3 reasons why ‘dark horse’ Los Angeles Rams could play spoilsport in your favorite team’s Super Bowl dream
The Los Angeles Rams delivered a statement to the NFL with their win against the Bills earlier this week.
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Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua, and Matthew Stafford (Images via IMAGO)
The Los Angeles Rams have been the dark horse team of the 2024 season. They got off to a rough start early on in the season as the offense was without stars Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp. Through the first five weeks, it was safe to say that this season was going to be a losing one for the team as it got off to a 1-4 start.
However, just when one thought they were done, Matthew Stafford got his wings back. Ever since Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua have been a part of the roster, their offense has been rolling. Now, LA finds itself in a unique position.
As the Rams rank second in the NFC West, the team dons a unique tag, the team is a ‘Dreambreaker’ for the likes of the Seahawks, Cardinals, and the 49ers. Seattle is one win ahead of LA in the division but they have been inconsistent throughout the year which means fans should not be shocked if the Rams overtake them and win the division by the end of the season.
Apart from that, the Arizona Cardinals still have a shot at making the number 1 seed but they are two wins away. Fortunately, for them, they face the Patriots and Panthers in the coming weeks, two games that can be won although considering the strong fight Carolina put up against the Eagles, the team should not be dismissed entirely. Then they go up against the Rams and the 49ers, two games that cannot be predicted as there are a lot of variables in play.
However, given the Seahawks’ schedule, it is safe to say that LA might end up with the top spot in the NFC West. As Seattle goes up against Minnesota and Green Bay in the coming weeks, those are matchups they do not stand to win. Ultimately, the Rams can take benefit of this and sneak into the playoffs. Does that make the Rams a legitimate Super Bowl contender? Not necessarily but they will certainly not be a first-round exit in the playoffs and here are three reasons why:
1. Offense, Offense and Offense
Matthew Stafford has been consistent throughout the season. Without his wide receivers too, he ranks top 5 in terms of yards thrown this season, top 10 in terms of passing touchdowns, and 8th in the NFL with a QBR of 65.6. The man knows how to work with unfavorable odds, after all, that is what he did for most of his career in Detroit.
Now that he has Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp to rely on that is a boost to the offense. Add Kyren Williams to this equation and LA has a roster that can inflict damage to its opponents. Averaging 340.7 yards per game, they have primarily relied on the passing game this season.
LA’s offense will be the primary driver that can deliver a blow to even the most seasoned of defenses.
2. Sean McVay and his strategic decision-making
Trading Jared Goff for Matthew Stafford was a gamble, bringing Odell Beckham Jr. when there were rumors of his ability to perform at an elite level was a gamble, HC Sean McVay is no stranger to taking risks. He is always two steps ahead of the curve and when the Rams fanbase was deep into concern after the slow start, he did not lose hope.
Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford together have formed a formidable duo. Since the veteran quarterback joined the Rams, they are 10-1 in December. Well, the next 3 of their games are in December so that’s a positive sign for them.
3. No moment is too big for the Rams
Despite having a much different-looking roster than the Super Bowl squad, the Rams have not cracked under pressure so far. The evidence? Just look at what they did to Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills. The MVP candidate had a historic night as he passed for three touchdowns and rushed for three but still, the Bills came up short.
This showcases two things, one is that the Rams’ offense can compete with anybody. However, the other thing is that they can do this despite their defense. LA’s defense is far behind the offense but on days they come up short, the offense never fails to cover the deficit.
Their win against Buffalo was a morale booster for them, one that they needed ahead of the TNF game against the San Francisco 49ers. This will be a matchup that will feature the intensity of a playoff game because the 49ers’ season is on the line but considering the grit LA showed against Buffalo, they are not going to be backing down in this one either.
The team’s ability to get into the playoffs should not be doubted. They can make it as far as the Divisional Round until they meet a defense that is capable of shutting them down. If LA faces either the Detroit Lions or the Philadelphia Eagles then they stand no chance but apart from that, whichever team they face, they can beat. The Los Angeles Rams are dangerous and what makes them dangerous is the fact that it is easy to overlook them.
Related: Tom Brady’s son Jack was one of the biggest factors in him joining the Bucs after Patriots exit
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Sumedh Joshi
(2283 Articles Published)