Rams defense is NFL's best, but offense required in playoffs

Los Angeles Rams' defense is undeniably best in NFL. Rookie coordinator Brandon Staley's group allowed fewest points, total yards, yards passing, touchdown passes and first downs in league this season while carrying a mediocre offense to 10 wins and a postseason berth.

Rams probably shouldn't try to find out wher this dominant defense can win a playoff game all by itself, too.

Los Angeles (10-6) is headed to Seattle on Saturday for second postseason meeting ever between NFC West rivals. 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 back of our minds. Everything in forefront was winning games and trying to be best team that we could be, but it is a cool achievement. I think everyone kind of saw and ticed it, but everyone is focused on Seattle and winning everything. We're pumped about it, but it's t done.”

Rams' defensive success culminated in a strong all-around performance against Arizona on Sunday in which LA defense outscored Cardinals by itself, getting a safety and Troy Hill's 84-yard TD interception return in Rams' 18-7 win.

Unfortunately, Rams' defense also scored as many points as 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 red zone have sent it into playoffs without an offensive touchdown in two consecutive games.

That probably won't work against Seahawks, who held Los Angeles to three field goals in a 20-9 win in Seattle on Dec. 27. Rams outgained Seattle 334-292 in that game, but couldn't score a touchdown on five drives into Seahawks territory.

Rams n got to 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 Rams' playoff chances because of ir offensive ineptitude, but Wolford's performance created a window of optimism heading to Seattle. inexperienced backup added two new elements to Rams' attack with his running ability and his willingness to throw long passes — something Jared Goff does less than most starting QBs in league, wher because of his own decisions or coach Sean McVay's play-calling.

Yet Wolford might t even be behind center against Seahawks: It's too early to kw wher Goff will be available after having thumb surgery just one week ago.

McVay chose t to speak to reporters Monday, and he equivocated about his QB situation for upcoming week immediately after beating Arizona.

“We really put 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 defense off field with way y were playing all day, I was really pleased with John.”

WHAT'S WORKING

Wolford's performance t only assud many worries about this week, but rest of 2021 as well. Goff's $134 million contract probably keeps him tied to LA for at least two more seasons, but if he struggles again or gets hurt next season, McVay and Rams fans kw Wolford is capable of doing job for $855,000.

WHAT NEEDS HELP

Wolford's 56 yards rushing aside, Rams' ground game was inept against Arizona. Akers and Malcolm Brown combined for 54 yards on 24 attempts, with Akers managing only 34 yards on 21 carries. “Last night was a clear-cut example of t running ball well,” Akers said Monday.

STOCK UP

Fox seized a big role with Michael Brockers sidelined by COVID-19. former undrafted free nt racked up a sack and four tackles against Arizona, including two tackles for loss to cap his best NFL season. Rams' depth on line has been key to everything on defense.

STOCK DOWN

Both inside and outside training complex, body is pining for Rams' franchise quarterback to return with his ailing thumb to start ir playoff game. That's t even a surprise after Goff's second straight middling season.

KEY NUMBER

1 — number of quarterbacks in NFL history to pass for at least 200 yards and rush for at least 50 in ir NFL debuts. Wolford stands alone.

INJURED

Last month, Rams suggested 39-year-old left tackle Andrew Whitworth might be able to return this week from a torn knee ligament. y provided updates Monday.

NEXT STEPS

Rams have fear of Seahawks, but beating m on a short week in rain is a challenge for defense, which kept Wilson's offense out of end zone for final 51 minutes of LA's victory in vember.

Im credits: AP