Rams - Saints Recap

The Los Angeles Rams overcame a 10 point deficit yesterday to triumph over the Saints, 26-23. They will take on the New England Patriots in Atlanta for a shot at their first Super Bowl trophy sine 2000.

The Rams were outplayed for much of the first quarter. Drew Brees was shredding the defense, although the Saints were limited to two field goals in the red zone. Jared Goff threw an interception that bounced right off of all-pro running back Todd Gurley's hands. Speaking of which, Gurley did quite literally nothing. He finished the game with 4 carries for 10 yards and a score, and spent much of the third quarter stretching on the sidelines. If the Rams want to win the Super Bowl, they will have to get Gurley going.

The Rams played excellent in the second quarter to make the game close. They successfully executed a fake punt from their own 30 yard line, and scored two touchdowns before the half to make it a 13-10 ball game. The Los Angeles defense also shutout Drew Brees for the entire quarter.

Despite playing poorly in the second quarter, the Saints did not lose hope. After both teams traded scores in the third quarter, the game was set up for New Orleans to win it. They were given the ball, in a tie game with about 4 minutes left to play. All they had to do was go down the field, kill the remaining time, and kick a field goal to win.

The plan was almost executed, save for one of the worst play calls in NFL History. Facing a 3rd and 10 in the red zone, Drew Brees threw a wheel route to TommyLee Lewis. Lewis proceeded to get absolutely demolished by corner Nickell-Robey Coleman, who committed three fouls on one play, Pass Interference, Helmet to Helmet, and Defenseless Receiver. Referee Bill Vinovich called 0 of them. This led to the Saints having to kick a field goal with over a minute left. After the game, the refereeing head quarters in New York admitted to blowing the call.

Given the ball back, the Rams quickly advanced the length of the field and kicked a field goal to send the game into overtime. In overtime, defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. hit Drew Brees as he was throwing, and the ball was easily intercepted by safety Josh Johnson III. Greg Zuerlein then kicked the game winning 57 yard field goal, which was the longest field goal in Championship game history.