Los Angeles Rams at New Orleans Saints: NFC Championship grades are in and the Rams are saved by the call

Quarterback

Going 25-40 for 297 yards, QB Jared Goff had some panicky moments, but his turnover wasn’t his fault and there were some drops that kept his pretty solid numbers down. The dime that Goff threw to WR Brandin Cooks in the 4th quarter was enough for me. What are you gonna do? I like the kid.

Running Backs

They didn't hurt the team, but save for RB Todd Gurley’s TD run, they didn’t exactly help the Rams’ offense. It was a down day for the running attack for sure. Gurley was limited to 10 yards on four carries, and RB C.J. Anderson never really got going.

Tight Ends

My wishes were granted and TE Tyler Higbee’s bromance with Jared Goff finally bore some fruit. Higbee was clutch, catching all four of his targets and one touchdown. His numbers don’t jump off the page, but his presence sure did. And TE Gerald Everett was the lone shining light at the beginning of the game. Great showing for the tight ends.

Wide Receivers

WR Brandin Cooks played like a guy with a huge contract and WR Josh Reynolds played like a guy who wants to start next year, which was great to see. And even though Robert Woods only got six catches on 10 targets, he was there when Goff needed him.

Offensive Line

Though the running game was limited to 77 yards, Jared Goff was upright most of the time and was able to make some plays. The noise was really a bother for them but they stayed strong. Again, a huge challenge for these guys and they got through it.

Defensive Line

It felt like RB Alvin Kamara was everywhere, but the New Orleans Saints run game was shut down for the most part. And DT Ndamukong Suh got to QB Drew Brees in an emphatic sack that was a great momentum moment. The Los Angeles Rams really needed to get pressure on Brees and they did exactly that. It wasn’t just Goff who was uncomfortable during the game.

Linebackers

LB’s Cory Littleton and Mark Barron had very strong games, and OLB Dante Fowler Jr had his impact moments. These guys stepped up in a way that I didn’t expect going into the game. They didn't allow Kamara to catch the ball wherever he wanted, but that’s what happens when they go man coverage and Littleton has to keep up with Kamara.

Defensive Backs

QB Drew Brees was kept in check and the John Johnson III interception was glorious. It wasn’t about CB Marcus Peters and Sean Peyton, but that’s just fine.

Special Teams

Amazing. The fake punt. The 57-yard kick. Loved it.

Coaching

The fake punt was huge. Coach McVay’s legend grows!