LOS ANGELES — In preparation for the playoffs, the Los Angeles Rams opted to rest nearly all their offensive starters in the regular-season finale, a decision made by coach Sean McVay to ensure the team enters the postseason with a fresh and healthy lineup.
McVay’s squad, which finished the regular season with a record of 10-7, has displayed the need for a boost in offensive performance over the past weeks. They are gearing up to face the Minnesota Vikings, who topped their division with a winning record of 14-3, in what will be the Rams’ first playoff appearance at SoFi Stadium since their Super Bowl victory nearly three years ago. For a chance to upset the Vikings, the Rams need a substantial offensive output, a task that has proven challenging for them during the latter part of the season.
Although the Rams have triumphed in nine of their last twelve games since their bye week, they stand as the lowest-scoring team to qualify for the playoffs, averaging just 21.6 points per game throughout the season. Their offense has struggled notably down the stretch, managing only three touchdowns and 44 points combined in their last three games of December. In contrast, the team’s backups led by Jimmy Garoppolo stepped in during a meaningless finale, putting up two touchdowns and 25 points.
Despite the offensive struggles, the Rams’ defense has remarkably risen to the occasion, successfully limiting their last three opponents to under 10 points — a feat that hasn’t been accomplished by the franchise in nearly fifty years.
Heading into this matchup, the Rams find themselves as home underdogs against a Vikings team that is historically the first wild-card entry to finish with 14 wins. However, the Rams are one of the select few teams that have handed the Vikings a loss this season. Back in October, Los Angeles secured a 30-20 victory against the Vikings at SoFi, influenced by four touchdown passes from Matthew Stafford and the return of playmakers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua from injury.
“We executed well the last time we faced these guys,” McVay remarked about the prior matchup. “It’s essential for every player to be in the right position and play their role. We have demonstrated a solid finish in recent games, but to progress farther in this tournament, we must put together a complete four quarters. We recognize the urgency and are striving for consistency.”
Recently, with offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur managing play-calling against Seattle, the Rams’ secondary skill-position players performed admirably. Demarcus Robinson and rookie Jordan Whittington connected with Garoppolo on several lengthy completions, while tight end Tyler Higbee recorded five receptions, contributing one touchdown. For the Rams to achieve sustained success, depth players must continue to contribute, especially if Kupp continues to seek better chemistry with Stafford.
When discussing the Rams’ scoring troubles, McVay has alluded to issues with execution and play-design. He remains optimistic that the rest could help improve their execution. The anticipated coaching battle between McVay and Vikings defensive strategist Brian Flores promises to be one of the most intriguing matchups of the wild-card round, granting McVay an opportunity to rectify what he has called his shortcomings in play-calling during the late season.
On a positive note, rookie kicker Joshua Karty ended the regular season on a high note by successfully converting four field goals against Seattle, including his two longest kicks at 57 and 58 yards. After showing signs of inconsistency midseason, Karty heads into the playoffs having connected on 13 consecutive field goals since Thanksgiving, although he faced challenges with a couple of missed extra-point attempts during that period.
In the running back department, the Rams faced a setback as rookie Blake Corum suffered a forearm injury during the game against Seattle. Nevertheless, Kyren Williams has been a reliable performer, with veteran Ronnie Rivers stepping up admirably, registering a career-high 82 yards from scrimmage against the Seahawks.
Injury updates indicate that tackle Rob Havenstein is likely to return after missing the last two games due to a shoulder injury sustained in practice. The defensive unit has allowed an average of 22.7 points per game this season, the second highest among playoff teams, which raises concerns as they prepare to face their opponents.
As McVay’s Rams prepare to engage the Vikings, they hold a postseason record of 7-4, although they succumbed to an opening-round loss against Detroit last season. This playoff matchup will mark the first encounter between the Rams and Vikings since the 1999-2000 season, where the legendary “Greatest Show on Turf” was victorious, paving the way for St. Louis to win the Super Bowl shortly thereafter.
