Brian Baldinger loves how Rams stuffed RB Jahmyr Gibbs, and he's spot on

When the 8-6 Detroit Lions prepared to face the 11-3 Los Angeles Rams, many Lions fans were ecstatic over the likelihood of running back Jahmyr Gibbs running roughshod in the game. After all, he had run 187 times for 1,062 yards, an average of nearly 5.7 yards per carry. Against the New York Giants, he had rushed 15 times for 219 yards and two touchdowns.

The Lions expected him to roll up 100 yards in the game without breaking a sweat.

LA's run defense had other ideas. They held Gibbs to just 32 yards on 13 carries. That proved to be his worst game against a non-division opponent all season. Worse still, it forced the Lions offense to become one-dimensional, which allowed the secondary to regroup in the second half, holding the Lions to just 10 points.

That victory sent the Rams into the playoffs.

What manner of chicanery allowed Los Angeles to stuff one of the NFL's most prolific running backs? NFL insider and analyst Brian Baldinger shared a superb video montage that lays it all out perfectly. The defensive line defended the run, entrusting the secondary to do just enough to win the game. And the gamble paid off with a huge victory.

Why this means everything for Rams the rest of the way

The weather is turning colder. Snow will soon be falling, if it hasn't already. The defensive front has evolved from a pass-rushing forte to a versatile group of defenders who can rush the passer as well as stuff the run.

While the Seattle Seahawks are not as dependent upon the run as in years past, their recent focus on reducing Sam Darnold's errant throws changes their offensive strategy. Since losing to Los Angeles, Seattle has won four straight. In all but one of those wins, the offense was far more balanced. The lone victory that leaned heavily upon the pass came at the expense of the Indianapolis Colts, a team that had to un-retire aged quarterback Phillip Rivers.

Defensive coordinator Chris Shula had to notice that detail. Much like the Carolina Panthers, the Seahawks will need to commit to the running attack to keep the pressure off Darnold. But that strategy plays into LA's defensive strength.

After the Seahawks, the Rams face another superb rushing offense of the Atlanta Falcons. In Week 18, they face the struggling but still capable rushing attack of the Arizona Cardinals. Regardless of who the team faces in the playoffs, it's a good idea to boast a strong run-stuffing defense.

This is not the same team that lost to the Philadelphia Eagles. It's a team powered by a defense that can and will stuff the run effectively. Like it or not, the Seahawks will need to pass to win in Week 16. But even that won't be easy.

As always, thanks for reading.