Here’s LesBaker...
This type of game is an indicator of the Ram talent level.
Not many times do you have a s**t game from your elite QB plus odd play calling by the HC and still win by 14 points on the road.
Typically these games are 50/50 because of how critical QB play is to a team like the Rams. You can lose these as easily as you can win them when your #1 weapon is misfiring. This is one of those games were we are used to saying about the Patriots "man, they always manage to somehow win those types of games".
We've been grouchy about the defense for much of the season and yesterday they flat out delivered. Not only did they deliver Donald gave the O excellent field position to increase the lead after the Lions had closed the gap 16-13. Then the ST's mistake gave the Rams good field position again and the OL stepped up and paved the way for Gurley to score.
They also held the Lions to 2-12 on third down. That's 16% if my math is correct. Wow.
When the Lions were threatening in between those two drives the Rams run defense, a source of aggravation this year, stuffed the Lions in the red zone and forced a FG. Big difference there because 23-20 makes you a lot more nervous. And that may have played a big role in them deciding to try an onsides kick.
So where is all this rambling going? I'll wrap it up.
Teams without talent all over the roster don't often win, let alone win by two touchdowns, when the QB lays an egg and turns it over two times. There are play makers all around this roster and even role players do a good job.
This could have been a game where the talking heads were saying "the Lions just gave us the blueprint to stop the Rams" like the narrative we heard when the Cowboys beat the Saints and Brees looked pretty bad. Instead the new narrative is "the Rams are so good they can put up 30 points and win games like this".
