Sweet Music-Rams Clinches Playoff Bid

Ed “Pi Double i” Henderson

WorldWide Rams​ 

​The Los Angeles Rams clinched the NFC West in a decisive game over the Tennessee Titans. The Rams defeat the Titans 27-23, not only clinching the NFC West; they also secured their first playoff bid since the 2004 season. The 2003 season is the time the Rams had a winning season, as the team finished (12-4), a fate they can repeat by winning next week against the San Francisco 49ers, in the final home and regular season game.

That 2003 Rams team had one of the most prolific offenses in the league that season. Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner succumb a concussion against the New York Giants in the first game of the season and would be hospitalized. Head Coach Mark Martz would name backup quarterback Marc Bulger as the starter. Bulger earned the starting job after replacing Warner in 2002, winning six of his seven starts. Many felt that “The Greatest Show on Turf” seem to have ended after the 2001 season; nonetheless, they finished 12–4, winning the NFC West, and losing a heartbreaking NFC Divisional playoff game to the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers would continue on to Super Bowl XXXVIII only to lose to the New England Patriots.

Rams running back Todd Gurley appeared to put this game on his shoulder as he rushed 22 times for 118 yards and 10 receptions for 158 yards and two receiving touchdowns. Gurley brought out his entire repertoire today as he took a screen pass the distance for an 80-yard touchdown, another game with a 10 plus yard run, and hurdling two would be Titan’s defenders in the first half.

Gurley final statistics for the game was 166-yards total yards, recording his longest career reception for a touchdown and his first ever game with 100 plus receiving yards. Gurley posted the first 100 yards receiving and rushing game since Steven Jackson in 2006. Jackson became the only Ram player to rush for 150 yards and have over 100-yards receiving.  

Quarterback Jared Goff continued his success of throwing at least two touchdowns in his fifth consecutive game. Goff’s final passing statistics were 22-36 301 yards and four touchdowns.
​
The Titans didn’t make the game easy for the Rams as they had fate to match as well. The Titans fought a tough battle to take the lead late in the third quarter, but the Rams responded back with Goff connecting with his fourth touchdown pass to rookie receiver Cooper Kupp, on 1a 4-yard strike in the back of the end zone. Titans were optimistic of winning to keep their playoff hopes alive, as they need help from other factors.

​The Rams sealed the victory when Connor Barwin was able to keep contain and sack Marcus Mariota on a fourth and four to try and win the game. Celebrations started on the sidelines as the offenses was able to run out the clock for the victory.

Head Coach McVay Victory Speech

There’s only one thing you can say...

WOOOOOOOOO!! pic.twitter.com/r4a2qbub5w

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) December 24, 2017

Look for the Rams fans to out by numbers next week at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, to try and secure a  bye in the playoffs. Congratulations to the Rams, as they finished one the most amazing story for their young rookie head coach Sean McVay.

RSS Feed