I think it is not complicated. The game plan followed McVay's offensive philosophy, and film on how the Cards were playing their D over the earlier 5 games, which is to check out of run plays to pass plays when the D aligns in certain ways. And, the one doing the checking clearly is Stafford.
I think McVay may well have discovered that the Rams Oline CAN impose its will in the running game regardless of most D alignments.
But, before anyone starts second guessing, let's praise Mcvay for the 2nd half adjustments rather than questioning why he didn't do the same in the first half. Remember, he has been criticized by several posters for putting up points in the 1st half, but then going into a points drought in the 2nd half.
It's football guys. There's 2 teams out there. The Rams aren't playing against air. The other team has a plan, too. And, like chess, you have to adapt as you go.
All that said, this may have shown McVay that the Rams are more capable of running the ball even against stacked boxes than he thought. I hope so. Because running the ball down someone's throat is pretty demoralizing to the opponent's D.
One more thing: not that I think the Rams are even a playoff team. But, the year they won the Superbowl they had a terrible November (I think it was) when they had like 3 losses in a row, McVay adjusted some things, and POW!
I trust in McVay. He is a great HC.
