Rams Aim for Full 60-Minute Dominance Against Chicago

The Los Angeles Rams are gearing up for a critical matchup against the Chicago Bears in the divisional round of the playoffs. Following a dramatic wild-card victory over the Carolina Panthers, head coach Sean McVay is emphasizing the need for complete dominance throughout the game.

Lessons from Past Losses

The Rams faced tough lessons this season, notably a 33-26 defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles where they squandered a 26-7 lead. Receiver Davante Adams reflected on this loss, highlighting how it revealed essential truths about the team’s potential. “We’ve shown a lot of what it takes to be one of the top teams in this league,” he stated. However, the team must learn to maintain their efforts to achieve full-game success.

During Week 16, the Rams fell victim to another late-game collapse. Leading 30-14 late in the fourth quarter, they ultimately lost 38-37 to the Seattle Seahawks in overtime. These experiences have shaped McVay’s approach, encouraging his players to view these setbacks as opportunities for growth.

Preparing for the Bears

The Rams will face the Bears at 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday. Chicago’s quarterback, Caleb Williams, has been impressive this season, racking up seven game-winning drives, tying him for the most in the NFL. Rams linebacker Jared Verse noted that regardless of the score, the Bears have a relentless will to compete.

McVay emphasized the importance of focused execution against a formidable opponent like Chicago. He stated, “We need to play great for 60 minutes.” The Rams are determined to avoid the pitfalls of past losses and aim for sustained performance.

Fourth-Quarter Focus

Quarterback Matthew Stafford is no stranger to fourth-quarter comebacks. He has delivered four game-winning drives in playoff games, the most by any Rams quarterback since 1966. Stafford believes in the team’s resilience and readiness to execute when the game is on the line.

“You have to execute,” Stafford said. “I feel great about it as long as there’s time left on the clock.” He will play a crucial role in ensuring the Rams capitalize on their opportunities against the Bears.

Looking Ahead

The Rams are aware of the Bears’ ability to mount comebacks, as demonstrated by their 25-point fourth-quarter surge against the Green Bay Packers in the wild-card round, which set a record for the largest postseason comeback. Rams defensive end Kobie Turner reflected on the significance of their own late-game struggles this season.

• Rams’ record in fourth-quarter games: 4 wins, 4 losses.
• Bears’ fourth-quarter scoring in the wild-card: 25 points.
• Stafford’s playoff outlook: “Never out of a game until the clock’s over.”

As the Rams prepare for this crucial playoff battle, their focus remains on executing a full 60-minute performance to secure victory against the Bears. With lessons learned from past experiences, they aim for dominance on the field.