The MatchUp
In week 11, the Los Angeles Rams took on the Minnesota Vikings. It was a great defensive matchup, as both teams have impressive records. Minnesota currently holds the number one spot for the NFC North division, as the Rams lead the NFC West division.
With both teams being division leaders, this gave us a preview of a potential NFC playoff matchup. The Rams and Vikings have faced each other a total of five times in a 10-year span (1969-1978) for NFC playoff games. This matchup also was significant as QB Case Keenum faced his former team for the first time.
The Rams struck first with a six-yard rushing touchdown by RB Todd Gurley in the first quarter. Gurley finished the game with a total of 37 yards. This touchdown being the Rams only score for the game.
The Vikings then tied the game in the second quarter, when Vikings RB Latavius Murray grabbed an eight-yard rush for the touchdown. Murray finished the game with a total of 95 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
The game was tied for the remaining of the second and through the third. However, the Vikings were able to turn the game around in the fourth. Minnesota took the lead as Murray completed his second touchdown with a two-yard rush. Adam Thielen added to the lead with a 65-yard catch and run from Keenum. Kai Forbath ended the game with a 39-yard field goal.
Rams suffered two injuries during the game, which possibly played a part in their loss. Ruling out their top two CB’s Kayvon Webster with a concussion and Nickell Robey-Coleman with a thigh injury.
Speculation also rose around QB Jared Goff with a possible injury. As he looked to have his shoulder checked out a few times on the sideline. If this happens to be an issue for Goff, it would bring a lot of adversities for the Rams. As back up quarterback Sean Mannion may not have what it takes to keep them on top and winning games.
The Rams finished the game with a total of 254 yards, while the Vikings amassed 451 yards, for the 24-7 win against Los Angeles.
Even though head coach Sean McVay took full responsibly for this loss, it solely comes down to defense. With Cooper Kupp‘s fumble being a play that stuck out in the game, causing a turnover and killing any momentum, the Vikings were able to stay clear of turnovers as well as sacks.
Los Angeles Rams QB Goff was sacked twice resulting in 16 yards lost. This loss records their lowest scoring game of the season. Their second-lowest being the 10-16 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in week five.
The Rams head into week 12 to face Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints. Hoping to bounce back from this loss, the offense needs to work on time of possession, and help the defense out by keeping them off of the field.
Drew Brees and the Saints rank 4th in the entire league in time of possession while the Rams rank 18th. If LA has their eyes set on adding to their win total, they have to keep the two-headed rushing attack of Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara on the sidelines. Good luck.