The Los Angeles Rams are moving on to the NFC Divisional round after defeating the Seattle Seahawks, 30-20, to secure the tiebreaker when it mattered most.
The game was initially highlighted by Rams head coach Sean McVay’s decision to start John Wolford over Jared Goff under center despite both being active. Goff was just two weeks removed from suffering a fractured thumb and it appears McVay felt more comfortable rolling with a fresh face in Wolford to lead the offense.
Wolford’s second career start came to a halt after he suffered a neck injury in the first quarter. Fortunately, Goff was able to get the job done off the bench by completing 9-of-19 passes for 155 yards and a touchdown.
Even after the win, Goff’s performance was enough to question whether or not the Rams made the right choice. McVay gave some insight on what went into it and shared some high praise for Goff’s play, via ESPN’s Lindsey Thiry:
“For him to be able to throw the football is pretty impressive,” McVay said. “There were a couple limitations which led to the decision to go with John. I was real pleased with Jared, and I think it was a real credit to him to be able to handle this week the right way and have himself mentally ready to go.”
Goff’s admits that McVay’s choice to go with Wolford was a tough pill to swallow:
“It was tough,” Goff said about McVay’s decision. “It was some long conversations we had, but ultimately I respect his decision. He’s the coach. He had to make a decision that he needed to make early in the week to get out in front of some stuff, and I get it, but as a competitor, of course I wanted to play.”
Goff added that while the thumb is not 100%, it will be enough to help him get the job done moving forward:
“It’s in a good place, and I’m very capable with what I got going on right now,” Goff said.
Any limitations Goff may have on his thumb will surely be taken into consideration when McVay develops his game plan for the next round. Despite the effect it could have on the passing game, the Rams showed that they do not need to rely on an aerial assault to have success.
L.A. was able to control the line of scrimmage and this paid huge dividends for running back Cam Akers as he rushed for 131 yards and a touchdown on 28 carries. This also allowed the offense to control the clock by a seven-minute margin to help them secure the victory.
