The Los Angeles Rams picked up a massive win over the New Orleans Saints in a nationally televised matchup on Thursday night. It was a game with major playoff implications, considering the Saints were also tied at the time with a 7-7 record in the NFC, however, the Rams showed they were not just up to the task, but also the far better team.
Kyren Williams continued his breakout season, topping 100 yards rushing for the third week-in-a-row, and became the first Rams 1000-yard rusher since Todd Gurley in 2018. His success setting up the run has immensely translated into the passing game as well, with play-action plays working as well as they ever have for head coach Sean McVay. For this reason it’s entirely understandable why fans voted Williams the team MVP in an absolute landslide with 73% of the votes going his way.
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While I am surprised wide receiver Puka Nacua didn’t garner some more of the votes considering his stats are approaching “league leading” status, Williams is entirely deserving of the win. You really couldn’t go wrong with either players though, as both Williams and Nacua have been vital to the success of the offense, showing out in the most clutch moments over and over, just as they did again vs the Saints.
Los Angeles controlled the game almost the entire night. If not for some special teams miscues in the end that allowed the Saints to gain some ground, the score would have reflected such. While the Rams definitely have some mistakes to clean up, especially with the kicking game, like their win against Washington, the young team showed a resilience to overcome adversity – a signature of a strong McVay coached team.
Fans have recognized how well this team has come together, as well as the development of all the young players, and this is reflected in the confidence vote again. Just like last week, fans are happy and continue to be 99% confident in the direction of the team.
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The Rams now control their destiny, as they head into another big game against the New York Giants next week. There is a scenario where the Rams could even potentially clinch a playoff spot with a win against the Giants next week if the Seahawks and Green Bay were each to lose a game in either Week 15 or 16. None of that matters if the Rams don’t handle their business against New York, but like the fans, I am confidence this team will be ready to go.
