Surprising Rams on verge of division title
Club could earn its first playoff berth since 2004 season
SEATTLE – Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay rightfully draws praise for the transformation he has done with his team, starting with quarterback Jared Goff. The first overall pick of the 2016 draft has gone from apparent bust to rising star in one year. But as the Rams — owners of 10 wins after a 42-7 road beatdown of the Seahawks — now stand one game away from clinching the NFC West and their first playoff berth since 2004, it’s clear that Los Angeles’ success has to do with more than just the quarterback and the high-powered offense engineered by McVay and coordinator Matt LaFleur. The impact of Wade Phillips’ defense and John Fassel’s special teams units has gone overlooked at times. But Sunday provided a good reminder of their effectiveness. The offense topped the 40-point mark for the fourth time this season, but the defense had its way with quarterback Russell Wilson and the Seahawks, holding them to a season-low 149 yards and one touchdown while forcing two turnovers. The unit also sacked Wilson seven times and recorded a safety. The Rams defense ranks sixth in passing yards allowed at 208.1 per game and second with 47 sacks, 11 of which come from defensive lineman Aaron Donald. Los Angeles also ranks fifth in the league with 25 takeaways. Sunday’s game-opening forced fumble and recovery gave the Rams their seventh opening-possession takeaway of the season. Meanwhile, the special teams unit, which ranks second in the league in punt returns, continued to shine as Pharoh Cooper amassed 128 yards on seven returns. So the defense and special teams units combined to give the offense an average starting position at the Los Angeles 47-yard line. Seven of the team’s 14 possessions began in Seattle territory.
“We’ve got bigger aspirations than just beating Seattle.”
The Rams made an authoritative statement as their wellrounded effort completely overwhelmed a Seahawks team that hasn’t lost at home by more than a touchdown since Wilson became the starter in 2012. But the Rams remained guarded after the game. Rather than revel in their success as they extended their lead in the division to two games, they focused on what lies ahead. “Look, this is a great win. It’s huge to come to Seattle and blow them out. That doesn’t happen. I’ve never seen that in my career, for anybody,” ninthyear veteran center John Sullivan said. “But we’ve won 10 games, but haven’t won anything or clinched anything yet. We’ve got bigger aspirations than just beating Seattle.”
Panthers on their December surge
As they have in three of the last four years, the Carolina Panthers seemingly have caught fire at the perfect time. A week after beating the Minnesota Vikings, Carolina ruined Aaron Rodgers’ return from injury with a 31-24 victory and improved to 10-4 to keep pace with the New Orleans Saints in the NFC South. After a disjointed loss in New Orleans two weeks ago, the Panthers, who went 11-2 in December from 2013 to 2015, have put together two of their most complete victories. The defense intercepted Rodgers three times — marking just the 15th multiple-interception game for the two-time MVP and the fourth game ever he has thrown three picks. Carolina also recorded a fourth takeaway on a fumble recovery and denied the Packers on seven of 11 third-down attempts. Meanwhile, the offense rolled with a turnover-free day that featured the amassing of 387 yards (third-highest total for the unit this season) and the fourth-highest point total of the year. Four keys to the victory: Another 150-plus-yard rushing performance, which ensured balance. Running back Christian McCaffrey delivering his most well-rounded performance of the season with 12 carries for 63 yards and six catches for 73 yards and a touchdown. Tight end Greg Olsen’s return to form with nine receptions for 116 yards and one touchdown. Cam Newton completing 64.5% of his passes for 242 yards and four touchdowns and a 128.0 passer rating (third best of the season). After beating the Vikings, the Panthers talked about the importance of remaining true to their identity: establishing the run first and building off that. That’s exactly what they did for a second consecutive week. But coaches also believed they needed to do a better job of featuring Olsen in the offense now that he has fully returned from an eight-game absence with a broken foot. After receiving just one target against Minnesota, Olsen was thrown to a team-high 12 times against the Packers, and he rewarded his quarterback and coaches with his most prolific day since Week 5 last year. On defense, an issue arose Monday when linebacker Thomas Davis, one of the unit’s leaders, was suspended for the last two games because of the blindside hit on Davante Adams of the Packers. Adams was diagnosed with a concussion. Still, with Olsen back in the mix and coaches doing a better job of using McCaffrey and Newton now having regained top form, the Panthers are as dangerous as any team in the NFC.
49ers’ move validated
Perhaps the 49ers should have made a push to trade for Jimmy Garoppolo in the offseason instead of waiting until late October. Tom Brady’s former backup on the New England Patriots improved to 5-0 as a starter on Sunday after posting a career day in a 25-23 win over the Titans. The stat line was impressive: 381 yards and a touchdown on 31 of 43 passing for a completion percentage of 72.1 and a 106.8 passer rating. The 49ers, who owned a 1-10 record when coaches turned the starting job over to Garoppolo, improved to 4-10 on the year. Although he’s still new to Kyle Shanahan’s system, Garoppolo fits perfectly. He excels at the bootlegs and does a good job of moving in the pocket to extend plays while also remaining patient. He has the confidence to fit passes into tight spaces, and he has a feel for the timing of the offense, which requires him to hit his dropbacks and deliver strikes without hesitation. Yes, each win takes the 49ers further away from a top draft pick. But it’s more important for Shanahan, general manager John Lynch and the players in that locker room to find some institutional success on which to build the offseason. Now having found their quarterback, the 49ers also aren’t as desperate for one of the top two picks. However, because San Francisco gave up a 2018 secondround pick for Garoppolo, whose contract expires at the end of the season, Lynch needs to get on the phone with the quarterback’s agent, Don Yee, ASAP to hammer out a contract extension.