due to their 45-35 win against LA in Week 9.
Having both Gurley and Talib healthy and back on the field can’t be understated in it’s importance. While their 10-1 record may say they can win regardless, both are critical to what happens down the stretch.