The Los Angeles Rams beat the New Orleans Saints 26-23 in overtime to advance to Super Bowl LIII in Atlanta.
Sixty minutes wasn’t enough time for the NFC Championship Game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New Orleans Saints. After what looked like a lackluster performance by LA early on, perseverance and special teams would be what eventually got this gutty team to Atlanta.
The Rams were not sharp early on. The offense, who sputtered at best, finally found some traction late in the first half to get to within three points and go into halftime trailing 13-10. Quarterback Jared Goff, who wasn’t impressive early, would eventually finish with a solid line of 25 for 40, throwing for 297 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
Offensively Los Angeles would turn to late signee running back C.J. Anderson, who would prove a steady alternative to Todd Gurley why was conspicuously absent from the Rams offensive set. Anderson who would again be a bigger rushing factor than Gurley, finished his day with 44 yards on 16 carries. Gurley, who scored a touchdown, would have a fairly pedestrian afternoon for an NFC Championship, finishing with only 10 yards on four carries.
Gurley was a curious story on Championship Sunday. The Pro Bowler and 2017 Offensive Player Of The Year was on the sidelines more often than not given the nature of the game. While fans will likely get the fuller story later this week, Anderson was a welcome sight for a team in search of any kind of rushing game.
Ultimately, the Rams winning the NFC Championship will be remembered by remarkable special teams. From a fake punt to field goal kicker Greg Zuerlein, Los Angeles found a way to win behind what fans don’t normally come to expect. In overtime, and on the road at a tough venue, the Rams found a path to Atlanta that probably didn’t go as the script said it would.