If defense still wins championships in this new-world NFL that had record-setting offensive numbers this season, then the league probably should take note of the Rams in these playoffs.
The Rams, the sixth seed in the NFC, suffocated their division-rival Seahawks in Saturday’s wild-card playoff game in Seattle, winning 30-20 to advance to next weekend’s divisional round.
It was a particularly satisfying victory for the Rams, who on Dec. 27 lost in Seattle and watched the Seahawks celebrate winning the NFC West title, partying and smoking victory cigars.
“We wanted this one,’’ Rams quarterback Jared Goff said. “All week, we were told how good they are and how we snuck into the playoffs. Two weeks ago, you saw them smoking cigars and getting all excited about beating us and winning the division … and we were able to come up here and beat them. It’s an exciting day for us.”
The Rams will play next weekend at the top-seeded Packers if the Saints beat the Bears on Sunday. If the Bears win, the Rams will play at the winner of Saturday’s late game between the Buccaneers and Washington.
The Seahawks, the NFC’s No. 3 seed, entered the game having won their previous 10 home playoff games. Seahawks coach Pete Carroll had been 6-0 at home in the postseason.
“I told these guys I have no place in my brain for this outcome,” Carroll said. “We were planning on winning and moving on.”
The Seahawks’ home dominance was ignored by a Rams defense that held Seattle to just 11 first downs and 284 yards, victimizing quarterback Russell Wilson (11-of-27 for 174 yards) for a pivotal pick-six and sacking him five times.
“I’ve never played with a defense of this caliber,’’ Goff said. “It’s amazing.’’
That Goff ended up playing Saturday was somewhat amazing considering he fractured and dislocated his right thumb in that Dec. 27 loss and had surgery to put screws in it on Dec. 28.
Goff’s backup, John Wolford, started Saturday, but was knocked out with a neck injury on the Rams’ second offensive series on a hit by former Jets safety Jamal Adams, whose shoulder pad collided with the quarterback’s helmet.
While Wolford was sent to a nearby hospital in an ambulance for observation, Goff, the only other quarterback on Los Angeles’ active roster, was forced into action. He completed 9-of-19 passes for 155 yards and a TD — a 15-yard strike to Robert Woods to put the game away at 30-13 with 4:46 remaining.
Wolford ended up with a stinger, according to Rams coach Sean McVay, and was back in the locker room after the game celebrating with his teammates.
Goff conceded he wasn’t happy about not starting, saying, “I felt like I could make a difference.’’ But he added: “I respect [McVay’s] decision. I get it. My whole mindset throughout the week was to stay ready.’’
He was.
So, too, was Rams rookie running back Cam Akers, who rushed for 131 yards and a TD on 28 carries and caught two passes for 45 yards.
“Cam Akers is a stud,’’ McVay said.
“I think this is only the beginning for him,’’ Goff said.
Rams cornerback Darious Williams was ready, too. He made the play of the game, a 42-yard pick-six of Wilson that gave the Rams a 13-3 lead with 6:40 remaining in the first half.
Williams stepped in front of Seattle’s star receiver, DK Metcalf, intercepted the pass and changed the game, giving the Rams a 13-3 cushion with 6:40 remaining in the first half.
“A huge momentum shift for us,’’ McVay said.
“That was a play I knew was going to happen,’’ Williams said. “When I film study, I memorize plays. I just read it and jumped it.’’
It was Williams’ third interception of Wilson in three games this season. And it was the fifth defensive touchdown the Rams have scored this season.
“If our defense keeps playing like that,’’ Rams left tackle Andrew Whitworth said, “we’re going to be a tough team to beat.’’
“If our defense keeps playing like that,’’ Rams left tackle Andrew Whitworth said, “we’re going to be a tough team to beat.’’