This LA Rams team must now step up for DL Aaron Donald

Waking up a sleeping giant

The LA Rams have been a bit quiet when confronted by the loud and obnoxious antics of the 49ers players and fans. Primarily the Rams have done exactly what they were supposed to do, pivot and focus on the next opponent on the schedule.

But this isn’t the type of game the LA Rams and San Francisco 49ers have competed in before. This is the NFC Championship Game, a game where is the NFC’s two finest teams facing off in single elimination. This is no longer about bragging rights to rabid social media followers. That could play a big part in the outcome of this one. Some analysts think so already:

31-17 feels too optimistic. But I like the way they are thinking.

Reverse pressure

The San Francisco 49ers put a lot of pressure on Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford. Rams offensive tackle Rob Havenstein had one of his worst games in many years, single-handedly allowing 2.5 sacks on Matthew Stafford by Arik Armstead in Week 18.

I don’t think that the Rams allow that many sacks in this one to the 49ers’ entire defensive front.  Meanwhile, I think that this one will feature the Rams defensive front getting to Jimmy Garoppolo.  Von Miller, Aaron Donald, Leonard Floyd, Greg Gaines, and A’Shawn Robinson know full well that success in this game happens upfront.

Blowouts? Not between these two teams that know each other very well. But this is a game where the LA Rams need to win for one another. This is the type of contest where the LA Rams must circle the wagons and find a way to win.

This one feels winnable. Not certain, but a very healthy anxious but positive feeling. I like the Rams’ chances.