SEATTLE, Washington − Los Angeles Rams (11-6) defense entered the game as the NFL’s best defense in multiple categories including points against, total yards and yards per play, including others. On Saturday, their presence was the difference as the Rams defeated the Seattle Seahawks (12-5), 30-20, to move on to the second round of the NFL playoffs.
Russell Wilson was held to 11-27 for 174 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception, including a pick-six in the 2nd quarter by corner Darious Williams.
Aaron Donald and Leonard Floyd both finished with two sacks as the Rams pass-rush finished with five sacks and kept Wilson and the Seahawks in check.
Rams quarterback controversy
With Jared Goff recovering from thumb surgery just twelve days before, John Wolford started the game for the Rams, but did not last long. He suffered a neck injury in the first quarter after a hit from safety Jamal Adams as he tried to dive to the ground. He left the game and was
transported to a local hospital.
With Blake Bortles inactive, Goff was thrust back into action as the only available quarterback.
While the Rams pulled off the victory, the offense was visibly out-of-sync and Goff showed accuracy issues. He finished 9-19, 155 yards and 1 touchdown.
As the Rams move on to the next round, head coach Sean McVay will have to navigate a shaky situation at the quarterback spot. With Wolford potentially out, the Rams will have to play the rest of the postseason with two available quarterbacks, Goff and Bortles.
Cam Akers, Rams Offensive Line Dominant
Cam Akers was the standout on offense, finishing the game with 28 carries, 131 yards and 1 touchdown as well as 2 receptions for 45 yards. Those 131 yards were the most by a Rams rookie in the postseason.
The dominant running game allowed for the offense to put Goff at risk too many times, while also kept possession of the football for a large portion of the game. The Rams dominated the time-of-possession, handling the ball for over 33 minutes.
The offensive line provided huge holes for the running back, while also giving the Rams quarterbacks time to find receivers. The line play will be key as LA moves forward with a depleted group of QBs. The key for the Rams moving forward will be keeping Goff healthy, so the offensive line will play a major role in the future.
Injuries to watch
Aaron Donald left the game with an unknown chest injury, and Cooper Kupp left the game late with a knee injury. Both of these are key to watch as well as the development of John Wolford’s neck injury. According to Coach McVay after the game, Wolford was back in the locker room to celebrate with the team, and “trending in the positive direction” after being released from the hospital.
UP NEXT
Rams will play either Green Bay, Washington or Tampa Bay.
If Chicago beats New Orleans, LA will play at Green Bay.
If New Orleans wins, LA will play the winner of Washington vs. Tampa Bay.
