How the Grinch stole a win (and LA Rams offense learned to run again)

Rams resume running the ball

Okay, so where were we? Oh yeah, the LA Rams took the football field trailing by a touchdown and found themselves at their own 14-yard line. But this time, the Rams did not panic and start passing? Rather, the Rams rushed three times and passed three times. The biggest play? No, it wasn’t the 32-yard pass to wide receiver Cooper Kupp. It was the 39-yard burst by running back Sony Michel. In fact, Michel rushed three times in that six-play offensive drive for 48 yards.

29 passes 17 runs (Q3 -6:31)

When the Rams took over once more at their 20-yard line, they were unable to move the football at all and punted. They tried one run and two passes.

31 passes 18 runs (Q3- 2:11)

When the Rams returned, they were deep in their own territory and were pushed back even further after a Stafford sack. But the Rams did not panic and cobbled together a series of short passes and well-timed runs to push the ball down the field, capped by a second touchdown pass to Cooper Kupp.

37 passes 21 runs (Q4 – 10:48)

The next set of downs was two runs and a quarterback sack.  But that chewed up over two minutes off the game clock. Meanwhile, the defense returned to the football field and forced the Seahawks to turn the ball over deep in Seattle territory.

38 passes 23 runs (Q4 – 5:25)

The Rams took over with 3:21 remaining and clinging to a one-score lead. But this time, the Rams rushed four times, beginning with a 17-yard run behind an extra offensive lineman, Coleman Shelton.  The Rams were able to add a field goal to extend their lead to 10 points.

38 passes 27 runs (Q4 -1:51)

Finally, the Rams took over with just 45 seconds remaining and knelt twice to seal the win.

Second half: 12 passes 15 runs.

38 passes 29 runs (game over)