When the dust settles on this NFL season, and we can look back on everything objectively, it will be interesting to see what stands out as the most impressive moment in the Rams’ dominating victory over the Minnesota Vikings in the Wild Card round. Perhaps it was Jared Verse’s ‘scoop and score,’ showing why he nailed the Rookie of the Year. Maybe it was Matthew Stafford reminding us that he can drag a team to a championship. Or it may simply be that the Rams were able to keep cool heads while dealing with the setback of losing home advantage.
Post-game, the Rams players offered plenty of perspective on the game, moving to Arizona at short notice due to the wildfires in California. They made it clear to a man that football was just football, whereas the people at home were dealing with true adversity. Yet, Stafford and others also suggested that the team doing well can help in its own (small) way. “We knew what we were playing for today,” said an emotional Stafford after the game. “This is for the people of Los Angeles.”
Emotional Players Used the Tragedy as Motivation
It’s not unheard of for a sports team to use tragedy as motivation. The 2013 Boston Red Sox players were galvanized after the Boston Marathon Bombing, going all the way to win the World Series, which felt unlikely at the start of the season. The Rams have a similar mountain to climb, but they took a big step forward on Monday in Arizona. The Vikings were impressive all season, but the Rams did their homework to stunt every offensive weapon.
Post-game, the Rams’ Super Bowl odds didn’t shift much. The toughest of roads lies ahead. Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles will be a formidable challenge. The Rams were humbled by the Eagles 20-37 earlier in the season at the SoFi Stadium, and the Eagles look even more potent in front of the home fans in Philadelphia. Should they get through that encounter, it doesn’t get any easier with a potential tie against the Detroit Lions (assuming they beat the Commanders). The Lions are a much better team than when the Rams met them in Week 1 (an overtime loss).
While it’s too early to speculate about Super Bowl opponents, you would likely be looking at one of the Bills, Ravens, Texans, or Chiefs. The Bills have been electric when on their game, led by the favorite in the NFL MVP odds, Josh Allen. Also, Lamar Jackson has been crucial to the Ravens’ sense of momentum in the MVP conversation. And there’s also the prospect of the Chiefs, a team going for an unprecedented third Super Bowl in a row and one that seems to have a knack for winning regardless of how they play.
New Game Plan a Must
Of course, all of this is mere speculation at the moment. Sean McVay will have only one thing on his mind – how to get past Philadelphia on Sunday. It’s an incredibly tough task, but the Rams will have a chance if they play like they did on Monday night. It was not just a performance where the players gave it all; it was also one of intelligence to leave the Vikings reeling and searching for answers to the questions the Ram’s offense posed. McVay will have to come up with something new to thwart the Eagles.
Whatever happens, the Rams earned a lot of respect on Monday. They remain in the outsiders’ category for the Super Bowl, at least where the betting odds are concerned. However, as fans of the Eagles who witnessed Philadelphia’s unlikely triumph at Super Bowl LII will tell you, odds count for very little at this stage. Momentum and confidence are key; the Rams look to have that in abundance.
