The Los Angeles Rams held on to get one step closer to a postseason berth on Sunday, even though it wasn’t a perfect victory.
That was enjoyable, I suppose (or unpleasant, depending on your point of view).
At MetLife Stadium on Sunday afternoon, the Los Angeles Rams defeated the New York Giants 26–25, advancing one step closer to securing a postseason berth in the NFC. That berth would be guaranteed if the Seattle Seahawks fell to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.
Although it wasn’t the most glamorous victory for Los Angeles, it still counts in the record books, and the team can now focus on a crucial meeting with the San Francisco 49ers the following week.
These are some salient points from Sunday’s Rams victory over the Giants.
1. Sunday wasn’t Matthew Stafford’s special game
Matthew Stafford, the quarterback for the Rams, went 24 of 34 passing for 317 yards against the Giants, which appears to be fairly impressive. He did, however, combine one touchdown pass with two interceptions, and later in the game, Los Angeles nearly paid a price for those plays. Stafford will undoubtedly not have pleasant recollections of this game going forward, even if it didn’t help that he was also sacked four times for a loss of 31 yards.
Nevertheless, the fact that the Rams prevailed despite this being by far his poorest performance of December says volumes. That ought to give you some motivation.
2. Puka Nacua continues to be good at the wide receiver position.
One of Nacua’s 118-yard games was an 80-yard reception in the third quarter that set up Kyren Williams’ short touchdown run. Although he still eludes defenders alongside the finest wideouts in the league, his hands are sure, but at this point in his NFL career, his ability to get yards after the catch is unbelievable. Sunday was just another illustration of that.
3. Kicking woes continue (even as they were somewhat overshadowed).
Lucas Havrisik, the kicker for the Rams, did not try to convert a field goal on Sunday, but he did miss two extra points that may have been crucial in the final moments, particularly when the Giants were driving to perhaps win the game in the fourth quarter. Even still, most fans will likely recall Giants kicker Mason Crosby’s difficulties as the game ultimately came down to his foot, and he also failed to convert an extra point that day.
4. The NFL is a game of inches, but this win was helpful for L.A.
The significance of this victory for the Rams cannot be emphasized. With a loss to the Seahawks later today, Los Angeles has a great chance to punch its ticket to the playoffs, which further demonstrates how far this club has come from its 3-6 season beginning. Next week, there will be a matchup with the 49ers.
