What's Happening?
The Los Angeles Rams, known for having one of the top defenses in the NFL, are facing challenges in closing out games. Despite ranking sixth in points allowed and having a top-12 run defense through Week 16, the Rams have struggled in critical moments, particularly in the fourth quarter. In three of their four losses this season, the team led in the fourth quarter, with two of those leads being as large as 16 and 19 points. All four losses were by a single score, totaling a combined 14 points. Analysis by NFL analytics reporter @JoshiosTweets highlights that the Rams' defense performs poorly when the team has a high probability of winning, giving up significant yards and points. Conversely, the defense excels when the Rams are trailing, allowing
them to take more risks. This inconsistency has been evident in games against teams like the Seattle Seahawks and Philadelphia Eagles, where the Rams failed to maintain their lead.
Why It's Important?
The Rams' inability to close out games could have significant implications for their playoff aspirations. While the team has demonstrated the ability to build substantial leads, their defensive lapses in critical moments could undermine their postseason success. This trend is particularly concerning as the playoffs approach, where the margin for error is minimal. The Rams' defensive struggles could also impact their standing in the NFC West, where they still have slim hopes of winning the division. If the Rams cannot address these issues, they risk being eliminated early in the playoffs, despite having a strong overall team performance. The situation underscores the importance of maintaining focus and execution throughout the entire game, especially in high-stakes scenarios.
What's Next?
The Rams need to address their defensive strategy to prevent further late-game collapses. This may involve reassessing their approach when holding a lead and ensuring that the defense remains aggressive and focused. The team will also need to monitor the health of key players, as injuries could further complicate their defensive efforts. As the Rams prepare for their upcoming games against the Atlanta Falcons and Arizona Cardinals, they must secure victories while hoping for losses from the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers to keep their division title hopes alive. The coaching staff will likely emphasize the importance of maintaining defensive intensity throughout the game to avoid repeating past mistakes.
