After a stunning victory against the New Orleans Saints in the NFC Championship Game, the Rams find themselves in their first Super Bowl since the 1999 season. The Rams have taken the league by storm this season, and could be the next dynasty in the NFL, given their talent and youth. Their opponents in the Super Bowl are none other than the New England Patriots. The Patriots have had perhaps the most dynamic dynasty in NFL history with Tom Brady at the helm. This could be a passing-of-the-torch type game, as Tom Brady’s NFL days are numbered. If the Rams want to be the next dynasty in the NFL, they will need to get past Brady and the Patriots, and here is five reasons they can do it.
1) Keep the pass rush going
Tom Brady has struggled in the Super Bowl against teams with great pass rushers. The Giants had Michael Strahan in 2007, Osi Umenyiora in 2011, and the Eagles had a trio of great defensive linemen in 2018. The Rams have all the tools to make this possible. They have one of the best defensive lines in football, and the best defensive player in the league, Aaron Donald. Look for them to bring a lot of pressure to the left side of the line, as the Patriots lost All-Pro left tackle Nate Solder last offseason. Defensive end Michael Brockers could have a big night for the Rams.
2. Create turnovers
To win a game in the NFL, it is crucial to have a positive turnover differential. The Patriots are 1-5 in Super Bowls in which they do not have a positive turnover differential. Simply put, the Patriots offense can not score if they do not have the ball. The Rams have had no trouble creating turnovers this season, as they are currently ranked fourth in the NFL in turnovers created. The Patriots do not give the ball up much, but the Rams will need to force Tom Brady to make mistakes to win the football game.
3. Be explosive on offense
While the Patriots have a high scoring offense, their weakness is their secondary. They have struggled with allowing big plays in the past two Super Bowls. The Rams seem to have the perfect set up of playmakers to get this done. Running back Todd Gurley has proven to be one of the most explosive backs in the game, and C.J. Anderson has been huge so far carrying the ball for the Rams. The receiving core of Robert Woods, Brandin Cooks, and Josh Reynolds is as explosive as any in the NFL. Quarterback Jared Goff will need to throw the ball vertically if the Rams want to win the game.
4. Force Tom Brady to throw the ball deep
Tom Brady might be the best check down quarterback the NFL has ever seen. When his primary receivers are covered, he knows where his short range targets are. The Rams will need to play the short passing game aggressively, and put defenders in front of receivers instead of letting the Patriots throw a short pass. If they can make Brady throw the ball deep, he will be less accurate and more prone to mistakes. Safeties Joe Johnson and Lamarcus Joyner may be the best safety duo in the NFL, and it could be a huge plus if they are involved in a lot of plays.
5. Get a fast start, and keep your foot on the gas
The Patriots have struggled in past Super Bowls with getting themselves in a deficit early. The problem is, teams try to play conservatively after getting a big lead. While you should try to run the clock down, it is crucial to stick to your gameplan. Do not hold up on explosive plays downfield if they are there. You can never score enough points in football, and you should not let your foot off the gas until the game is for sure won. If you think that you can put the Patriots away early in the game, then you are dead wrong.
The Rams have the talent and the right pieces to beat the Patriots, it will just come down to the gameplanning of young coach Sean McVay.
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