LA Rams Clinch First in NFC West in Week 13
The Rams made their presence known in the NFL last season when head coach Sean McVay took over.
On Sunday, December 2, the Los Angeles Rams secured first place in the NFC West. This is the second year in a row the Rams took first place in the west. This is just 32-year-old coach Sean McVay’s second year as Rams head coach and he is proving why he deserves to be the youngest head coach the NFL has ever seen. McVay was previously an offensive coordinator for the Washington Redskins, but brought his rapid playing style to LA. Quarterback Jared Goff currently has the fourth most passing yards in the league, right behind Atlanta’s Matt Ryan. Goff also has the fifth highest passer rating in the NFL. Running back Todd Gurley II is currently the NFL's leading rusher, just 25 yards ahead of Dallas Cowboys’ running back Ezekiel Elliott. Gurley is leading the league in rushing touchdowns with 15 in just 13 games. Both prestigious athletes have led the Rams to an 11-1 record. The Rams' only loss comes from the 10-2 Saints who are currently leading the NFC South.
The Rams were coming off a bye week on Sunday, December 2, to play the Detroit Lions, the last place team in the NFC North. The Lions were 4-7 coming into the game and were coming off a close emotional loss to the Chicago Bears who are the current leaders of the NFC North. The Rams exploited the Lions tendency to turn the ball over. Although the Rams also had two turnovers, they were able to keep the Lions out of end zone when needed, as Detroit went 1-5 in the red zone. The Lions also showed their struggle to convert on third down, going 2-12 against the Rams. Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips has not had the most impressive season with the Rams, but has continued to pull off victories. The game prior to the Lions, the Rams took on the Kansas City Chiefs in a Monday Night Football shoot-out. The Rams defense allowed Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes to put up 51 points but were able to secure a victory with 54 points.
Since the Rams have already secured first place in the NFC West, be prepared to see a more conservative team throughout their next four games. Coach McVay will more than likely play more back-up players in the second half of these games to try and keep his starters as healthy as possible for the playoffs.
Los Angeles will play their next game against the NFC North leading Chicago Bears on December 9, in Chicago. Goff and Gurley are a dangerous duo that are especially entertaining to watch. Hopefully the Rams can continue their success along with the Los Angeles Chargers, so we can witness the first-ever Angeleno Super Bowl. The Los Angeles Chargers are currently in second place in the AFC West, but are looking to take the Chiefs place as first in the division, or at minimum land a wildcard position.