How the West was won: LA Rams sink Vikings for 4th consecutive win

The LA Rams had just four days to prepare for a road trip to the playoff-hopeful Minnesota Vikings but showed up with a less than stellar effort of the offensive side of the ball. And to be honest, I’m okay with that. I’d rather this team overcome adversity than choke on it when running into it in the NFL playoffs.

It was another win for the Rams. Their fourth consecutive win. But this win should be caveated by the fact that the LA Rams did not have either offensive tackles Andrew Whitworth or his backup Joseph Noteboom. For that matter, the LA Rams had to rework the entire offensive line when offensive center Brian Allen was injured.

This was a gutsy gritty victory that was about the running display of veteran RB Sony Michel.  In the end, the LA Rams passed 37 times.  Much like the Seattle Seahawks game, the offense reverted to the running attack in the second half, and by the final gun the team had put up 33 rushes for 159 yards and a touchdown.

Old school slobber knocker style of football

You may or may not like the way the LA Rams played in Week 16. But this one was on the road, in a hostile stadium, against a potential playoff team, and the Rams won. If not for three interceptions by quarterback Matthew Stafford, this would likely have been a blowout win.

While the Vikings are not a good run defense, the LA Rams made them look worse than their season average. In fact, as soon as the offense downshifted to the running game in the second half, it was clear that the Rams would win. Sony Michel ran with lots of authority, but he was not alone in Week 16 heroics.

The Rams got a huge touchdown on a punt return by Brandon Powell. The defense got a huge interception in the end zone by ILB Travin Howard. The defense only allowed the Vikings offense to convert two of 12 third downs. The Rams held the football for 30:00 of game time, despite Stafford’s three interceptions.

A satisfying win

If you wanted to see a huge beat down, you may be disappointed. If you wanted to see the LA Rams defense shut out the Vikings offense? You are likely already calling for the Rams to fire DC Raheem Morris.

As for me? I love this game and the outcome. The Rams proved that they do not need everything to go perfectly to win a hard-fought contest. I love the fact that the LA Rams offensive line was patched together and gave up no quarterback sacks to the best pass rush in the NFL this season.

Not only did this victory propel the LA Rams to first place in the NFC West, but it’s the type of victory that the Rams can build upon. Ugly? Perhaps not. But it wasn’t a pretty win either. Let’s just call it a very satisfying win. Now the LA Rams are 11-4 and have locked up a berth in the upcoming NFL Playoffs.