Rams Aim for Full 60 Minutes of Excellence Against Bears

The Los Angeles Rams are gearing up for a crucial match against the Chicago Bears in the divisional round of the playoffs. After a tough loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 3, head coach Sean McVay emphasized the importance of resilience and consistently executing their game plan. The team’s recent history shows a pattern of struggling to maintain leads, a challenge they aim to overcome this Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET on NBC/Peacock.

Learning from Past Defeats

The Rams suffered a disappointing 33-26 defeat against the Eagles after leading 26-7 in the third quarter. Wide receiver Davante Adams noted that McVay’s message resonated with the team—true excellence is built on performance in critical moments, especially in the fourth quarter.

This tendency to lose leads has occurred multiple times. In Week 16, the Rams let a 30-14 fourth-quarter lead slip away, resulting in a 38-37 overtime loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Learning from such setbacks, McVay believes these experiences can strengthen the team’s resolve.

Recent Success Against the Panthers

In the wild-card round, the Rams showcased their ability to finish strong, defeating the Carolina Panthers 34-31. They took an early lead, scoring the first two touchdowns, which McVay praised as a positive step toward improvement. He emphasized the need for sustained momentum and making pivotal plays throughout the game.

• McVay highlighted that past losses can serve as lessons for future success.
• Outside linebacker Jared Verse acknowledged feelings of complacency during previous games.
• Defensive end Kobie Turner pointed out the reality of game momentum affecting outcomes.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford’s Leadership

Matthew Stafford’s experience in fourth-quarter comebacks has been pivotal for the Rams. He has achieved four game-winning drives in playoff games, the most for a Rams quarterback in the Super Bowl era since 1966. Stafford believes that as long as there’s time on the clock, victory remains achievable.

The Challenge Ahead: Chicago Bears

The Rams’ next opponent, the Chicago Bears, led by quarterback Caleb Williams, have demonstrated significant resilience this season. Williams has orchestrated seven game-winning drives, tying him for the most in the NFL.

In their wild-card matchup, the Bears executed a historic comeback by scoring 25 points in the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers. Rams players are aware of the Bears’ capabilities and recognize the necessity to close out games effectively.

Key Takeaways for the Rams

As the Rams prepare for this high-stakes matchup, their focus remains on proper execution and maintaining a strong performance throughout the entire game. McVay stated the objective is to play well for a full 60 minutes, taking confidence from their recent success against the Panthers while striving for a more consistent execution against the Bears.

“Maybe this week is the week,” McVay said optimistically, as they aim to harness their experiences and turn them into postseason success.