Winners & Losers: Rams pass rush back in time for playoffs?

Sean McVay elected to play starters against a three-win Arizona Cardinals team. The game was closer through three quarters than any realistic person would have expected; however, the Los Angeles Rams found their offensive groove into the fourth quarter and came out on top 37-20. They scored 14 points in the final quarter.

The victory seals the fifth seed in the NFC playoff picture for Los Angeles. They’ll travel to face the Carolina Panthers in the wildcard round of the postseason. The Rams lost in Carolina earlier this year and will look to exorcise demons and make a playoff run.

But before we turn our attention to the postseason, let’s dive deeper into the individuals that helped LA score a win in the regular season finale.

Winners

Pass rush

The Rams defense sacked Jacoby Brissett six times. Pressure was frequent and unrelenting. Jared Verse had one of his best pass rush outings on the season. Kobie Turner, Poona Ford, Desjuan Johnson, and Josaiah Stewart were also all active throughout the game.

The Cardinals threatened and held a lead into the third quarter. This is not a team that has any business beating the Rams. While the score was close until late, the pass rush certainly bought time until the offense could find their footing late.

This is one of the most encouraging outcomes from the game. Pass rush is of the upmost importance into the playoffs.

Puka Nacua, WR

Puka Nacua was one of the most consistent producers for the Rams on offense in both halves. He made an impressive one-handed touchdown grab in the red zone. Nacua finished with 10 catches on 11 targets for 76 yards. He also added another 24 yards on two rushes that helped the offensive come alive in the fourth quarter.

Blake Corum, RB

LA lacked energy offensively at the start of the second half. Blake Corum, who was questionable coming into this game and probably should have rested ahead of the postseason, was the spark plug that got things back on track. He ran with angry intent and fought for extra yards, finishing with 69 total yards on 14 touches.

The duo of Kyren Williams and Corum will be tough to defend in the playoffs. They are stylistically just different enough to challenge defenses in multiple ways.

Tyler Higbee, TE

There was a stretch during Tyler Higbee’s extended absence that it seemed he wasn’t missed at all. In recent weeks the tight end production without him waned, and his return was an emphatic reminder why he has been such an important offensive piece for this team in the Sean McVay era.

Higbee caught five of six targets for 91 yards and a touchdown. He ripped off multiple long gains to break open the Arizona defense.