For the second year in a row, the Los Angeles Rams are heading to the NFC Divisional Round. The Rams reminded the league that they should be considered a Super Bowl contender after dismantling the Arizona Cardinals in the Wild Card round, playing arguably their most complete game of the year.
Matthew Stafford played a clean game not turning the ball over while the defense was able to completely stifle Kyler Murray and the Cardinal offense.
Now, Los Angeles faces a much tougher opponent in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tom Brady, who also dominated their matchup against their Wild Card opponent the Philadelphia Eagles.
Eric Weddle, who has never beaten Brady in his career, discussed playing against him and how much respect he has for who he considers the great quarterback ever, via Brady Henderson of ESPN:
“He’s the GOAT,” said Weddle, who was still living the retired life with zero thought of playing again when the two teams met in September. “I’ve had many battles with him over my career, and I can’t say I ever beat him. So let’s break that streak. How about that?
“But they’re rolling. They’re the defending champs for a reason. I could go on and on about him, just a guy I admire, his competitiveness, how professional he is, how great he is. A lot of weapons. Going to be a huge challenge for us but it doesn’t matter who the best team is, it’s who plays the best at that given time, so we’re up for the challenge.”
The Rams were able to beat the Buccaneers back in Week 3, but both teams have gone personnel changes since. Los Angeles lost Robert Woods but added Odell Beckham Jr. and Von Miller while Tampa Bay has lost key players like Chris Godwin and Antonio Brown.
Weddle was a late add because of the injuries to Jordan Fuller and Taylor Rapp but now gets another opportunity to make a run with the Rams.
Even though Brady might be down weapons, he is perhaps the most dangerous quarterback to play in the postseason. Weddle and the defense will need to be at the top of their games if they want to slow down what is still a potent Buccaneers offense.
