What The Rams Need To Do vs. Patriots

The Los Angeles Rams are one week away from a rematch of Super Bowl XXXVI, against the signature sports dynasty of the modern American pro sports, the Bill Belichick/Tom Brady New England Patriots. So what do they need to do to win? Here are our thoughts on this subject.

Win The Turnover Battle

Alternatively, at least break even. These two teams were virtually even during the regular season in turnover differential, with the Rams having a (+11) and New England (+10). We cannot give Brady extra chances to score, or he will seize the opportunities. I believe the Rams CAN win if they at least break even--but anything in the negative category is a significant problem for the Rams, minus two or more would probably be fatal.

Pressure Tom Brady

Mainly thinking about inside pressure here, teams that upset the Patriots during the regular season were the Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions, and Tennessee Titans, in particular, all generated an inside pass rush which Brady despises. The New York Giants did the same when they upset the Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI and ruined their perfect season a few years ago. As high as Brady is, he is not the most athletic guy, especially at age 41. On the other hand, the Patriots gave up only 1.2 sacks per game this past season, tied for fewest in the league so that it will not be easy.  There is no doubt Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald will receive double teams, but a better question might be how much holding the referees will allow (generally articulating of the Patriots). Ndamukong Suh has finally resembled the player we thought he was the last couple of games, including producing 1.5 sacks versus the New Orleans Saints. If he can continue to play well, it could be one significant factor. Sacks would be ideal, of course, but if the Rams can at least make Brady uncomfortable, it would increase their chances.

Wade Phillips perceives Brady well from his days in Denver. It will be interesting to see what he develops up with for this game.


Control The Clock

Since both of these teams can score (Rams second in the NFL, Patriots fourth) time of possession could be a big deal. The Patriots cannot score if they do not have the ball. Reflecting on ball control, think of running the ball, but the short passing game can accomplish the same goal. We do not think the Patriots linebackers are athletic enough to cover Todd Gurley (and to a lesser extent CJ Anderson) coming out of the backfield on the short passing game (Kyle Van Noy, in particular, is at a disadvantage). Our personal opinion is that the talk of Gurley injury is misplaced, but if he is that could be a problem, as Anderson is not the caliber of a receiver such as Gurley. Anderson HAS, however, morphed into a big-time runner in the postseason and that could be a big deal, especially if Gurley is injured or ineffective such as last week.

On the other side of the ball, the Rams need to contain Sony Michel and James White. Michel has come alive in the post-season, rushing for 242 yards and five touchdowns after a  mostly so-so regular season. The Rams rushing defense, which was at times awful during the regular season, has been remarkably better in the playoffs. However, they did allow Saints back Alvin Kamara to rack up over 90 yards in receiving yardage in the NFC title game, and White is capable of putting up a similar type of numbers.

Containing Edelman and Gronkowski

Look, we are talking about Tom Brady here, we probably have to shut him down entirely! However, we do not want him to '"go off" either, and that means keeping wide receiver Julian Edelman and Tight End Rob Gronkowski from having a huge game. The Rams had problems with elite tight ends this season, with both Travis Kelce and George Kittle having big games. Rams safety John Johnson will probably draw the primary assignment against Gronk when the Rams go to man coverage, and he needs to step up. Edelman is another issue, but the good news for the Rams is that they pretty much shut down elite receivers of Amari Cooper and Michael Thomas in the playoffs. However, Brady can spread the ball around and find weaknesses like nobody else in the history of the game.

This game could be a real chess match between Wade Phillips and Brady regarding disguising coverages and not letting the great one pick apart the Rams secondary, which he is indeed capable of accomplishing. The Rams pass defense has been much better since cornerback Aqib Talib returned, and they need a strong performance if the Rams are to hoist the Lombardi Trophy.

Win On Special Teams

Something that seems to have gotten lost in the uproar over penalties and the lack thereof in the NFC title game was the critical role the Rams special teams played. The pass completion punter Johnny Hekker threw to Sam Shields on a fake punt early in the game, when the Saints seemed to be on the verge of putting the game away, was huge. Merely the fact that the Rams would try that deep in their territory in a game that was on the verge of slipping away says a lot about the aggressive nature of the Rams and their ability to execute the unexpected. Hekker is arguably the best punter in the NFL, and a fake punt is always an option, given his passing ability. 

Kicker Greg Zuerlein nailed key field goals of 48 and 57 yards under pressure. He has reportedly been seen wearing a walking boot over the last few days, but the injury is not believed to be serious. Let's hope that is the case.

Overview:

Somehow we all knew it would come down to these two teams for the NFC title, probably because they were clearly the best two teams in the conference this season. Odds makers are giving the New Orleans Saints the edge by a field goal, and the Saints is notoriously tough at home. They will have the advantage of a loud home crowd, and the confidence of beaten the Rams after just a couple of months ago in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Whether that will all add up to a win for the Saints remains to be seen, however, this is not that same Rams team that lost there back in November, and if they can run the ball effectively the same as last week against Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Rams could very well spoil the victory party in the dome.

Rams Offense vs Saints Defense

The first question is, which Rams offense shows up to play? The explosive passing attack that racked up 54 points in a win over Kansas City Chiefs, or the ''ground and pound" bulldozer that rushed for 273 yards against the Cowboys a week ago? Our guess is it will be a little of both, but probably with a heavy emphasis on the running game.

The emergence of C.J. Anderson, who has rushed for 499 yards in just three games, in addition to all-world superstar Todd Gurley, provides the Rams a two-headed monster that rivals the famed Alvin Kamara-Mark Ingram duo of the Saints. In fact, they might even be a little better, in my humble opinion. The loss of Saints defensive tackle and run-stuffer extraordinaire Sheldon Rankins, who suffered a torn achilles in last week's win over the Philadelphia Eagles, is bad news for the Saints in this game.

The Saints had one of the league's best run defenses in 2018, but whether they can be that good on Sunday without Rankins remains to be seen.

The good news for the Saints is that they tend to rotate their defensive linemen in and out throughout the game. Having said this, it still hurts the Saints in obvious running situations, as Rankins would have very likely been in the game. Even though the Saints has a very good defensive line, including Marcus Davenport selected in the first of the the 2018 NFL Draft and  Cam Jordan (who racked up 12 sacks this season), both at defensive end. Jordan is a pass-rushing demon, and one of the key matchups in this game will be his battle with Rams right tackle Rob Havenstein.

That matchup takes on added importance because the belief around the league is that you can throw on Saints corners Eli Apple, Marshon Lattimore, and slot-corner P.J. Williams. The Rams are still without wide receiver Cooper Kupp, which hurts, but his replacement, Josh Reynolds, could start for many other NFL teams.  The offense does have one of their premier wide receiving duos in the league in speedster Brandin Cooks and the very steady Robert Woods, who also will probably see a few carries on jet sweeps that the Rams enjoy calling. Quarterback Jared Goff threw for 392 yards in the loss to the Saints in November. He may not get that many yards this time around if the Rams go smash mouth, as we sort of expect, but he is certainly capable of putting up those type of numbers, especially if the Saints jumps out to a big lead again.

Edge: Rams.

Saints Offense vs. Rams Defense

This is where the Saints won the game in November, racking up 45 points. Wide receiver Micheal Thomas had a career day, racking up over 200 receiving yards, including a back-breaking 73-yard touchdown on a blown coverage against the Rams by corner Marcus Peters late in the game (in fairness to Peters he was expecting help from over the top by a safety). The Rams will have cornerback Aqib Talib on Sunday, and he may see a fair amount of Thomas. The Rams defense gave up on average of 31 points a game this season without Talib versus only 17 ppg with him in the lineup. Holding the Saints to 17 points at home on this game is probably not going to happen, bit if Talib can at minimize Thomas to let’s say about 100 yards or so, it would be a major victory to the Rams chances to win this game.

Another thing the Saints were able to accomplish last game, was they were able to contain the Rams superstar defensive tackle Aaron Donald, who didn't register a sack and for one few times this season, was a virtual non-factor. Much of the credit went to Saints guard Andrus Peat, and they will be counting on him against the Rams again on Sunday. Peat played in last week's win over Philadelphia with a broken hand, and while a week isn't enough time for such an injury to heal, he's insisting he is "good to go." The Saints overall have one of the league's better O-lines, and they are helped in pass protection by the fact that Brees gets rid of the ball extremely fast. But at least as important to the Rams hopes for a victory will be their ability to keep Kamara and Ingram under contained. They did the job last week, holding the NFL rushing leader Zeke Elliot to a paltry 47 yards, but that same rushing defense was really bad during the regular season, giving up over five yards per rush. Kamara is also a major threat as a receiver out of the backfield, and the Ram's linebackers will need to play well in this game. That could be a problem, because as a unit they were not very good for majority of the season.

Ndamukong Suh had maybe his best game as a Ram last week against the Cowboys. Have the monster awaken just at the right time? The Rams certainly hope so.

Edge: Saints

Special Teams:

Check the box for the Rams here, but not by much. The Saints kicker Will Lutz, is generally steady and reliable as a placekicker, and has an advantage in being familiar with the surface at the Mercedes-Benz Dome. The Rams return game has been somewhat disappointing this season, and they have an annoying habit of piling up illegal block penalties. One of the key turning points in the game these two teams played in November was a fake field goal try by holder (and Rams punter) Johnny Hekker that was ruled as being short of the first first down. We say '"ruled" but a lot of people thought the Saints got the benefit of some ''home cooking" on the spot by the referees. We get it, blaming the refs for a loss is considered bad manners (or just plain whiny) by many...but if you saw the game, you had to wonder. Hopefully this game won't turn on a decision by the officials.
Edge Rams (slight)

Coaching

This Sean (Payton) vs Sean (McVay) matchup is one of the best coaching chess matches you will ever see. Both are considered offensive masterminds, both are aggressive and unconventional. But only one has a Super Bowl ring (so far). But the Rams have two of the top assistants anywhere in defensive coordinator Wade Phillips and special teams coach John (Bones) Fassell. Let's call it a tossup.
Edge-Even

Prediction:
This is an extremely tough call. In a game like this almost anything could happen, and probably will. The Saints have a home-field advantage, but they also have injuries, including the broken hand that guard Andrus Peat is dealing with. New Orleans will also be without wide receiver Keith Kirkwood and tight end Ben Watson. If the Rams can run the ball like they did last week, you have to like their chances.

Rams 34
Saints 31

Overview:

Despite the fact the Los Angeles Rams are touchdown favorites in this game, a surprising number of the talking head ''experts" are picking the Dallas Cowboys to win this game. That includes three of the four hosts on the NFL network's "Good Morning Football" program (Peter Schrager was the lone exception) as well as such predictable Ram haters as Colin Cowherd (this is a family blog so that I will restrain my usual criticisms on Colin). For whatever reason, the Cowboys seem like the trendy pick among media types. Moreover, they could win IF two things happen:

First, if Zeke Elliot can rush for over 120 yards, and rack up 150 yards from scrimmage. 
Second, if the Cowboys defense can hold the Rams under 25 points, moreover, of course, turnovers are always the other deciding factor, as they are in every football game from Pop Warner league to the NFL playoffs. A Cowboy victory would not be a shocker here; we do not expect it will follow.

Rams Defense vs. Dallas Offense

Probably the number one question in this game will be if the Rams rushing defense and whether they can control the 2018 NFL top rusher, Ezekiel Elliot. If they can hold him under, let's say about 80 yards, the Rams should win this game handily. We do not think the Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott can win this game with his arm. One of the key matchups will be Rams DT Aaron Donald against Cowboy guards Zack Martin and Conner Williams. Martin is a pretty good player and might have a fighting chance (to the extent anyone ever does) against AD, but I think Williams, the rookie out of Texas, might be over-matched against Donald, and that could be a problem for Dallas. They will probably try to double-team Donald, but Aaron has seen a lot of that this season, being double teamed over 70 percent of the time, and it has not stopped him from being the best defensive player in the league. Could Ndamukong Suh and Micheal Brockers step up, especially in run defense? Let's hope so. The Rams gave up over five yards per rush during the regular season, and they have to do better than that, or they likely won't win this game. That of course, doesn't mean just the defensive linemen, it also means the linebackers, who as a unit have been the weak link here. The defense in general needs to be more disciplined, especially regarding gap integrity. That means taking care of assignments and not free-lancing so much. The good news is that defensive coordinator Wade Phillips has had two weeks to try to fix the problems here.

While controlling the running game will be a top priority for the Rams defense, they cannot forget entirely about the passing game either. The Cowboys season turned around when they acquired wide receiver, Amari Cooper. While Cooper is not the typical diva, trash-talking wide receiver, he did brag this week about knowing Rams corners Aqib Talib and Marcus Peters ''inside and out," promising to rat out their alleged weaknesses to quarterback Dak Prescott. Of course, that is a two-sided coin, since Peters and Talib are also well acquainted with Cooper from the recent history all three players had in the AFC West. They are because both corners generally won most of their battles with Cooper, we kind of like this matchup for the Rams. The other key factor, of course, will be the battle up front. Despite the Cowboys reputation for having one of the better offensive lines in the league, Prescott was sacked 56 times this year, the second most of any NFL quarterback. Many observers put much of the blame on Prescott for holding the ball too long. Whatever the reason may be, the Cowboys probably don't want to fall too far behind in this game, because if they have to get too pass-happy, they may be in trouble. 

Edge: Even

Rams Offense vs. Dallas Defense

The Rams offense against the Cowboys defense is the marquee unit matchup of this game and maybe of the entire divisional round of the playoffs, matching strength against strength. The Cowboys had the 6th-best scoring defense in the league during the regular season, while the Rams scored more points (527) than any team except Kansas City.  The Cowboys are not likely to win a shootout in this game, which means they probably have to keep the Rams under 30 points to win (under 25 would be better).

The Rams offense starts with Todd Gurley, and the good news for the Rams is that all signs point to his being healthy and well-rested for this game While they, of course, won't face each other directly, the Elliot vs. Gurley battle is a big one here, and whoever has a better game will give their team the edge. Gurley is dangerous not only as a runner, but he is also perhaps the league's best pass catcher coming out of the backfield. On the other side of the ball, Cowboy linebackers Leighton Vander Esch and Jaylon Smith both had monster years and might be as good as any pair of linebackers in the NFL.

Rams running back CJ Anderson, who excelled in Gurley's absence will likely see some snaps in this game too. He was well over 100 yards rushing in both of his starts at the end of the year, subbing for TGII. While he is not the game breaker, Gurley is, he is a punishing, tough runner who showed more shiftiness than expected. Rams coach Sean McVay has said Anderson will play a role offense in the post-season. It will be interesting to see how McVay utilizes Anderson. When it comes to coach McVay and his offensive wizardry, expect the unexpected.

A key battle up front will pit Rams right tackle Rob Havenstein against Dallas defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence. Lawrence said this week that he wants to ''take Jared Goff's soul." While the league does not keep official stats on soul-snatching, Jared Goff had problems in games where he faced heavy pressure, notably the Bears and Eagles games. He showed a disturbing tendency to turn the ball over in key situations, and the Rams need to either curb the pass rush or go ''ground and pound."  Goff, for his part, needs to be willing to either take the sack or throw the ball away safely. 

One matchup we like in the passing game for the Rams is wide receiver Brandin Cooks against Cowboy corner Byron Jones. However, we cannot discount Rams receivers Robert Woods (who like Cooks had over 1,000 yards receiving this season). Also, Josh Reynolds either. Moreover, tight end Gerald Everett emerged as a threat late in the year as well. If the Rams O-line can mostly win up front, we think the Rams have too many weapons, even for a defense as good as that of the Cowboys.

Edge: Rams

Special Teams:

Cowboys kick returner Tavon Austin would like nothing better than to get revenge on the team that traded him in the off-season (the Rams). Austin is feast or famine. His blistering speed always makes him a threat to take one to the house, but he also fumbles prone, and some say he rattled with a good, hard hit or two. Austin has been battling a groin injury, and if he cannot go Cole Beasley will run back kicks. Beasley is less explosive, but also less fumble prone. The Rams return game was not "all that" this season, and Dallas placekicker Brett Maher and punter Chris Jones are both well above average. However, the Rams have Cory Littleton, who made the pro bowl as a special teams player, as well as punter Johnny Hekker, both among the best in the league. Hekker, of course, is always a threat with the fake punt, and Littleton has a knack for blocking kicks. Placekicker Greg Zuerlein was 27 out of 31 on field goal attempts this season, with a long of 56, and he is a threat from 60 yards plus. We could make an argument either way here, but we are going to check the box for the Rams.
 
Edge Rams

X-factors

The X-factor is typically a category we include with this blog, but there are a couple of x-factors that might figure into this game. The first is the fact that Dallas has not been perfect on the road this year, going 3-5, while the Rams were 7-1 at home. Jared Goff, in particular, seemed better at the Coliseum than on the road. On the other hand, a significant contingent of Cowboy fans is expected to show up for this game. Estimates are that anywhere between 29 and 60 percent of those attending this game in person will be cheering for Dallas, which could mitigate the usual "crowd noise" factor that tends to plague visiting offenses in the NFL.

The other x-factor is injuries. The Rams have had two weeks of rest and recovery time, while Dallas has an assortment of bumps and bruises that may or may not factor into this game. 

Edge: Rams

Prediction:

As we said at the outset, if Dallas can run the ball effectively and keep the Rams offense in the low 20s or lower, they can win. They also come in as a hot team, making this a hard game to predict. However, we think the Rams are a complete team, and probably a little better overall.

Rams 31
Cowboys 24

On Sunday at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, when the Los Angeles Rams take the field against the Dallas Cowboys, they will see a familiar face on the other side of the field. The speedy Tavon Austin, whom the Rams traded to the Cowboys during the 2018 NFL Draft for a sixth-round draft pick now a member of the Cowboys team.

In 2016, Austin, signed a four-year extension to stay in Los Angeles, with the team that drafted in the 2013 NFL Draft. Austin signed a four-year, $42,000,000 extension including $28,500,000 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $10,500,000. In 2017, Austin earned a base salary of $3,500,000 and a roster bonus of $11,477,116, while carrying a cap hit of $14,977,116.

Austin's lucrative contract extension brought frustration from numerous Ram fans because Austin’s statistics did not measure up to that type of monetary reward of the elite receivers in the league.  It appeared that he became lost in the shuffle, as he primarily was used as a decoy to open the running lanes for Todd Gurley impressive MVP run.

During the off-season, Austin's agent and Les Snead continued to negotiate in "good faith," but the two sides could not decide during the bargaining period. Austin's was due $5,000,000 after the Rams failed to release him before the 4:00 pm EST deadline as his salary would be received. If Austin's were released his salary would have freed up $3,000.000 in cap space to get further new players signed.

The Cowboys one of the leagues hottest team are winners of their eight out of nines games after acquiring receiver Amari Cooper from the Oakland Raiders. The Cowboys seemed to be dead in the water with a record of 3-6 but discovered a way to bounce back and win the NFC East and earned a Wild Card Berth.

The Cowboys defeated the Seattle Seahawks 24-22 in the NFC Wild Card to advance to the next round of divisional playoffs to face the Rams. The last time these two teams met, the game was played at AT&T Stadium, as it seemed as if the Cowboys were going to embarrass the Rams early. However, in the second half, the Rams defense buckled down, and the offense seemed rejuvenated after the half. 

Austin will probably be an X-Factor against the Rams, as the Cowboys are a bit thin at the receiver position. The Cowboys lost starting receiver Allen Hurns when he dislocated his ankle in the game against the Seahawks. A gruesome injury to watch as Hurns made a catch and fought for extra yardage. 

Receiver Cole Beasley listed as questionable while he recovers from an ankle injury suffered against the Seahawks too.  Austin provided a spark for the Cowboys in that Wild Card game as he had two impressive punt returns taking one back for an 80-yard touchdown. However, for Austin demise, he would yet have another punt return for a touchdown nullified by a holding penalty.

The Rams defense will need to be aware of Austin's presence on the field as his speed may present a problem. Expecting to be more aware with Ezekiel Elliot, Austin on jet sweeps or vertical routes can attack a Rams defense that has given up a lot of passing yards of late. Austin in an open field can be critical but has a history not holding on to the ball, something that landed him on the bench while still a Rams player.

If Austin is looking to stick it to the Rams after they traded him to the Cowboys, the Rams defense will be more than happy to welcome him home with great punishment. Rams seek to advance to NFC Championship game against the winner of the New Orleans Saints and the defending world champion Philadelphia Eagles. 

The Rams game is expected to have an estimated amount of 90,000 fans in attendance. However, the attendance will be challenged with many Cowboy fans heavily mixed with the Rams. The fans are optimistic on the Rams defeating the Cowboys and the Eagles upsetting the Saints.  A Saints loss and a Rams victory, means that the Rams will face the Eagles in an NFC Championship at the Coliseum. The Eagles have beaten the Rams in their last two meetings when they played at the Coliseum, and with that being said, the team will make sure that there's not a third. ​

Matt LaFleur, the former offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams, has agreed to be the next head for the Green Bay Packers. The 39-year-old LaFleur agreed to a four-year contract with a fifth-year option, a rare deal for a first-time head coach.

Rams head coach Sean McVay hired LaFleur last season to be his quarterback coach after he helped Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan win the NFL Most Valuable Player Award. As the Rams offensive coordinator, the Rams offense put up record point scoring that transitioned a second-year quarterback Jared Goff with a fantastic second season. Goff earned his first pro-bowl with his play to help the Rams finish with a winning season for the first time since 2006.

The past off-season the TennesseeTitans hired Mike Vrable, the Patriots former all-pro linebacker as their new head coach, he quickly sought-after LaFleur. After meeting with LaFleur, the Titans organization promptly hired LaFleur soon after completing their coaching recruiting.

Titans general manager Jon Robinson who is great friends with Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst helped engineer LaFleur's hire with persuasion to Packers president Mark Murphy. LaFleur hiring over former head coaches with experiences such as Jim Caldwell, Chuck Pagano, and Adam Gase came by surprise any of the three landed the job.

The Packers fired longtime head coach Mike McCarthy during the regular season after the team failed to make the playoffs. Rumors circulated that McCarthy and quarterback Aaron Rogers were no longer on the same page and team he lost control of the team. McCarthy won one Super Bowl with the Packers and made the playoffs every year but twice.

Rams head coach McVay in just his second full season have two coaches hired by other teams, with one getting a head coaching job in one year. This season two other young assistant coaches Shane Waldron, and Zac Taylor interviewed with several teams for their head coaching vacancies. At this point, neither of two been hired by it displays McVay system.

Out with old and in with the new is what the Rams coaching staff is starting to develop. Is the young McVay the new Bill Belichick of the NFL? McVay has inaugurated his coaching tree of success in the NFL, and expect to see more of his coaches targeted for other head coaching or coordinator positions. 

​On Saturday evening, the Dallas Cowboys defeated the Seattle Seahawks 24-22 in the NFC Wild Card to advance to the next round of divisional playoffs. However, they would not know whether they would travel to play the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome or travel west to play the Los Angeles Rams.  What stood in the way of those travel plans was the outcome of the World Champion Philadelphia Eagles versus the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field.

On Sunday evening the Cowboy travel plans were to prepare to head west to play the NFC West Divisional Champion Los Angeles Rams. The Eagles were able to fight back late in the game against the Bears in the fourth quarter to take the lead. However, on the ensuing kickoff, Tarik Cohen made an impressive return to provide the Bears with an excellent field position with less than two minutes on the clock. The Bears moved the ball some but settled for a fourth down field goal attempt. 

The game could not get any bizarre as just before the snap, Eagles head coach Doug Pederson called a timeout to ice the Bears kicker. Despite the timeout, Bears kicker Cody Parker nailed the 43-yard field straight down the middle. On the ensuing play, this where it becomes bizarre, the ball is snapped, perfect placement, but Parker would hook it right as it struck the top right-side goal post, and down to the crossbar and then fall to the field missing the field goal.

The Cowboys will travel to Los Angeles after going 7-1 in their last eight games to play the Rams. The last time these two teams met, the teams played at AT&T Stadium, as it seemed as if the Cowboys were going to embarrass the Rams early. However, in the second half, the Rams defense buckled down, and the offense received a rejuvenation at half-time.

However, it was the leg of Rams kicker Greg "The Leg" Zuerlein who kicked a record seven field goals to help the Rams defeat the Cowboys by the score of 35-30 in a thriller. Rams running back Todd Gurley provided the boost with a 53-yard catch-and-run for a touchdown juking Cowboys safety Jeff Heath to get free.

The Rams who received a first-round bye this week after defeating the San Francisco 49ers last week at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum will be prepared and well rested. Gurley and safety LaMarcus Joyner are available for the game on Saturday, and Rams have no other players on medical watch. 

When the Cowboys meet the Rams, they will see a different and more dynamic style of offensive players on the field. Added was Brandin Cooks and recent veteran signing of C.J. Anderson will make the Cowboys prepare hard for this game. Gurley and Anderson give the Rams different style of a two-headed monster run game a bit different than of the Saints Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram.

However, they cannot just rely on running down the Cowboys' throat like they accomplished last season as their front seven is solid. The linebacking crew of veteran Sean Lee, Jaylon Smith, rookie Leighton Vander Esch, and Damien Wilson can contain the run and cover down the field. They are the anchor of the Cowboys defense and will not allow Gurley to be averaging over 5.0 yards per run like last season gaining 121 yards for the game. The Cowboys defense will be a fascinating matchup for the Rams offense on Saturday.

On the other hand, the Rams defense needs to be very concerned with Ezekiel Elliot and quarterback Dak Prescott. Both players can hurt the Rams running the ball, but Elliot can also catch the ball after collecting 77 receptions to lead the Cowboy team. 

The Cowboys lost a starting receiver in Allen Hurns as he dislocated his ankle and Cole Beasley banged up too. Former Rams receiver Tavon Austin provide a spark for the Cowboys against the Seahawks as he made two impressive punt returns taking one back for an 80-yard touchdown. However, for Austin demise, it happens again, another punt return for a touchdown nullified by a holding penalty. Austin will look to stick it to the Rams after trading him to the Cowboys during the 2018 NFL Draft, or the Rams defense will give him a welcome home punishment.

The Rams have opened up as a seven-point favorite over the Cowboys, guaranteed to have a sellout for this matchup. Rams will seek to get their first playoff win under head coach Sean McVay after losing his first against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Wild Card last season. The Rams have cashed in all their chips to make this a Super Bowl or Bust ride decision.

​Aaron Donald, the 2017 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, was named NFC Defensive Player of Month. About one hour later, he would be named a Pro Football Focus All-Pro Team. Donald became the only Los Angeles Rams player to be named to the All-Pro Team.

Donald has had one impressive season after agreeing to a record-breaking new contract this past offseason. During the regular season, Donald was everything that as advertised about him and worth every penny.  In Week #16, Donald sacked Arizona Cardinals rookie quarterback Josh Rosen for the second time breaking the single-season record for defensive tackles with his 18.5 sack of the season.

Keith Millard, the former Minnesota Vikings record stood for some 29 years until Donald not only broke the record but also extended his record. Donald finished the game with nine totaled tackles (seven solos), four tackles for losses, four quarterback hits, and three sacks.

Donald's tremendous effort surpassing Millard's record, came to an end against the 49ers as all eyes were on him breaking Michael Strahan's single record of 22.5 sacks last Sunday. Donald fell short as he was only able to sack 49ers quarterback Nick Mullens once in the game. 

Donald finished the regular season with 59 total tackles (30 for losses), 20.5 sacks, 106 quarterback pressures, 21 hits on the quarterback, one pass deflection, four forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. 

Despite falling short to Strahan's record, Donald has rewritten the record book of sacks by a defensive tackle. His new sack record potentially has helped him established a firm stance of being named the 2018 NFL MVP.

​The 2019 Pro Hall of Fame Committee selected former Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams wide receiver Isaac Bruce as one of the 15 finalists for the 2019 class that will be announced one day before Super Bowl LIII. The committee unveiled its 15 modern-era finalists for the Class of 2019:

Steve Atwater (Safety) 1989-1998 Denver Broncos, 1999 New York Jets
Champ Bailey (Corner) 1999-2003 Washington Redskins, 2004-2013 Denver Broncos
Tony Boselli (Tackle) 1995-2001 Jacksonville Jaguars
Isaac Bruce  (Receiver) 1994-2007 Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams, 2008-09 San Francisco 49ers
Don Coryell (Coach)  1973-77 St. Louis Cardinals, 1978-1986 San Diego Chargers
Alan Faneca (Guard) 1998-2007 Pittsburgh Steelers, 2008-09 New York Jets, 2010 Arizona Cardinals
Tom Flores (Coach) 1979-1987 Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders, 1992-94 Seattle Seahawks
Tony Gonzalez (Tight End)  1997-2008 Kansas City Chiefs, 2009-2013 Atlanta Falcons
Steve Hutchinson (Guard)  2001-05 Seattle Seahawks, 2006-2011 Minnesota Vikings,
2012 Tennessee Titans
Edgerrin James (Running Back) 1999-2005 Indianapolis Colts, 2006-08 Arizona Cardinals,2009 Seattle Seahawks 
Ty Law (Corner) 1995-2004 New England Patriots, 2005, 2008 New York Jets, 2006-07 Kansas City Chiefs, 2009 Denver Broncos
John Lynch (Safety) 1993-2003 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 2004-07 Denver Broncos
Kevin Mawae (Center) 1994-97 Seattle Seahawks, 1998-2005 New York Jets, 2006-09 Tennessee Titans
Ed Reed (Safety) 2002-2012 Baltimore Ravens, 2013 Houston Texans, 2013 New York Jets
Richard Seymour (DE/DT) 2001-08 New England Patriots, 2009-2012 Oakland Raiders

The Rams selected Bruce in the second round of the 1994 NFL Draft and played 14 seasons with the Rams and winning one Super Bowl. Mostly remembered by his game-winning catch in Super Bowl XXXIV against the Tennessee Titans, the instrumental leader of the "Greatest Show On Turf." (Watch Video)

The Rams released Bruce where he signed and played two seasons with the San Francisco 49ers. However, the 49ers agreed to trade Bruce back to the Rams where he could retire as a Ram after 16 NFL seasons. In the 2010 NFL season, the Rams retired Bruce's #80 jersey that hung in the Edward Jones Dome rafters. 
 
The former Rams great had an impressive career by establishing 1,024 receptions (11th NFL overall), 15,208 career receiving yards (5th NFL overall), and 91 receiving touchdowns (12th NFL overall), as each of those categories remain as Rams franchise records that stand today.

Bruce and former teammate Tory Holt seemed to have been overlooked the last couple of years, as Bruce gets one step closer toward induction. As the only receiver on the list of finalist let's assume that he will get his key to Canton on February 2, 2019. 

Good luck to Isaac Bruce, as the cities of Los Angeles and St. Louis remain optimistic with nomination to his induction into the Hall of Fame. We all are rallying behind him 100% of becoming the 18th Ram player and coach to wear the Gold Jacket. Bruce played the game with passion and class and rarely disappointed the Fans when getting into the end zone. (Watch Video)

​At the beginning of the 2017 NFL off-season, the Los Angeles Rams were searching for a new head coach after firing Jeff Fisher during the regular season. They would find a young, vibrant, and energetic Sean McVay the former offensive coordinator of the Washington Redskins and hired them as the teams new head coach.

They young McVay first added to his coaching staff a veteran coach that had previous head coaching experiences with defensive coordinator Wade Phillips. He essentially added to his staff Aaron Kromer the Rams offensive line coach who once was the interim head coach for the New Orlean Saints after the "Bounty Gate" scandal. McVay also brought back the former Rams offensive coordinator Greg Olson who helped Marc Bulger to pass over 4,000 yards in one season.

McVay also hired young assistant coaches to his staff, such as Matt LaFleur as the offensive coordinator, Shane Waldron as tight ends coach, and Zac Taylor as the assistant wide receivers coach. However, with the immediate success of the 2017 Rams season, teams started inquiring on the young coaches.

However, before the young coaches sought after, John Gruden accepted the head coaching job with his former team of the Oakland Raiders. Olson primarily helped ignite a young Jared Goff just in his second season to help engineer the Rams offense to put up league-leading numbers to win the NFC West Title.  Gruden quickly asked for permission to speak with Olson and eventually hired him as the Raiders next new offensive coordinator.

LaFleur, the former Atlanta Falcons quarterbacks coach, had to stomach the debacle of the Falcons in Super Bowl LI against the New England Patriots. McVay hired LaFleur as the offensive coordinator. After one season with success, the Tennessee Titans requested permission to seek an interview with LaFleur. 

After the Titans hired Mike Vrable, the Patriots former all-pro linebacker as their new head coach, he quickly sought-after LaFleur. After meeting with LaFleur, the Titans organization promptly hired LaFleur soon after completing their coaching recruiting. 

​In the McVay's motto, "We Not Me" adopted another locker room slogan, "Next Man Up!" From that McVay would promote Zac Taylor from his assistant wide receivers coach position to the quarterback's coach. McVay also promoted tight ends coach Shane Waldron as the passing game coordinator an co-offensive coordinator. Coach Kromer in addition to his offensive line coaching duties also promoted to co-offensive coordinator position as the run game coordinator.

Repeating another season of the success of the Rams winning 13 of 16 games, another pro bowl selection of quarterback Goff, the dominant passing game with the Rams offense, it is déjà vu. 

By the end of the 2018 season, there were eight head coaching vacancies. As vacancies arise, coaches are needed to fulfill those vacant head coaching jobs. Therefore the hottest commodities from the Rams coaching staff are Waldron and Taylor. Go figure, as Goff nearly passed for 5,000 yards and once labeled as a bust, and receivers Brandin Cooks and Robert Woods both posting over 1,200 receiving yards, several organizations have opened eyes for these two young coaches.

Several NFL teams such as the Denver Broncos, Arizona Cardinals and Cincinnati Bengals are have drawn interest in Taylor and the Bengals and Broncos for Waldron. However, rumors have circulated after the Detroit Lions fired Jim Bob Cooter as the offensive coordinator, that the Lions may seek after Waldron. Waldron coached with Matt Patricia, the Lions head coach in their days in New England under head coach Bill Belichick.

Surrounding last weeks media discussions, reporters asked Coach McVay what advice did he offer to the Taylor and Waldron. He would comment by this:

​When approached with the question on teams requesting for permission to speak to Waldron and Taylor, McVay had this say how he felt on potentially losing the two:

Addressing the issue of not wanting them to leave however in a unselfish way of encouraging to accept an offer McVay humbling responded:

In just his second full season as the Rams head coach, the Rams have gone into a healthy direction that fans have dreamed about for years, and long before their return from St. Louis. The Rams under McVay have won two NFC Titles, two playoff appearances, and more wins in his first two seasons with 25 wins as Fisher's 27 wins in four seasons. 

McVay speaks about his influences and potentially of promoting and hiring new coaches if Taylor or Waldron becomes hired elsewhere. McVay predicated his success from his grandfather and shared his answer:

​The Rams will sit and watch this week NFL Wild Card games between the Seattle Seahawks vs. Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium, and the Philadelphia Eagles vs. the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The Rams will more than likely have their eye on the Eagles and Bears games, the two teams that handed the Rams back-to-back losses this season.

However, the Rams likely are expecting for the Bears to defeat the Eagles defending World Champion, as they look to avenge their loss. The Rams dealt with the adverse weather in Chicago as temperatures dropped into the low teens. The subpar Rams offense were affected the entire game as the defense played one of their better game in weeks. However, from aside of all the Rams turnovers, the defense became exposed to long to the cold element. This time around the Rams will be more focused and seeking to send the Bears hibernating for the winter.

The reigning 2017 Defensive Player of the Year and Los Angeles Rams Aaron has been named the December Defensive Player of the Month. The second time that the Rams future Hall of Famer Defensive Lineman has won this season.

The 2018 NFL season started slowly for Donald; however, his play had increased to a higher level. On a Sunday afternoon at Levi Stadium, Donald sacked 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard for a career-best of four-times in that game. In addition to Donald's four sacks, he posted nine total tackles (eight solo tackles), six tackles for losses, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and five quarterback hits.

Blanked in the first two outings of December against the Chicago Bears and Philadelphia Eagles, Donald aimed toward a sack record that the Arizona Cardinals stood in his way of obtaining. In week two of the season, the Cardinals were able to keep Donald under wrap as he failed to get a sack in his second consecutive game, well let's say the first three games.

However, in the second meeting against the Cardinals, Donald was able to sack Cardinals rookie quarterback Josh Rosen three times in that game. On Donald's second sack, he would break the single-season record for defensive tackles with his 18.5 sack of the season. 

Keith Millard, the former Minnesota Vikings record stood for some 29 years until Donald would break and extend his record. Donald finished the game with nine totaled tackles (seven solos), four tackles for losses, four quarterback hits, and three sacks.

Donald's tremendous effort surpassing Millard's record, came to an end against the 49ers as all eyes were on him breaking Michael Strahan's single record of 22.5 sacks last Sunday. Donald fell short as he was only able to sack 49ers quarterback Nick Mullens once in the game. 

Despite falling short to Strahan's record, Donald has rewritten the record book of sacks by a defensive tackle. His new sack record potentially has helped him established a firm stance of being named the 2018 NFL MVP.

The last defensive player to win the MVP was linebacker Lawrence Taylor back in 1986. In that season Taylor posted 20.5 sacks and 105 total tackles, where he was not only NFL MVP, but also the NFL Defensive Player of the Year, and won a Super Bowl.

Donald is on the same path that Taylor crossed some 33 years ago, and argumentatively has become one of the NFL greatest defensive player to have played the game. The question to ask will the writers finally convinced themselves other than Tom Brady named not included in this year's balloting?

​​A Los Angeles Rams player has been snubbed as the NFC Defensive Player of the Week and should be the eighth Rams player to earn that Player of the Week honors this season.

Last week the reigning 2017 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald received that honor with his impressive three-sack game against the Arizona Cardinals. However, this week Rams starting inside linebacker Corey Littleton is snubbed by Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman Fletcher Cox as the NFC Defensive Player of the Week. 

Littleton, the third-year undrafted linebacker from the University of Washington accommodated the Rams to not only defeat their NFC West rivaled San Francisco 49ers, but also swept the division for the first time since the realignment in 2011. 

Littleton's first quarter efforts on Sunday were so impressive as he set the tone for the Rams defense with two interceptions in the game. Littleton's first interception came by an errant pass thrown by 49ers quarterback Nick Mullens that intended for 49ers receiver Richey James. 

Littleton initially returned the interception to the 49ers seven-yard line after being pushed out of bounds. However, after a review by the replay booth, it was determined that the ball would be spotted at the 49ers 13-yard line. Later in the first quarter, Littleton jumped another pass intended for James for his second interception that resulted in a 19-yard pick-six touchdown. His second interception became the Rams third of the first quarter and fourth turnover created in that period.

Littleton finished the game with four tackles, two interceptions, two pass deflections, and one touchdown against the 49ers. He finished the 2018 regular season with 125 tackles, four sacks, three interceptions, 13 pass deflections, and four blocked punts, and one touchdown on the season.

Littleton inherited the Rams starting linebacker position when the Rams traded away former captain Alec Ogletree in the off-season to the New York Giants, as he too calls the Rams defensive signals. Littleton impressed Rams Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillips and linebacker coach Joe Barry during the training camps and pre-season to secure the position. 

Despite Littleton's great play, unfortunately, the voters seemed more compelled with Cox's three sacks against the Washington Redskins. Cox playing against a crippled Redskins offensive line should not overshadow two interceptions and a touchdown return by Littleton. 

Last month Littleton was named to the NFC Pro Bowl roster as a special team specialist.