So, how many ‘deep playoff run’ NFC teams are there, anyway?

[Rams43]

[www.nfl.com]

Looking at the standings we see a rather short list of teams that look like serious candidates to be NFC Champions.

In no particular order I see only the following as probable possibilities, tbh.

Packers
Seahawks
Rams
Saints
Bucs

I see no NFC East team getting there.

I see the Cards and Bears as pretenders despite their midseason records, although the Cards point differential is best in NFC.

And this may strike some as heresy, but the Seahawk D flaws are gonna be their downfall in the playoffs. They’ve been playing with fire on D all season.

So, who’s gonna make it to the SB?

One of the following, I bet.

Packers
Rams
Saints
Bucs

It’s pick ‘em for me as best guess after 8 games. One could make a case both pro or con on any of these, really. The team with best balance and best health will be the one, don’t you think?

 

[Flatlyner]

Based on last nights performance, I'd be hard pressed not to consider the Saints as possibly the favorites. Bucs looked so bad and I don't even consider the Saints D as top 10 or even that special. I would still likely have the Hags on that list as well. Their offense has covered for the D so far this year (except yesterday). Golden Boy Wilson is finally coming back to earth, but I can't bet against him picking it back up.

I do have to slightly question us on the list, if I'm being honest. Dolphins cracked the code for sure and don't think every team isn't going to do the same. Goff looks hopeless with a rush coming at him, and that can't get you wins in post season. I hope I'm wrong.

 

[Mojo Ram]

Saints are always good for sniffing a super bowl appearance but never getting there. Jabs aside they have experience everywhere and decent balance.

Seattle has the QB and coaching but not enough D.

Bucs have great experience at QB and a balanced team when healthy.

Arizona has some playmakers but an inexperienced roster and HC.

Green Bay has the QB and a balanced team.

Rams are balanced and experienced.

Philly isn't good enough but they're experienced. No Foles.

Chicago doesn't have enough on offense but they do have Foles.

San Fran. Hangover.

Minnesota has no defense.

Atalanta has no defense.

Defense and running the ball are still important in the playoffs. There are teams like AZ and Seattle that can't line up and run the ball consistently, and they're getting their yardage from QB runs which isn't the same thing. It's effective in a different context. If you're protecting a lead for example, you're not going to just call QB runs. He'll get killed and there's a higher chance of turnovers.

IMO the Bucs, Packers, Rams, Seahawks are the teams most likely to go deep. Because...overall experience, QB play, balanced offense and defense.

 

[Flatlyner]

I think, if we are to make a run, we need to focus on the run game more then passing. Miami had no real answer for the run, but we elected to put the ball in the air over and over. Goff was lucky to not have gotten a couple more picks, including a pick 6. With our D and very effective running, we could make a deep push. Particularly if Hendo is healthy and we get more Akers usage.

 

[MadGoat]

If Green Bay, Seattle, and Philly end up hosting playoff games, it's bad news for a lot of the warm weather/dome road teams trying to advance.

 

[Tano]

Goff picked apart the Dolphins in the 4th quarter especially on the WR screens.

I am hoping that McVay sees that and if teams decide to do Cover 0 blitzes or have defenses pretend they are blitzing but still showing the same scheme as a Cover 0 blitz that the Rams WR screen them to death.

At worst, the Rams would get 5 yards minimum against those Cover 0 blitzes.

Do it all day long if they have to against those defensive schemes until the other teams stops showing that defensive scheme.

And just to be clear what defensive scheme I am talking about ...

It's the one where 5 to 7 defensive players are on the line of scrimmage showing a blitz with the other players being at minimum 7 yards beyond the line of scrimmage in a straight line across the field.

If instead they try to jam the receivers at the line of scrimmage, then I am sure there are specific plays for that as well.

 

[Tano]

If Green Bay, Seattle, and Philly end up hosting playoff games, it's bad news for a lot of the warm weather/dome road teams trying to advance.

Philly sucks - they will be out the first week.

 

[Rams43]

The case for Rams making it to SB.

Well, what are the top 4 things that SB teams seem to have in common?

A good to great HC. Rams have McVay.

A good to great QB. Rams have Goff. Multiple Pro Bowler and already been to one SB. Has struggled very recently, though.

A strong running game. Rams have one of the best running games in the league.

A good to great D. Rams have one of the top 2 D’s in the league already with 2 incoming upgrades.

 

[nighttrain]

The case for Rams making it to SB.

Well, what are the top 4 things that SB teams seem to have in common?

A good to great HC. Rams have McVay.

A good to great QB. Rams have Goff. Multiple Pro Bowler and already been to one SB. Has struggled very recently, though.

A strong running game. Rams have one of the best running games in the league.

A good to great D. Rams have one of the top 2 D’s in the league already with 2 incoming upgrades.

GO RAMS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Rams77]

IMO it comes down to Goff and how he deals with teams taking away what McVay wants to do and if the line is not performing its best. He needs to be better than the QB who needs everything around him to be perfect for the Rams to win. He needs to gut wins out like the Saints NFC title game. All D coordinators know the key to beating the Rams is rattling Goff. Our defense is good enough just need first half consistency. Our Special Teams needs to be more consistent overall. And McVay needs to stick with the run when its working or at least to keep defenses honest. We have the potential to win it all

 

[DVontel]

AFC team is winning it all.

All of the NFC teams have one flaw that really sticks out.

 

[OregonRamsFan]

The case for Rams making it to SB.

Well, what are the top 4 things that SB teams seem to have in common?

A good to great HC. Rams have McVay.

A good to great QB. Rams have Goff. Multiple Pro Bowler and already been to one SB. Has struggled very recently, though.

A strong running game. Rams have one of the best running games in the league.

A good to great D. Rams have one of the top 2 D’s in the league already with 2 incoming upgrades.

Nice post!

 

[CGI_Ram]

Packers
Seahawks
Rams
Saints
Bucs

I‘d put the Cards in that mix.

Every year it’s similar, but this year... without home field advantage as a factor...

1. Make the playoffs.
2. Then it’s a matter of... who is hot at that time?

I am okay with the Rams offense peaking THEN!

Go Rams!

 

[FrantikRam]

I‘d put the Cards in that mix.

Every year it’s similar, but this year... without home field advantage as a factor...

1. Make the playoffs.
2. Then it’s a matter of... who is hot at that time?

I am okay with the Rams offense peaking THEN!

Go Rams!

Cards definitely should be in there. Every NFC team has shown some type of flaw

The good news is that if you take away QB, were neck and neck with TB for the best overall team.

So we just need Goff to get hot and we could easily win the NFC

 

[dieterbrock]

I think a deep run would mean getting to the NFC Championship game.
So to answer the question of how many deep run teams are there?
I'd have to say 2

 

[dang]

It is odd and perplexing how hot and cold the Rams offense has been performing from half to half and from game to game. I have to believe a McVay and his coaching staff will figure it out. The question is when. This week vs the Seahawks or 5 weeks from now vs the lowly Jets. In the interim they have to emphasize their consistent run game and the relative success of keeping Kupp on the move vs a statue in the pocket. Can anyone attest to how much was the fault of Goff’s inaccurate throws vs poor WR/TE play last week at Miami.

 

[LARAMSinFeb.]

It is odd and perplexing how hot and cold the Rams offense has been performing from half to half and from game to game.

Our D's had their moments too--first halves in Buffalo, SF

 

[RhodyRams]

I think a deep run would mean getting to the NFC Championship game.
So to answer the question of how many deep run teams are there?
I'd have to say 2

care to extrapolate on that a bit...which 2 teams?

I am thinking the Saints and GB for the NFCC

 

[dieterbrock]

care to extrapolate on that a bit...which 2 teams?

Oh, my bad.
Of course, the 2 teams are
The one who goes to the Superbowl and the one who doesnt
I'll be here all week

 

[CGI_Ram]

It is odd and perplexing how hot and cold the Rams offense has been performing from half to half and from game to game.

From a fan’s perspective, it sort of comes off as the Rams don’t have a good plan B at the ready.

Which is an oversimplification, not the case, and an anti-McVay sort of thing to say (being an offensive guru).

But... that IS what it ”looks like”. And, the result sort of backs it up. McVay needs to tune his offense. Its well invested and middle of the league is not the bar McVay has for himself I’m sure.