LOS ANGELES — As the Los Angeles Rams prepare for their wild-card matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, anticipation fills the air with a series of news conferences aimed at downplaying the familiar ties between the two teams. The Rams, having finished the regular season at 10-7, will face the Vikings, who boast an impressive 14-3 record, on Monday night.
The last time these two teams clashed was during Week 8 when the Rams secured a 30-20 victory on “Thursday Night Football.” With a shared background, including the fact that Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell previously served as the Rams’ offensive coordinator, both teams will adjust their game plans for this rematch. Rams head coach Sean McVay noted that while similarities in their systems exist, they have evolved with their respective personnel.
“He’s done an excellent job of morphing it to his players,” McVay said about O’Connell. He emphasized that although there are common threads between their offensive philosophies, each coach has adapted their approach to suit their team’s needs.
McVay also mentioned that the early-season encounter might not provide significant insights for the Rams, as much has changed since that game. “There’s just a little bit of familiarity, but they have the same thing with us. So much changes as the season goes,” he stated.
This matchup is enhanced by connections beyond McVay and O’Connell, including familiarity with defensive coordinator Brian Flores and several former Rams players now on the Vikings roster. As the teams prepare, McVay downplayed the significance of these connections, refocusing on the matchup itself.
In terms of player updates, the Rams will see the return of veteran right tackle Rob Havenstein following a shoulder injury. Conversely, running back Blake Corum will miss the postseason due to a fractured forearm, prompting the Rams to rely on backup Ronnie Rivers.
The Vikings will benefit from the return of linebacker Blake Cashman, who missed the prior encounter, potentially shifting their middle-field defensive tactics. O’Connell also confirmed cornerback Fabian Moreau’s return from a hip injury.
Looking at statistics, the Rams and Vikings have struggled in the red zone, with both offenses underperforming compared to the league average. However, their defenses rank impressively high in red zone success rates.
The Rams have struggled with slow starts, recording the second-worst first-quarter scoring in the league. In contrast, the Vikings consistently score points early. Nonetheless, in their last meeting, the Rams successfully moved the ball, scoring early and effectively minimizing the Vikings’ scoring opportunities.
As the teams gear up for this pivotal playoff clash, hope lingers for an exciting game, showcasing the tactical adjustments and the competitive spirit of both squads.
In summary, with the familiar coaching connections and significant player movements since their last encounter, Monday night’s playoff game promises to be a strategic battle that could further transform both teams’ paths in the postseason. The Rams hope for a repeat of their earlier success while the Vikings look to disrupt that momentum and continue their impressive season.