LA Rams clinch sixth-seed with prettiest ugly win of the season

The LA Rams clinch a berth in the NFL Playoffs as the NFC sixth-seed with the prettiest ugly win of the 2020 NFL season

The LA Rams counted out first-time starting quarterback John Wolford to lead the team to a win against the Arizona Cardinals. The entire team helped him along, as the Rams spotted the Cardinals an early 7-0 lead, and then scored the next 18 points for a desperately needed win.

The victory elevated the Rams to a 10-6 record, and clinched the Rams playoff berth. With the combination of the other NFC games, the Rams will now return to Seattle to face the Seahawks in round one of the NFC Playoffs.  It was a win and in, and on the third attempt, despite the absence of multiple key players, the LA Rams win in a must-win setting.

What went wrong for the Rams?

The Rams struggle to run the ball in this one. Rookie running back Cam Akers returned from an ankle sprain and rushed 21 times for a total of 34 yards. The Rams also committed five penalties, many of them false starts when the Rams were first and goal from the one-yard line. And that was just one red zone possess that resulted in the Rams kicking a field goal.

Another time, the Rams had the ball on the one yard line, but Cam Akers fumbled the ball which was subsequently recovered by the Cardinals at their own one-yard line. And of course, there were a number of drops by the Rams receivers. Not just the out-of-reach variety, but the in and out of the hands version.  The worst offender was Gerald Everett, who caught two passes, but missed at least other passes that hit him right in the hands and bounced out.  One such incompletion was a sure touchdown if he caught it.

What went right for the Rams?

The entire game was ‘right’ for the Rams. With the exception of some misfiring on the offense (again, what else is new?), the entire team put in one of their most complete efforts of the season.  The Rams generate four sacks on defense, many of which killed the Arizona Cardinals offensive drives. Samson Ebukam led the charge, getting two sacks on the day. And the Rams defense stifled the Cardinals all day, allowing just 166 net passing yards, and just 48 rushing yards.

Meanwhile the Rams were able to move the ball on offense. While John Wolford threw the ball for 22 of 38 passes for 223 net yards, he also added 6 rushes for 56 yards. Many of those rushes occurred on third and long, gaining a first down and allowing the offense to remain on the field. And that mobility allowed the Rams to use more empty backfield sets, as well as call some deep passing plays which Wolford seemed to nail with amazing precision.

Standing ovation for special teams

Even special teams deserves a standing ovation today. Not only did kicker Matt Gay nail three for three on field goals today, plus an extra point, but he hit on touchbacks on all but one kickoffs on the day. And the Rams blocked a field goal attempt by the Cardinals. Yes, the Rams special teams blocked a field goal attempt.  And the defense was outstanding on the day.

Not only did the Rams’ DB Troy Hill intercept Cardinals quarterback Chris Streveler and return it 85 yards for a touchdown, but the Rams defense also scored on a safety as well. In fact, after  Wolford threw his first pass for an interception at the Rams 20 yard line.  After that, the Cardinals offense scored their only touchdown on the day.

While this was not a demolish job, it was incredibly entertaining. Many of the penalties sprang from the Rams offensive linemen entering the game clearly unfamiliar with Wolford’s tempo and snap count. Overall the Rams offense ran everything in head coach Sean McVay’s playbook.  And even when the Rams offense did not seem in synch, there was never a sense of panic or terror about it.

As a result of the Arizona Cardinals loss, they will finish the season at 8-8. Meanwhile, the LA Rams will now travel to face the Seattle Seahawks in round one of the NFL Playoffs.  We’ll have plenty of coverage for that one.

But for now, Wolford wins, and the Rams are in!