Los Angeles Rams: 4 grades for their NFC Championship win against the Saints

After 16 games and now two postseason games, both resulting in wins, the only conclusion one can reasonably make about the Los Angeles Rams defense is that it is finally clicking. Whatever excuse or reason you offer is probably right, but what we can definitely say as we head towards a Super Bowl showdown against the Patriots is that however it got to working is a net positive for LA.

In two games against the Cowboys and now the Saints, the bend-but-don’t-break defense headlined by Aaron Donald is giving the Rams exactly what it needs. Against the Cowboys they shut down a solid running game led by Ezekiel Elliott. Against New Orleans it kept Drew Brees out of the end zone just long enough, forcing the Saints to settle for field goals and keeping the Los Angeles offense in the game.

Cory Littleton had a monster game, turning in 11 solo tackles and 13 overall. His name was heard throughout the FOX broadcast on Sunday afternoon. Even tackle Ndamukong Suh has suddenly emerged for a second straight week, recording 1.5 sacks on the afternoon.

How the Rams defense does against the Patriots and quarterback Tom Brady remains to be seen. But as long as they continue on the pace they’ve found in this new year, a Super Bowl in McVay’s second season in Los Angeles seems more tangible than ever before.