Rams realize offense must improve
LOS ANGELES — On defense, the Los Angeles Rams are undeniably the best in the NFL. Rookie coordinator Brandon Staley’s group allowed the fewest points, total yards, yards passing, touchdown passes and first downs in the league.
Safe to say, that unit carried a mediocre offense to 10 wins and a postseason berth.
The Rams probably shouldn’t try to find out whether their defense can win a playoff game all by itself, too.
Los Angeles (10-6) is headed to Seattle on Saturday for the second postseason meeting in history between the NFC West rivals. The Rams’ defense is historically good, but it isn’t resting on its achievements with a third matchup against Russell Wilson looming.
“We’re happy with what we accomplished as a unit,” defensive end Morgan Fox said Monday. “It was something that was in the back of our minds. … But everyone is focused on Seattle and winning everything. We’re pumped about it, but it’s not done.”
The defensive success culminated in a strong all-around performance against Arizona on Sunday in which the unit alone outscored the Cardinals, getting a safety and Troy Hill’s 84-yard TD interception return in an 18-7 win.
Unfortunately, the Rams’ defense also scored as many points as the Rams’ offense, even with new quarterback John Wolford injecting 287 total yards and ample excitement in his NFL debut. Los Angeles’ season-long struggles in the red zone have sent it into the playoffs without an offensive touchdown in two consecutive games.
The Rams then got to the Arizona 2 on two occasions, but came away with a field goal and a goal-line fumble by rookie Cam Akers.
It’s easy to discount the Rams’ playoff chances because of their offensive ineptitude, but Wolford’s performance created a window of optimism heading to Seattle. The inexperienced backup added two new elements to the Rams’ attack with his running ability and his willingness to throw long passes — something Jared Goff does less than most starting QBS in the league, whether because of his own decisions or coach Sean Mcvay’s play-calling.
Yet Wolford might not even be behind center against the Seahawks: It’s too early to know whether Goff will be available after having thumb surgery just one week ago.
Mcvay chose not to speak to reporters Monday, and he equivocated about his QB situation for the upcoming week immediately after beating Arizona.
“We really put the game in (Wolford’s) hands offensively, and I thought he did a nice job,” Mcvay said. “We want to come away with more points, but sustaining drives, keeping the defense off the field with the way they were playing all day, I was really pleased with John.”