It’s time for the LA Rams 2021 risky moves to pay off

Two will flourish, but one may need a lot of support

The playoffs have been the showcase for when NFL stars shine even more brightly. The regular season is a long arduous process for players. It’s the money maker for the NFL, sure. But it’s a long 17 game season that now stretches from August through January, a full six months. But come to the NFL Playoffs? It’s a four-game season. It’s a win-or-go-home gauntlet. It’s the purest form of competition. And it can make or break NFL careers.

Sony Michel shines

For what it’s worth, running back Sony Michel is incredibly effective in the playoffs. Of course, playing for Bill Belichick has its perks, doesn’t it? His career rushing average is 4.2 yards. But when he hits the post-season, it jumps up to 4.67 yards. Even his scoring rate skyrockets. In the regular season, he has crossed the plane 18 times in 743 rushes, a 2.4 percent touchdown rate. But in the playoffs, he has scored six touchdowns on just 85 rushes. That’s a 7.1 percent touchdown rate.

Michel’s style of running, that power popping north-south style is ideal for the NFL Playoffs. Veteran defenders want to make the play, sometimes taking bad angles or trying to get an arm tackle. Younger players hesitate, trying to process what is coming at them. In either case, Michel can run past them before they figure it out.

Von Miller lives for post-season

Veteran outside linebacker Von Miller is another player who seems to play better in the postseason. In seven games, Miller has racked up 31 tackles, 12 quarterback hits, 6.5 quarterback sacks, one interception, and two forced fumbles. On paper, those are just statistics, rote numbers that really do not bring much excitement.

But on the football field? Von Miller can literally take over a game. In 2015, between the AFC Championship game against the New England Patriots, and Super Bowl L against the Carolina Panthers, Miller chalked up 11 tackles and five quarterback sacks. He played like the Tazmanian Devil, an unstoppable whirlwind of pass-rushing calamity. And in the past four weeks, he is looking like his old self again.