High Stakes for Rams vs. Vikings: A Critical Divisional Round Showdown

It’s been two and a half months since the Los Angeles Rams faced off against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 8, where the Rams won 30-20 on Thursday Night Football. However, with the stakes higher this time— a spot in the divisional round on the line— the rematch on Monday promises to be much more intense. To get a deeper understanding of what’s happening in Minnesota leading up to this crucial game, I spoke with Tyler Forness, who covers the Vikings for A to Z Sports.

Sam Darnold’s Struggles Against Detroit: What Went Wrong?

In a recent game against the Detroit Lions, Sam Darnold’s performance was far from ideal. So, what exactly did Detroit do to limit him? According to Forness, the Lions implemented a combination of strategies that made things difficult for Darnold. One key aspect was their physical coverage, which disrupted Darnold’s rhythm. In addition, Detroit sent significant pressure, something that, coupled with the added adrenaline of a “quasi” playoff game, contributed to Darnold’s inaccuracy.

Moreover, the Lions deployed effective pressure packages that pushed the pocket backward into Darnold, which significantly affected his ability to execute. Darnold has been at his best when sliding into open space in the pocket, allowing him to fire deep passes. Unfortunately, those opportunities were nonexistent during that game, as the Lions managed to keep him under pressure, forcing him to make mistakes.

Vikings’ Offensive Line: Can They Cope Without Christian Darrisaw?

In their previous game against the Rams, Vikings left tackle Christian Darrisaw was injured, leaving a gap in their offensive line. How has the line performed without him? According to Forness, it’s been a mixed bag. While the Vikings ranked second in ESPN’s pass-block win rate for the season, their run-blocking, ranked 15th, hasn’t been as impressive.

Replacing Darrisaw with Cam Robinson hasn’t been a complete disaster, but the offensive line struggles are apparent. Specifically, Blake Brandel has been a significant concern. When Darrisaw was fully healthy, Brandel allowed just six pressures over six games. However, after Darrisaw’s injury, Brandel allowed four pressures in the same game, and the number skyrocketed to 31 pressures over the last 10 games. Brandel’s struggles, combined with Robinson’s issues allowing pass rushers to take inside paths, have made it tough for the Vikings’ offensive line to keep opposing defenses at bay.

Kevin O’Connell and Sean McVay: Two Sides of the Same Coin?

Kevin O’Connell, head coach of the Vikings, has strong ties to Sean McVay, the Rams’ head coach. So, do they have similar coaching styles? According to Forness, the answer is yes, but with notable differences. O’Connell’s playbook is rooted in McVay’s system, and both coaches are known for their creativity and culture-building abilities. That being said, O’Connell’s approach to running the offense is slightly different. While McVay has been known to play it a bit safer at times, O’Connell has shown a tendency to take more shot plays, making the Vikings’ offense more dynamic.

Can the Vikings’ Secondary Handle the Rams’ Passing Attack?

One of the most intriguing matchups in this game will be the battle between the Vikings’ secondary and the Rams’ receiving weapons. Minnesota’s cornerbacks have far outperformed expectations this year, especially Byron Murphy Jr., who earned a Pro Bowl spot. Forness believes that while the Vikings’ secondary can hold their own, they’ll need more than just solid coverage to stop the Rams’ pass-catching weapons.

The key to the Vikings’ success will lie in their ability to generate pressure on Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford. In their Week 8 encounter, they failed to do so, and that made it much easier for Stafford to find his receivers. If the Vikings can pressure Stafford without sending a heavy blitz, it could be the key to their victory. The ability to disrupt Stafford’s rhythm without overcommitting to the blitz could be a game-changer for the Vikings’ defense.

Conclusion: What to Expect in the Divisional Round

With both teams facing higher stakes than ever before, this divisional round matchup promises to be one for the books. The Vikings will need to improve their offensive line play, limit Darnold’s mistakes, and find ways to generate consistent pressure on Stafford if they hope to avenge their Week 8 loss to the Rams. Meanwhile, the Rams will continue to rely on Stafford’s arm and their offensive weapons to get the job done. The game will be intense, and with so much on the line, expect an exciting showdown that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.