Sean McVay has the Rams in the Super Bowl for the first time since 2001. What needs to happen if the franchise is to win its first NFL title since ‘99?
The first and only time the Los Angeles Rams hoisted a Lombardi Trophy skyward, the franchise was located in the Gateway City, the head coach was Dick Vermeil, the game’s MVP was quarterback Kurt Warner and the Super Bowl XXXIV hero was linebacker Mike Jones.
That was the 1999 NFL season. Much has changed for this franchise. But it was reborn in 2017 with the hiring of young head coach Sean McVay, who has led the club to back-to-back NFC West titles and the team’s first appearance on Super Sunday since 2001.
On Sunday, February 3, the Rams take on the New England Patriots in pursuit of the franchise’s fourth NFL championship. What five things may need to happen for McVay’s team to win it all?
5. Jared Goff on the move
Outgained 125-5 in total yards and down 13-0 less than a quarter into the NFC title game at New Orleans, the Rams appeared to be in dire straits. On the second play of the second quarter, Sean McVay opted for a fake punt and its success seemed to loosen up his NFC West champions. We all know the rest and the Rams prevailed in overtime, 26-23.
But one of the factors evident as the game wore on was Jared Goff’s ability to roll out of the pocket and hit his receivers. And that mobility may be a key to alluding the defense of the New England Patriots on Super Sunday. While Belichick’s team didn’t rack up a lot of sacks during the regular season, the team’s pass rush got to quarterbacks Philip Rivers (2) and Patrick Mahomes (4) a combined six times in the playoff wins over the Chargers and Chiefs, respectively.
All told, a mobile Goff gives the Patriots just one more thing to think about.