Insights and Highlights: Los Angeles Rams vs. Detroit Lions Playoff Showdown

Since returning from injury and the bye week, Matthew Stafford has displayed a notable shift in his performance for the Rams. In this period, he has completed 160 of 243 passes (65.8%) for 1895 yards, contributing 16 touchdowns and four interceptions. The Rams have thrived with a 6-1 record during this stretch (with five wins against non-playoff teams). The team looks particularly dangerous with a healthy Cooper Kupp, a dynamic Kyren Williams, and Puka Nucua emerging as a potential Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate.

Stafford’s connection with players like Demarcus Robinson and Tutu Atwell has strengthened, with Robinson taking on a significant role as the third receiver, amassing 26 receptions for 371 yards and four touchdowns since Week 9 against the Packers. Additionally, Stafford benefits from the consistency of tight end Tyler Higbee, crucial in the Rams’ frequent use of ’11’ personnel (one running back and one tight end) at 95% of the time, the highest in the league.

Defensively, Aaron Donald remains a standout force for the Rams, contributing 53 tackles, 8 sacks, and 16 tackles for loss. However, the Rams defense is no longer solely reliant on Donald, seeing impactful contributions from players like safety Jordan Fuller and linebacker Ernest Jones. Jones has recorded 145 tackles, while Fuller, with 94 tackles, shares the team-high of three interceptions this season. Rookie defenders Byron Young and Kobe Turner have also made strong contributions with 8 and 9 sacks, respectively.

Despite the ability of Donald, Young, and Turner to bring down quarterbacks, the Rams struggle with a 32% pressure rate, ranking them 29th in the NFL. This is attributed to their frequent use of 3-man and 4-man rushes, with 3-man pressures at 9% (6th in the NFL) and 4-man pressures at 63% (25th in the NFL).

Examining the Rams’ defensive strategies, they predominantly run their Dime defense (17% of the time) and their Base defense (26% of the time). When defending the pass, the Rams lean towards zone coverage, accounting for 63% of their coverage, while man coverage is at 37%.

For the upcoming playoff game, the Lions, led by quarterback Jared Goff, have a favorable matchup against the Rams’ zone-heavy defense. Goff has demonstrated success against zone coverage, completing 71.7% of his passes and accumulating nearly 2800 passing yards against it. However, Goff has thrown 10 interceptions against zone this season.

The Lions’ defense, particularly in their last three games, has shown resilience despite allowing substantial passing yards. They adopt a “bend don’t break” approach, giving up 20.25 points per game in that span and securing seven interceptions. The Lions boast one of the best run defenses in the league, allowing only 88.8 rushing yards per game this season, and an even more impressive 62.5 rushing yards per game in their last four games.

If the Lions can continue their stout run defense, they may force the Rams’ offense to become one-dimensional. Despite the favorable matchup on paper, the Lions understand that the game is not played on paper, and they must bring their A-game to extend their historic season in the highly anticipated playoff clash against the Los Angeles Rams.