Subscribed, login and launch game fails.

I'm streamung only up in the mountains. Anyonw have a download of the game?

I think he had the most total yards of any rookie running back since the 60s? Something like that.

Anyway, he played extremely well, and deserves a ton of credit for being the bellcow we needed.

I'm hoping Henderson comes back (if he can), but Akers has been what we needed at the right time.

Just wanted to throw out there that i had them on my fanasy playoff team

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

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Good news....

And just like that, our Kicking game seems to be fixed. This guy is hitting them truer than true! I'm impressed and relieved that this doesn't seem to be a weakness for this team any longer!!!! WTG Matt!

And that was with a bad thumb.

So much to unpack...

1. That was one of the most satisfying wins in a long time!

2. So many heroes today...

3. Cam Akers was the engine today. He kept the ball moving and the clock running. Guess we missed him two weeks ago, as the running game was night and day different. Having Whitworth back also clearly made a big difference in that department.

4. Aaron Donald was his stellar self before getting injured. He looked like he was going to come back in before the fumbled punt return, but perhaps that just my wishful thinking. I suspect it will take a lot for him not to play next week (if necessary, Jack Youngblood can give him a call!)

5. Leonard Floyd was also a beast. Gotta find a way to keep that guy.

6. Darious Williams made an unbelievable play, reading the screen, splitting the receiver and blocker, coming up with the catch, and taking it to the house.

7. Jared Goff turned in a gutty performance. He clearly was not 100%, but he avoided mistakes and made just enough plays (including a great ad lib on Akers' big catch and run) to get it done.

8. Shame to see John Wolford go out like that. Cheap-ass dirty hit by Jamal Adams. Absurd that the refs picked up the flag.

9. So many guys made plays. Morgan Fox, A'Shawn Robinson, Jon Johnson, Jalen Ramsey, Nick Scott... the list is long!

10. Nice to see Micah Kiser fight his way back to the field and make a big recovery on special teams (with a great strip by Samson Ebukam).

11. Matt Gay was a real find.

12. Russell Wilson must REALLY hate playing us.

13. Lots of collie molesters eating (sea)crow tonight!

14. I think we'll be watching the injury report more carefully than ever this week.

15. Turnovers 2-0. Win.

16. Halftime lead. Win.

17. Brandon Staley has done an incredible job this year. If any teams with HC openings are reading this, though, I think he'd make a horrible HC!

18. My son is worried. Let me explain... He and I are fans of the Rams and the Miami Heat. He lives in Wisconsin. The Heat eliminated the Bucks from the playoffs. His comment after the win: "If the Rams beat the Packers, they'll drive me out with torches and pitchforks!"

19. In addition to the injuries, we're going to have to have to worry about the QB depth chart again this week. I assume Goff starts, but who backs him up? Wolford? Bortles? Crazy.

20. I'm going to enjoy this for a day or two before I worry too much. This one was nice!

I know me and a lot of others have been on him the past couple weeks.

Lets put all of that aside for a while and appreciate him gutting it out. That thumb did NOT look ok.

Kudos Jared for closing this one out.

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OFFENSE - Akers (Great Game By The
Rookie!) and Goff (Super GUTSY
Performance!!!)

DEFENSE - ENTIRE DEFENSE(!)

SPECIAL TEAMS - Gay (The Rams have
Their Kicker!)

GREAT GAME/TREMENDOUS WIN

Rumor was Edwards is hurt.I’m not sure,but Whitworth is back at LT.The Rams started Noteboom game 1 in 2019 & 2020. I know most HATE him at guard.Just wondering if there is going to be a surprise upfront?

Maybe I’m out of my mind? Maybe both?

We may see you guys next weekend. It’s a good possibility. I’m afraid of your team though if we play you honestly with your defense. I hate Seattle so I’m pulling for you guys to beat them. I’ve always never minded the Rams. I hope Goff gets healthy fast.

6 games...

2 days...

Thats enough to make this thread a buffet!

What do you got in mind?

Inspiration wouldn’t hurt me.... right now, I am leaning wings and pizza. Eat all day thing. Gain 5lbs by Monday, yada, yada.

NFC Wild Card Prediction and Preview: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Washington Football Team

An intriguing matchup awaits, as the Washington Football Team hosts the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at FedEx Field to cap off the first day of NFL Wild Card Round action on Saturday in prime time.

It only took 13 years and the addition of arguably the greatest quarterback in NFL history for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to make their way back into the postseason. The Bucs were unable to win a division title, which had become customary for Tom Brady-led teams over the years. But they were able to cruise into the playoffs as a No. 5 seed with an impressive 11-5 record, finishing runner-up to New Orleans in the NFC South. Bruce Arians' squad also enters the postseason riding the momentum of a four-game winning streak after knocking off the Falcons 44-27 last Sunday.

Washington punched its ticket into the postseason last Sunday night with a 20-14 win over the Eagles on the road to finish the regular season with a record of 7-9. Sadly, that was good enough for Washington to capture its first NFC East title since 2015, which also happens to be the last time the team made an appearance in the playoffs. Washington may or may not have been gifted the division title when Philadelphia head coach Doug Pederson elected to pull starting quarterback Jalen Hurts in the fourth quarter of what was still a very winnable game. Nevertheless, Washington now has the privilege of hosting Saturday night's playoff game as the No. 4 seed under first-year head coach Ron Rivera. An impressive feat for a team that won all of three games last season and had to overcome so much adversity this season to bounce back from a 2-7 start. Can Washington prove the critics wrong once again by playing the role of spoiler against Brady and the Bucs?

Saturday night's game will mark the 24th meeting all-time between Washington and Tampa Bay. Washington won the most recent meeting in 2018 by a score of 16-3 to take a narrow 12-11 lead in the all-time series. The two teams have met just twice in the postseason (2000 and 2006), splitting those contests.

NFC Wild Card: Tampa Bay at Washington

Kickoff: Saturday, Jan. 9 at 8:15 p.m. ET
TV: NBC
Spread: Buccaneers -8.5

Three Things to Watch

1. Calling out the G.O.A.T

It’s not uncommon in the NFL for players to call out peers. But when a rookie calls out arguably the greatest quarterback of all time and unquestionably the greatest postseason quarterback in NFL history heading into a playoff game, it's going to raise plenty of eyebrows. And that is exactly what happened when rookie defensive end Chase Young called out "Tom Brady, Tom Brady, I'm coming! I want Tom!" as he exited the field following Washington's division-clinching win over Philadelphia last Sunday night.

It was a bold move indeed. And while Brady seems to be brushing it off, Tampa Bay head coach Bruce Arians was quick to offer the rookie edge rusher some sage advice — "you better watch what you wish for." It would be one thing for Young to make that statement if the 43-year-old Brady was struggling heading into the postseason, but that is not the case. In fact, Brady is coming off one of his best seasons in years — completing 66 percent of his pass attempts for 4,633 yards with 40 touchdown passes against 12 interceptions. Over his last three games alone, the red-hot Brady has completed 70 percent of his passes for 1,137 yards with 10 touchdowns and just one interception. He has one of the best supporting casts in the NFL at his disposal, including three of the top wide receivers in the league in Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Antonio Brown to go along with future Hall of Fame tight end Rob Gronkowski. Brady also has one of the best pass-blocking offensive lines in the league. A group that allowed just 22 sacks during the regular season (fourth-fewest in the NFL).

That being said, Young isn't your typical rookie. He is the front-runner for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year following a standout regular season that included 7.5 sacks, 12.5 tackles for a loss, and a team-best four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. And he does have the potential to be a real hindrance to Brady on Saturday night. However, Young won't be able to do it alone, which begs the question — does the Washington defense have what it takes to combat Brady and the Buccaneers' high-octane passing attack?

The answer is yes, this is a defense that is capable of giving Brady and Co. problems. Washington boasts the second-best pass defense in the NFL, allowing just 191.8 yards per game through the air. Washington also tied for the second-most interceptions (16) during the regular season, limited opposing quarterbacks to an 81.4 passer rating, and allowed the fewest pass plays of 20 yards or more.

Young will have plenty of help in the crucial pass rush department as well. A formidable Washington defensive front that features five former first-round draft picks played a key role in generating 47 sacks during the regular season (sixth in the NFL), led by second-year defensive end Montez Sweat with nine. That bodes well against Brady, who has shown a tendency to struggle on the rare occasion that an opposing defense has been able to apply consistent pressure. However, the key words here are "rare occasion" and actually getting to Brady is much easier said than done. At any rate, it will make for a very intriguing strength vs. strength matchup. The battle in the trenches will be of particular interest, where all eyes will be on Young.

2. The Washington passing game vs. the Tampa Bay pass defense

The fact that Alex Smith is once again playing football is a remarkable feat in and of itself. The fact that he is 5-1 as the starting quarterback for the Washington Football Team just two years after suffering one of the most gruesome leg injuries in NFL history is even more impressive. And no one is more deserving of NFL Comeback Player of the Year honors than Smith. However, his numbers on the stat sheet have left plenty to be desired this season. In eight games, he's thrown just six touchdown passes against eight interceptions en route to a dismal passer rating of 78.5. Smith is currently nursing a calf injury that could limit him on Saturday night as well. Head coach Ron Rivera has hinted at the possibility of rotating Smith and backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke against the Buccaneers. And according to reports (as of Wednesday), Heinicke has been getting all the first-team reps in practice. Leading receiver Terry McClaurin also is a little worse for the wear with an ankle injury, but he is expected to play.

It isn't all doom and gloom for the Washington passing game on Saturday night. There is still some room for optimism against a Tampa Bay pass defense that ranks just 21st in the league, giving up 247 yards per game. The Bucs also have allowed opposing quarterbacks to complete 69 percent of their pass attempts against them (fourth-highest in the NFL).

Unfortunately, that is about as promising as it gets for the Washington passing attack. And a lackluster Washington offensive line that has struggled in pass protection, surrendering 50 sacks (second-most in the NFL) during the regular season, will still have to contend with a stout Tampa Bay pass rush that racked up 48 sacks during the regular season (fourth). The only silver lining for Washington here is that the Buccaneers will be without star linebacker Devin White (on the reserve/COVID-19 list), who leads Tampa Bay in tackles and ranks second on the team with nine sacks. But the Bucs still have plenty of firepower on tap with Jason Pierre-Paul (team-leading 9.5 sacks), Shaquil Barrett (8), and Ndamukong Suh (6). And the blitz-happy Bucs aren't going to pull any punches in their bid to get to the wounded Smith and/or Heinicke on Saturday night.

3. The run game

Running the football is rarely a top priority in an Arians-coached offense. And when you have Brady and some of the best pass catchers in the league, it makes even less sense to lean heavily on the run game. But if Washington's pass defense lives up to its billing on Saturday night, it might serve the Bucs well to keep it on the ground a little more than usual. The Washington defense isn't terrible against the run, allowing 113 rushing yards per contest (14th in the NFL). But it is Washington's biggest liability on that side of the football, and Tampa Bay has a solid running back in Ronald Jones II, who complied close to 1,000 rushing yards in 14 games with an impressive 5.1 yards per carry average. Jones could be the X-factor for the Tampa Bay offense in this matchup.

Washington also has a solid option in its backfield with running back Antonio Gibson (795 yards, 11 TDs in 14 games). However, Gibson hasn't rushed for more than 75 yards or scored a touchdown in his last three games as he's been dealing with a turf toe injury that has caused him to miss some time and may still be limiting him. And to make matters worse, he will be paired against a stingy Tampa Bay run defense that sits atop the NFL rankings in that department, allowing just 80.6 rushing yards per game and 3.6 yards per carry. Tampa Bay also has allowed the fewest rushing touchdowns this season. It will be a very tall order for Washington to find success on the ground against the Buccaneers.

Final Analysis

At first glance, a 7-9 Washington team that hails from the worst division in the NFL looks like easy prey for the Buccaneers. But despite Tampa Bay's glowing 11-5 record, the Bucs were just 1-5 against teams that ultimately made the playoffs. And all five of those losses came against teams with legit defenses that were able to get pressure on Tom Brady. Washington's defense is very legit and capable of doing much the same. However, it's probably safe to assume that Washington isn't going to completely shut down Brady and Co. on Saturday night. It's also safe to assume that a struggling Washington offense isn't going to do much damage against a solid Tampa Bay defense that matches up quite well, especially with Alex Smith at less than 100 percent. Washington's defense will keep the home team in the fight, but Ron Rivera's squad simply doesn't have enough offensive firepower. Tampa Bay wins a hard-fought defensive battle to move on to the Divisional Round of the playoffs.

Prediction: Buccaneers 24, Washington 17

AFC Wild Card Prediction and Preview: Indianapolis Colts vs. Buffalo Bills

Head coach Frank Reich of the Indianapolis Colts knows all about the Buffalo Bills. The career NFL backup spent a decade slotted behind Jim Kelly in Buffalo, known for one of the best fill-in performances in Wild Card history: a 32-point comeback to defeat the Houston Oilers in January 1993.

Now, Reich must incite that underdog mentality for the Colts as they face what is arguably the hottest team in the league. His former team, 2020 AFC East division champions, have won their last six games by an average of more than 18 points. Their current quarterback, Josh Allen, is an MVP candidate who set the team record with 4,544 passing yards this season. The AFC Offensive Player of the Month for December is just the second Bills offensive player to win the monthly award twice in a season (Hall of Fame running back Thurman Thomas is the other).

The Colts counter with Philip Rivers, the 17-year veteran quarterback who threw for more than 4,100 yards this season in his own right. Rivers has had a roller-coaster career filled with a few interceptions at crucial moments, keeping him from ever reaching a Super Bowl despite eight Pro Bowl appearances. But Reich, the former offensive coordinator for Rivers' former team, the Los Angeles Chargers, believed in his ability enough to bring the QB to Indianapolis for what has become a successful 11-5 season.

"I was confident [in] the overarching trajectory of what he would do this year for our team," Reich said. "[It] would be an arrow up, see him getting better and better, and I believe that has come to fruition."

Rivers' interception count is down to just 11 this season after 20 last year. That's important as the key to the Colts' success, well balanced on both sides of the ball, might be mistake-free football, building on their plus-10 turnover margin that ranks second in the NFL.

Can the Colts stop the Josh Allen runaway train and pull the upset? Or will Buffalo start their march through the postseason as a trendy Super Bowl pick?

AFC Wild Card: Indianapolis at Buffalo

Kickoff: Saturday, Jan. 9 at 1:05 p.m. ET
TV: CBS
Spread: Buffalo -6.5

Three Things to Watch

1. Can Josh Allen be stopped? Or Stefon Diggs?

Allen is simply on a tear. In a game last week against Miami, he passed for 224 yards and three touchdowns in a first-half effort, treating it like a junior varsity playoff tune-up. Keep in mind the 10-win Dolphins were fighting for a playoff spot while the game meant nothing for the Bills, who wound up thrashing their division rival 56-26.

How in the world did Allen become this good? A great Sports Illustrated article from November focuses on his association with Jordan Palmer, the private quarterback coach and Carson's brother who has molded some of the great young arms in the game. Their biggest achievement together has been upgrading Allen's accuracy year-to-year: from 52.8, to 58.8, to a 69.2 completion rate this season, fourth-best in the NFL.

As Allen has caught fire, the past two months especially, it correlates to the rise of main receiving target and offseason trade acquisition Stefon Diggs. Diggs now has three 100-yard receiving performances in his last six games, including a three-touchdown performance against the Patriots two weeks ago, and led the NFL with 1,535 receiving yards in the regular season.

That's a problem for the Colts, who have two members of the secondary working through the concussion protocol: safety Khari Willis and cornerback Rock Ya-Sin. Their availability could make the difference for a unit that ranked just 20th against the pass. In just the last month, Indianapolis allowed Deshaun Watson and Ben Roethlisberger to throw for 300-plus yards in back-to-back games.

If Allen goes for 300-plus on Saturday, it's likely a rout. And he's got the right mindset going on after an awkward playoff loss last season against the Houston Texans in which the Bills squandered a 16-0 early lead.

"Nothing matters unless we win this one," Allen said to reporters Tuesday. "That's our mindset, going from playoff-caliber to championship-caliber."

2. Philip Rivers and the playoffs

Rivers came back to try for a Super Bowl and starts his journey from the bottom in a powerful AFC (every playoff team had 11 wins or more). His career postseason record is just 5-6, throwing 10 interceptions in those 11 games while producing a middling QB rating of 84.2. In particular, the Patriots were always his nemesis: Rivers is 0-5 in his career in Foxborough, 0-3 in the playoffs as he dealt with several frustrating losses during that dynasty.

Now, it's a different AFC East opponent blocking Rivers' quest to get over the hump. This time around, he's been buoyed by one of the best offensive lines in football; the 39-year-old was sacked just 19 times in 2020, the second-lowest total of his 17-year career. The running game backed up that performance, with rookie Johnathan Taylor putting up 1,169 yards, good enough for second in the AFC. (Taylor was limited in practice this week with a nagging shoulder issue but is expected to play at full strength).

The balance has given Rivers more time to throw to weapons like veteran wide receiver T.Y. Hilton and pass-catching back Nyheim Hines. But unlike his recent time in Los Angeles, there is no standout receiver like Keenan Allen who will break away in one-on-one coverage. Rivers succeeds here by managing the game well and spreading the ball around. Nine Colts players enter this game with 250 receiving yards this season, a variety of role players who have come together and run an efficient offense.

One big plus for Rivers? His last two postseason victories have come on the road. And COVID-19 restrictions have limited crowds and can help negate home-field advantages like the one the Bills will enjoy on Saturday.

"We don't have to do anything different now," Rivers said this week. "It's not like, 'Now we made it to the postseason, so let's really prepare hard and let's really put in our best stuff and let's really try our hardest to do things right.' If that were to be true, then we'd been cheating each other for 16 games.

"We do have to make some plays, obviously, but you don't have to do anything unbelievable. Just go play sound football, complementary football together, and we believe if we do that, then it will be enough."

The key is for Rivers not to throw that game-changing interception or pick-six. Many casual fans would be surprised at how the Colts' plus-10 turnover margin trailed only the Tennessee Titans in the NFL. Rivers has done a great job at leading the team after an awkward start (losing to the 1-15 Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 1) and will put his best foot forward in what could be his NFL finale.

3. Special teams

The Bills and Colts have each scored on a special teams return this season. Isaiah McKenzie shined last week for the Bills on an 84-yard punt return that effectively put the game away in the first half. The Colts' Isaiah Rodgers had a 101-yard kickoff return against the Cleveland Browns back in October. Either organization is capable of a repeat; in particular, the Colts might be studying the "Music City Miracle" as motivation for how to pull off the upset.

Both teams also possess reliable kickers who finished in the top five in NFL scoring: Tyler Bass (4th) and Rodrigo Blankenship (5th). Both capable of hitting from beyond 50 yards, whichever scores a slight edge makes the difference in a game where the Colts need a few breaks to go their way. Bass, in particular, has been red hot; he hasn't missed a kick since November while Blankenship missed two field goals alone in the regular-season finale.

Final Analysis

There's one home-field edge the Bills can't lose due to COVID-19: the weather. The Colts will come from a dome to a chilly 36-degree high for this weekend's wild-card game. That's with a quarterback who spent much of his career in warm weather climates, plays in a dome, and struggled in cold weather environments like the Patriots' home stadium in Foxborough.

Add in the Bills' burst of December momentum and it's all too much for a Colts team that doesn't quite have enough pieces yet for a Super Bowl run.

Prediction: Bills 34, Colts 24

Game Day Thread

The GDT is a live thread tradition here at ROD.

While we all get fired up watching the game, please remember our core principles;we always show respect for our team and each other.

Despite the emotional highs and lows watching a game, we will moderate this thread with that in mind, however please refrain from name calling. This applies to players, the Rams organization, and others.

This is the core rule of the GDT. Moderators are tasked to issue thread bans, at a minimum, to maintain this standard.

This is our team. Win or lose. Good days and bad.

A more loosely moderated atmosphere can be found in the chat room.

Go Rams!

———

ROD Chat Room;

Game Day Room

Most years I will have a team in the AFC who I pull for to reach the Super Bowl.
So who do you guys like?
This is not about who you think will win the AFC , but who would you like to see win it?
Would also like to hear you guys' least favorite and why, if you feel like posting it.

*******************************************************************************************************************************

I've gotta go Browns for the obvious reason.
If they lose then I will pull for the Bills.
I guess because I remember pulling for all of the Jim Kelly
teams to win the Super Bowl back in the day and I think they have the best chance against KC.
The team I would least like to see win it is Pittsburgh. I can't stand Ben R.
and I ain't freakin forgot about 1979.

I guess I'm considering the "12"s to be a bodily function reference to what we'll do to them tomorrow!

My Seattle neighbors are not too pleased...

Very sad news for me in sports. Tommy Lasorda has passed away. The guy bled Dodger Blue. Great man. Great coach.

This is just nuts. From his pro-day at Texas Tech.
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Maybe this OT thread goes nowhere but maybe it inspires someone. I'm a great starter shitty finisher except for the gym I've always put in 100%. I haven't read since college so like 2004? I just purchased Fortitude by Dan Crenshaw, hard cover old school habits. I want to start and finish this! Progress not perfection.
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Reports are the star QB is becoming increasingly frustrated with the organization and may be able to be had. For me, we win it all with the guy, so I'd give up whatever it takes (except Donald or Ramsey) to get him. What do y'all think?

Andrew Whitworth glad to be back, excited for opportunity on Saturday

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – Wide receiver Robert Woods noticed a new but familiar voice during Wednesday's practice as the Rams offense was going through team drills.

The possibility of having offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth back for Saturday's Wild Card playoff game against the Seahawks alone was "huge," Woods said, because of his play, ability to anchor the left tackle position and be involved in the run game. However, even just his presence at practice already felt like a difference-maker.

"Hearing his voice in the huddle, first snap, being the leader, pushing the tempo for our offense, it was kind of refreshing to hear him in the huddle, and hearing that tempo and that urge to pick up that pace, having someone else push and get this train, get this offense rolling," Woods said during a video conference Wednesday.

Whitworth's strength and determination have him on schedule to return on Saturday, in what was the target week for him to do so. Despite tearing his MCL and PCL in Week 10 against the Seahawks, he managed to recover after missing seven games and put himself in position to play – and potentially return to the starting lineup – at the beginning of postseason play.

"It's been a lot of work to get back (and) ups and downs, obviously, anytime you're injured, but it feels good now," Whitworth said during a video conference Wednesday. "I feel confident and I'm looking forward to the opportunity."

That recovery process was "a grind," according to Whitworth. It included collecting and applying various pieces of medical equipment at home and later pregame workouts at SoFi Stadium.

Whitworth said the MCL and PCL "are your best stability ligaments." Rehabilitation involved evaluating multiple key indicators of progress as a result.

"Trying to figure out stability-wise, what you're feeling, and then function-wise, what seems a little bit weaker or what if you're off-balance, or if you feel different when you do certain movements, whether it's going forwards, backwards or side-to-side, and really where that pain or discomfort or balance is coming from where you feel a little off-balance," Whitworth said.

Whitworth also said healing is one of the most important aspects of the process, because if the ligaments aren't healing back stronger, it's not going to allow you to play.

"It's kind of a combination of developing the muscles back and working your butt off that way, but also really doing as much as you can to make sure there's healing going on and that process is keeping up with all the other things that you're doing," he said.

While the 15-year veteran feels ready to go get out on the field and play Saturday, he also acknowledges there are still "boxes to check" before that officially happens.

One of those boxes is getting through a week practicing and doing all the things necessary to prepare to play, something that has been "hard" to do because of the COVID-19 protocols and restrictions. For example, he said he "would've loved to had an opportunity before the game" to get some reps if someone was inactive, but those protocols don't allow a player to do that. Thus, his only chance to check that box is by returning to practice, which he did just last week.

"There's some boxes to check off and still to make sure you can do everything, and then to see how it responds (Thursday) from practicing (Wednesday), and the next day from practicing (Thursday)," Whitworth said. "So obviously it's not like they're big hurdles, but they're hurdles to get through. Right now, everything feels great and we're still on board."

Whitworth was activated to the 53-man roster on Thursday, and Rams head coach Sean McVay also said Wednesday "there's a good chance" of Whitworth starting on Saturday "if he's able to go," and that Whitworth was a full participant in Wednesday's practice. McVay said he doesn't expect any setbacks after talking to Whitworth on Thursday and that Whitworth "is feeling good."

"We will take it a day at a time, but if he's feeling good and the practice reflects what we're hopeful and what we anticipate, then we'll expect to see Andrew out there," McVay said Wednesday.

Rams defensive lineman and fellow team captain Aaron Donald knows how valuable Whitworth's leadership and presence is to the team.

"You get a veteran guy that's been playing this game a long time, and he's a leader," Donald said. "If you can get him on the field playing, that's definitely a plus for us. As long as he's healthy and he feels good, I know he's going to go out there and he's going to dominate."

Whitworth admitted that once he takes the field, it will likely be an emotional experience.

"As I told some of my friends, I'm gonna do my best to not cry for the whole first half, because I'm gonna be emotional," he said. "But you know, it's one of those things, man, I can't wait. I can't wait for the opportunity to get out there, just to be with everybody and let it all hang out and see what happens."

Rams defense happy to finish No. 1 at end of regular season, but still sees more work to be done

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – In the midst of everything the Rams defense has gone through over the last eight months, safety John Johnson III says finishing No. 1 in total defense and in the top five in multiple other significant categories is an accomplishment to be proud of.

"A season like this, with what we're going through, all the protocols, all the adjustments we had to make, it means a lot that we could band together and go from a Zoom meeting on the computer to on the grass and with a new defensive coordinator, everyone buying in, it just shows you the work and dedication we put in from April until now," Johnson said during a video conference Tuesday.

Los Angeles enters Saturday's Wild Card game against Seattle (1:40 p.m. PT, FOX) on the heels of finishing the 2020 regular season allowing the fewest yards per game in the NFL (281.9), fewest passing yards per game (190.7), fewest points per game (18.6) and third-fewest rushing yards per game (91.3). It has also generated the second-most sacks (53), trailing only Pittsburgh's 56.

Bills quarterback Josh Allen was the only 300-yard passer allowed by the Rams defense all season, and no opposing running back ever eclipsed 100 rushing yards in those 16 weeks.

"I think we're very proud of the way we've competed," Rams defensive coordinator Brandon Staley said. "Certainly your goal, no matter what level of ball you're in, is just to become the best version of yourself and wherever that takes you, I think that you can live with. I think that's something in my background, being a teacher's son and coach's son, you just want to take your group that you have and try to maximize that group within that particular season. This season, I think that we did that and that led us to the rankings where we finished. And I think for all of us, us coaches and players, we can say in the 2020 regular season that we were the top defense and that's something that we can take with us for a long time and I'll be very proud of."

The Rams defense was able to accomplish the feat behind the leadership of fourth-year safety Johnson – who has been the defensive signal-caller this season – and breakout seasons by his teammates, like defensive lineman Morgan Fox (career-high six sacks), outside linebacker Leonard Floyd (career-high 10.5 sacks), cornerback Darious Williams (team- and career-high four interceptions) and cornerback Troy Hill (team- and career-high three defensive touchdowns), among others.

The number of different contributors, in addition to the defense's consistent performances, is what makes the unit special, according to Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald, and one of the biggest reasons why they're in the position they're currently in.

"I think it comes down to guys just making plays and it isn't just one or two guys, I've been saying it all year," Donald said during a video conference Thursday. "It's guys stepping up in a big way, at any time and making plays to help us win games. When you tend to do that week-in and week-out on a consistent basis, and there aren't too many drop-offs, that's what it's about. You can't just dominate one week then have three weeks where you fall off. I think this year has been different from this defensive standpoint just because it's been consistently dominant."

Fox said the focus throughout the season was on winning games, not rankings. While the group is happy they accomplished such a feat, their attention has shifted toward the playoffs and bigger goals now.

"It is a cool achievement," Fox said. "I think everyone saw it and noticed it, but everyone's focused on Seattle and winning everything. We're pumped about it, but it's not done."

I’m wanting to update my face masks and I thought why not rep my favorite team? I like the ones you see the players and McVay wearing, the blue with the logo on the side. Has anyone seen these anywhere? The one’s on nfl.com have too much going on and I haven’t seen them anywhere else.