While the stars on both the Los Angeles Rams and Philadelphia Eagles are on offense, it was both teams’ defenses which shone brightest in their respective wild-card victories.
The Rams intercepted Minnesota Vikings QB Sam Darnold once as well as sacking him nine times while the Eagles picked off Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love three times.
And while both units certainly have plenty of game-wrecking talent – Rams rookies Jared Verse and Braden Fiske have enjoyed breakout seasons while Philly’s Zack Baun and Jalen Carter are difference-makers on both levels – the offensive side of the game could be where the contest is won and lost.
Since totaling 44 points in a high-scoring win against the Buffalo Bills in Week 14, the Rams have only scored more than 20 points twice; once in their Week 18 loss with most of the starters sitting and the other coming in their wild-card victory over the Vikings.
They have plenty of offensive weapons – with veteran QB Matthew Stafford, young running back Kyren Williams and the dual receiving threat of Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp – but it hasn’t clicked all too often for head coach Sean McVay.
It’s a somewhat similar story for the Eagles who also have a star-studded offense but at times have struggled for chemistry this year.
Outside of Saquon Barkley’s historic season, the passing game has often been a point of consternation between Philadelphia players, with wide receiver AJ Brown even vocalizing his frustrations with his lack of production.
Both offenses could break out and lay a marker down heading for the rest of the postseason.
The teams have played already this season, with the Eagles producing a dominant display to beat the Rams. In that game, Barkley ran for a franchise-record 255 yards.
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By: Triblive Sunday, January 19, 2025 | 10:17 PM
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