Greg Zuerlein's field goal sends Rams to the Super Bowl as they edge Saints in overtime thriller
The Los Angeles Rams are going to the Super Bowl. Greg Zuerlein's 57-yard overtime field goal triggered a chorus of boos around the raucous New Orleans Superdome, and signalled a second devastating playoff defeat in two years for the Saints.
Saints fans have reason to feel aggrieved. Rams cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman hammered Tommylee Lewis off the ball deep in LA territory on the Saints' final drive, and the referees somehow decided not to throw a flag for what should have been a no-brainer pass interference call. It meant they had to settle for a Will Lutz field goal instead of a possible touchdown, and allowed Jared Goff and the Rams to march back up the field and set up a field goal try of their own to take it to overtime.
Drew Brees actually got the ball to start the bonus period of what had been a brilliant, nailbiting game, but he was hit by Dante Fowler on third down and tossed a wobbler into the grateful arms of John Johnson. Goff did enough to move into Zuerlein's range - just- and Greg the Leg drilled the kick right between the uprights for a stunning 26-23 comeback win. The Rams never led in regular time. They won't care a jot. They're playing the Patriots for the Lombardi trophy in Atlanta in two weeks' time.
The Saints, in truth, were their own worst enemy. They dominated the first quarter, and should really have been up by more than 13 points at its close. Twice the Rams defense came up big and limited them to Will Lutz field goals, before Garrett Griffin's first reception of the season also marked his first touchdown catch.
Los Angeles fought back in the second, triggered by a fake punt call reminiscent of the one which swung the game in the Saints' favour against the Eagles last week. Johnny Hekker's conversion to Tyler Higbee was good for a first down, and the Rams got on the board with a field goal.
Two straight sacks from Ndamukong Suh forced the Saints to punt, and a beautiful deep shot down the sideline from Goff to Brandin Cooks set up a first-and-goal opportunity. Todd Gurley - who had just four carries for 10 yards on the night - spun into the end zone to make it a three-point game at the half.
Taysom Hill and Higbee exchanged touchdowns in the third quarter before a Zuerlein field goal tied it up at 20-20. Next came the missed call on Robey-Coleman, the three points where it could have been seven, and two Greg the Leg field goals for a famous Rams win no one saw coming early on.
All the talk has been about Los Angeles' offensive firepower, but their defenses deserved a lot of the credit tonight. They made big stops in key situations and limited Michael Thomas, who burned them for 211 yards a couple of months ago, to just four catches for 36 yards. Props to Aqib Talib for that.
Sean McVay's men are now all that stands between Tom Brady and a sixth Super Bowl ring. No one would confidently bet against the Patriots, but these Rams are a pretty impressive road block.
Final score: Los Angeles Rams 26, New Orleans Saints 23
What a way to win it for LA. What a way to silence the dome. Everyone will be talking about that no-call on Robey-Coleman which would have sealed it for the Saints, but Sean Payton's men will know they had opportunities to win this game and they let them slip.
They got knocked out of the playoffs in devastating fashion with the Minneapolis Miracle last year, and this one will hurt just as much for Saints fans.
Rams win! Los Angeles Rams 26, New Orleans Saints 23
WHAT. A. KICK! Greg Zuerlein drills it from 57 and the Rams are going to the Super Bowl!!!
Field goal attempt to win it... Los Angeles Rams 23, New Orleans Saints 23
Goff does brilliantly to evade Von Bell and get off a pass to Higbee under intense pressure for a six-yard gain. That sets up a third-and-seven, but Cooks drops a short pass. Zuerlein will attempt a 57-yard field goal to win it... Sean Payton duly calls for a time out.
Rams into Saints territory. Los Angeles Rams 23, New Orleans Saints 23
Goff's sidearm pass to Higbee gets a first down, and LA are into Saints territory. That home crowd will be getting very nervy now. A field goal will win it. McVay calls a time out from the 45-yard line.
Interception Rams! Los Angeles Rams 23, New Orleans Saints 23
Alvin Kamara's kick return means the Saints will start with the ball on their 36. Brockers knocks down Brees' pass at the line of scrimmage on first down when the Saints had men open. Brees looks deep on the next play and misses with a shot to Arnold, but pass interference is called on Mark Barron. That'll move NOLA up to the 40.
Brees hands off to Ingram, but the big man for the big moment comes up with a massive play. Donald charges at Ingram and brings him down for a six-yard loss.
Oh my word! On second-and-six Dante Fowler hits Brees and his pass is picked off by John Johnson! The Rams will get it on their own 46.
We're going to overtime! Los Angeles Rams 23, New Orleans Saints 23
The home team Saints win the toss, which means Drew Brees will get the ball and has a chance to end this thing without the Rams getting a shot. Would you get against him?
Field goal Rams! Los Angeles Rams 23, New Orleans Saints 23
We're all square again, and this one looks like it's heading to overtime! Zuerlein's kick looked like it was drifting wide right, but squeezed back inside the posts at the last second. Phew. There's 15 seconds left for a Saints miracle.
Field goal try... Los Angeles Rams 20, New Orleans Saints 23
Goff passes to Gurley for a gain of four, and the clock's now down to less than 30 seconds. I have bitten off all of my fingernails. Goff's incomplete on a third-and-six, which means Zuerlein's on for the field goal try...
Rams into field goal range. Los Angeles Rams 20, New Orleans Saints 23
Goff goes over the middle to Cooks for seven, then to Woods for the first down on third-and-three. Woods was wide open there and might have had a touchdown with a better throw. Instead Woods has to make a grab above his head, and goes to ground in field goal range. LA will use their final time out.
Here comes Jared Goff... Los Angeles Rams 20, New Orleans Saints 23
That has to be one of the worst no-calls of the season, and it's given the Rams a real opportunity here. If they win this then there's going to be a storm of controversy over that call for days to come.
Reynolds drops Goff's pass on first down, but makes a big grab on the next attempt. LA are up to their own 44. One minute 12 and a time out left...
Field goal Saints! Los Angeles Rams 20, New Orleans Saints 23
We're into the final two minutes of the game, and the Saints are 13 yards from the end zone. This is some odd play calling here though. First Brees passes quick to Thomas, incomplete, when the Saints really should be running the ball to chew up the clock. Next they're forced to call a valuable time out as the play clock ticks down. Kamara is stopped for no gain so we'll have a third-and-10.
Brees throws for Lewis but Robey-Coleman, who's had a good second half, hammers him off the ball. That should have been a penalty, but the Rams get away with one. New Orleans will settle for a Will Lutz field goal, and the Rams have one minute 41 to go up the other end and win it.
Brees goes deep to Ginn! Los Angeles Rams 20, New Orleans Saints 20
There goes Donald! He's right through the Saints' offensive line to take down Ingram for a two-yard loss. It won't matter though! Brees rocket launches one deep for Ginn, and he beats Lamarcus Joyner for an absolutely massive 43-yard gain and an immediate red zone opportunity. That's shocking coverage from Joyner, who goes for the interception rather than batting the ball away.
Kamara does the business. Los Angeles Rams 20, New Orleans Saints 20
The Saints offense has faltered in this second half. John Johnson makes a big tackle on Mark Ingram on second-and-five and Brees will need two for the fresh set of downs. He has all day to pass but no one open. In the end he checks down to - surprise surprise - Alvin Kamara, who gets eight. Gotta be covering number 41 in that situation...
Should the Rams have gone for it? Los Angeles Rams 20, New Orleans Saints 20
Well, Twitter really, really hates McVay's decision not to go for it needing just a yard for the go-ahead touchdown there. It's rare you say this, but Twitter might have a point. There will probably be three more possessions in this game, and Drew Brees and the Saints will likely get two of them. Will that decision come back to haunt LA's young coach?
Field goal Rams! Los Angeles Rams 20, New Orleans Saints 20
We're all tied up in the Superdome! Jared Goff and CJ Anderson both try to run into the end zone but both fall short. It means McVay has to bring out Greg the Leg, who makes no mistake with a 24-yard chip shot. There's still five minutes left, that's an age in the NFL.
Rams into the red zone! Los Angeles Rams 17, New Orleans Saints 20
Huge play for Goff! He goes over the top for Reynolds who has a mismatch against Davis and sets up a first-and-goal. LA threatening to take the lead for the first time tonight...
Biggest gain of the game so far! Los Angeles Rams 17, New Orleans Saints 20
Better protection for Goff, who rolls out to his right and... hits Everett for a first down and more! That catch and run will take the Rams into Saints territory with nine minutes left. It's a 39-yard play, the longest of the game so far.
Rams third-and-three... Los Angeles Rams 17, New Orleans Saints 20
Todd Gurley is back in the game after playing just three snaps so far this half. Is he hurt? The Rams say no, but his lack of usage has been curious to say the least. Goff gives it to him right away, and he'll get six. Woods adds another on the next play and the Rams have a third-and three. They're just three for 10 on third down today... make that three for 11. Goff's put under a lot of pressure and has to just toss it away. Oh wait, Sean McVay called a time out juuust before the play, so they'll get another shot.
Huge stop for the Rams. Los Angeles Rams 17, New Orleans Saints 20
Ingram gets four yards, but a holding penalty on Armstead will move the Saints back 10, wiping out Ingram's gain and more. Brees misses down the sideline to Arnold on first-and-20, and Kamara can only get three on the next play, which means Brees needs 17 for a first down here. He's not going to get it. Brees gets great protection but totally misses Tedd Gin. In fact, it's right at Robey-Coleman, who should really have had an interception there. Instead the Saints will punt. How big will that Rams stop be at the end of the night?
Saints will start in Rams territory. Los Angeles Rams 17, New Orleans Saints 20
Hekker's punt is good but the Saints will still start from around their own 40-yard line. Nope, actually they'll start in Rams territory, that's a dumb chop block penalty. Real opportunity here...
Teams trading punts. Los Angeles Rams 17, New Orleans Saints 20
The Saints have to punt, but their defense comes up big. Cameron Jordan sacks Goff to set up third-and-long, and Goff keeps it conservative right in front of his own end zone, handing off to Anderson for one yard and forcing a punt.
Questionable no-call. Los Angeles Rams 17, New Orleans Saints 20
Brees looks to Tedd Ginn on the first play of the fourth quarter and the pass is broken up by Nickell Robey-Coleman. The Saints fans are crying out for a flag and they might have a point, that looked a lot like holding by the Rams cornerback.
End of the third quarter. Los Angeles Rams 17, New Orleans Saints 20
Kamara fumbles on the carry, but does well to drive straight on it and make sure all the Saints lose is a yard. Brees gets a pass off to Ingram over the middle for four on the next play, and now has a third-and-seven to deal with. He'll have to wait until the fourth quarter though. Three down, one to go, and the game is still hanging perfectly in the balance...
Brees moving the ball. Los Angeles Rams 17, New Orleans Saints 20
Tre'Quan Smith has his first catch of the game, and it's good for a first down for the rookie receiver. Brees follows up by going to Thomas over the middle, and he's about half a yard short of the first down. Ingram does the rest of the work, and the Saints have a fresh set of downs on the halfway line.
Touchdown Rams! Los Angeles Rams 17, New Orleans Saints 20
The Rams aren't giving up on this one. Not even close. McVay has the Saints defense fooled on the end around, and Reynolds carries it all the way to the one-yard line. Twice Goff puts it in Anderson's hands, twice the Saints defense stop him short. LA fake it to him on play action and Goff has Tyler Higbee wide open in the end zone! Touchdown! It's a three-point game again!
That's a perfect drive from Goff, who completed all five of his passes and has swung the momentum back to the Rams. For now. This is setting up for a fiery finish...
Cooks' big drive
Cooks owning the drive. Los Angeles Rams 10, New Orleans Saints 20
Von Bell jumps offside to give the Rams five free yards. It's the Saints' first penalty of the game, but Sean McVay will welcome that gift. Cooks has yet another big gain on the very next play. He beats two defenders on a 25-yard catch and run, and LA have a great opportunity to make this a one-score game again.
Cooks heating up. Los Angeles Rams 10, New Orleans Saints 20
There's Cooks again, who's having a nice game here. A beauty from Goff is right on the money and finds Cooks down the left sideline for another first down right around the halfway line.
First down Rams. Los Angeles Rams 10, New Orleans Saints 20
This is a massive possession for the Rams now. 10 points is far from insurmountable, but all the momentum is with the Saints. Woods and Anderson both get short gains to set up a third-and-two, and can Goff convert? He can. That's Cooks for a four-yard gain and a first down.
Touchdown Saints! Los Angeles Rams 10, New Orleans Saints 20
Sean Payton has brought Taysom Hill in at quarterback again, and once again it hasn't worked. His pass to Kamara is dropped, but Hill's staying on the field for third down. And he's into the end zone! Brees is back at quarterback, and he laterals it to Hill who surges into the paint for his first receiving touchdown of the season. Lutz's PAT is good, and New Orleans have a 10-point cushion.
That drive belonged to Kamara and Ingram, though. They shared every yard on that possession up until Hill's touchdown catch.
Thomas drops it in the end zone! Los Angeles Rams 10, New Orleans Saints 13
Another Kamara reception gets the Saints down to the five, and Ingram powers to the two to set up first-and-goal. Touchdown Sai... no! Thomas drops it in the end zone - that's not like him! But the Saints will get at least two more shots at it.
Kamara and Ingram punishing LA. Los Angeles Rams 10, New Orleans Saints 13
Guess what, it's Kamara again. This time it's a run that gets the first down. Anything you can do I can do better, says Ingram, who bursts through the middle on the very next play for 13.
Now it's back to Alvin, who Brees finds for eight down the left, this time. The legendary QB follows it up by sneaking two yards for a new set of downs, and the Saints are down to the 14-yard line.
Kamara moves the chains. Los Angeles Rams 10, New Orleans Saints 13
Mark Ingram has a nice run through the middle for six. Easy as you like. Brees is loving Alvin Kamara in the passing game tonight, and he gets the ball down the right sideline for the first first down of the second half.
There he is again! That's a nine-yard gain for Kamara on an almost identical play, and the Saints are into Rams territory.
Rams punt. Los Angeles Rams 10, New Orleans Saints 13
Goff has to just throw it away under pressure from David Onyamada, and Jonny Hekker will punt it down to the Saints' 29-yard line. That's not what Sean McVay will have asked for from his offense in the locker room at the break.
Back underway! Los Angeles Rams 10, New Orleans Saints 13
Alex Okafor brings down Woods on the jet sweep for a loss of four. That's exactly the start to the half New Orleans needed. Woods drops a target on the next play and Goff has a third-and-14 to deal with here.
Griffin celebrates his first touchdown of the season
Do Saints need to be more aggressive? Los Angeles Rams 10, New Orleans Saints 13
Drew Brees has attempted just one pass of more than 16 yards in this first half. The result is the Saints are only three points ahead in a game they've commanded since minute one. Will Sean Payton take a few more risks in the second half? Michael Thomas hasn't been much of a factor yet, and we haven't seen much of Tedd Ginn either.
Rams defense has come to play. Los Angeles Rams 10, New Orleans Saints 13
The Rams defense has kept them in this one, despite the Saints dominating for 25 of the 30 minutes. LA have forced three three-and-outs from five Saints possessions, and will get a chance to take the lead when we come back for the second half - they'll receive the kick off in a few minutes' time.
Half-time. Los Angeles Rams 10, New Orleans Saints 13
Kamara gets a short gain on the kick return but that'll be that for the first half. That Goff pass to Cooks has absolutely changed the complexion of this game, the Saints looked in total control up until that moment, but we've now got a proper contest in the Superdome.
Touchdown Rams! Los Angeles Rams 10, New Orleans Saints 13
Game on! Goff finds Cooks again with a beautiful deep shot down the left sideline and just like that the Rams have a first-and-goal opportunity. They don't take long to make the most of it, Todd Gurley, back in the game, spins through the Saints' defensive line and dives into the end zone. Zuerlein's extra point makes it a three-point game, despite the Rams offense taking a half to wake up.
Cooks gets the first down! Los Angeles Rams 3, New Orleans Saints 13
Goff is looking to Reynolds on every play here. The receiver can't catch it this time though, the pass it a little too far in front of him, and it'll mean the Rams have a third-and-10. Oh, that's a big, big catch from Brandin Cooks. He gains 17 off a really nice route and LA are into NOLA territory with 48 seconds and a time out left. Here we go...
Two nice gains for Reynolds. Los Angeles Rams 3, New Orleans Saints 13
A holding penalty on the punt means the Rams will start on their 19-yard line with less than two minutes left in the half. Goff goes over the middle to Josh Reynolds for a gain of eight, then find him again with a nice throw over the right for 13 - that's the Rams' longest play of the night.
Two sacks for Suh! Los Angeles Rams 3, New Orleans Saints 13
Kamara runs for a couple and then Tedd Ginn gets six. That'll give Brees a third-and-two, and that's a brilliant catch from Kamara, who holds on despite a huge hit from John Johnson. That's a first down.
We hadn't had a sack all night, but we've just seen two in two plays. Ndamukong Suh has them both, beating Andrus Peat through the middle and putting Brees on the turf. That'll be enough to force a punt. Big stop that for LA. Now go get some more points.
Saints well on top so far. Los Angeles Rams 3, New Orleans Saints 13
Rams punt. Los Angeles Rams 3, New Orleans Saints 13
After the Saints' second time out of the half Goff puts the ball right back in Anderson's hands. He bowls through the middle for six yards and that'll set up a third-and-four. Josh Reynolds gets his first target of the night and it's... broken up by PJ Williams! No fake punt from Hekker this time, he boots it deep to Tommylee Lewis inside the 15.
Anderson keeping Gurley on the sideline. Los Angeles Rams 3, New Orleans Saints 13
Todd Gurley is watching from the sideline as the Rams go with CJ Anderson in the backfield. He gets two and then Goff finds Woods for seven more. Can Anderson get a yard for the first down? He can.
First Saints punt of the night. Los Angeles Rams 3, New Orleans Saints 13
We hadn't heard much from Aaron Donald, but he bursts through the Saints O-line to get to Alvin Kamara on first down, then goes hunting for Brees on the next play. Brees gets away from big number 99, and finds that man Griffin again for a couple of yards. Third-and-five incoming...
Brees looks to Kamara on a passing play, but the Rams defense is up to the task. The Saints punt for the first time tonight, and the Rams will get the ball back on their own 20.
Field goal Rams! Los Angeles Rams 3, New Orleans Saints 13
Oh, Todd Gurley. He drops a routine catch from Goff that would have got the first down. Instead the Rams will have to settle for a field goal, which Zuerlein drills from 36 yards. Is three points really enough, though?
Rams into the red zone. Los Angeles Rams 0, New Orleans Saints 13
CJ Anderson barrels through the middle for five yards and that'll be good for a first down. The Rams get into the red zone on the next play with a first catch of the night for former Saint Brandin Cooks. What you got for us, Jared?
First down Rams! Los Angeles Rams 0, New Orleans Saints 13
Goff goes over the middle to Gerald Everett for 11 and that's another first down for LA. They had none in the first half but have three on this drive. CJ Anderson gains eight on the next play and the Rams are knocking on the door here.
Rams fake punt! Los Angeles Rams 0, New Orleans Saints 13
It's more of the same for the Rams on the first play of the second quarter. Woods is mobbed by the Saints defense on third-and-five and the Rams' punt team is on the field. But wait! Jonny Hekker fakes it and throws to Higbee for a first down! What a ballsy play from Sean McVay - it may have just saved this game. A Goff scramble moved the Rams over halfway and suddenly this offense is rolling.
End of the first quarter. Los Angeles Rams 0, New Orleans Saints 13
Anderson picks up another five-yard gain, this time with a catch, and that'll be the end of the first quarter. That's just a 15-yard quarter for the Rams, who couldn't have started this one much worse on offense. If it weren't for their defense they could be 21 down already.
It's not going to plan for Sean McVay. Los Angeles Rams 0, New Orleans Saints 13
We need a touchdown for the Rams here, really, to avoid this game becoming too one-sided. CJ Anderson's first carry of the night gets five yards. LA immediately erase that gain with a penalty for offside. This is a pretty grim start for the Rams, isn't it... They'll take a time out.
Touchdown Saints! Los Angeles Rams 0, New Orleans Saints 13
Welcome to the 2018 NFL season, Garrett Griffin! If you've never heard of him before don't worry, you're not alone - that's his first reception of the season, and it's for a touchdown in the NFC Championship game. Not a bad time for it... Brees finds him over the right and Griffin makes a nice low catch for the score. Lutz adds the extra point and it's 13-0.
First down Saints! Los Angeles Rams 0, New Orleans Saints 6
Brees is picking apart the Rams defense here. Alvin Kamara gets himself open fir a six-yard gain and now Taysom Hill has come in at quarterback... it doesn't pay off. New Orleans try to run the ball but don't get the third down. Strange decision to take Brees off the field there.
It's not going to matter though. The Saints O-line manages to draw Michael Brockera and the penalty yards get them the first down.
Saints into the red zone! Los Angeles Rams 0, New Orleans Saints 6
Thomas is absolutely hammered by Cory Littleton in the tackle but still gets six. Brees finds him wide open on third-and-two on the next play and the Saints are back in the red zone. Can the Rams make it three stops from three?
Big gain for Hill! Los Angeles Rams 0, New Orleans Saints 6
The Saints are rolling straight out of the gate. Brees hits tight end Josh Hill on a screen pass and Hill takes it for a 24-yard gain. He gets hit on the helmet in the tackle and will have to go into the tent for a concussion check-up.
Gurley can't make an impact. Los Angeles Rams 0, New Orleans Saints 6
It's absolutely deafening in the Superdome when the Rams have the ball. Goff looks to Woods on first down again but he's tackled by AJ Klein for a one-yard loss. Gurley can't make much of a dent on the next play - not a great start for him - and the Rams are faced with another third and long...
Goff looks long to Woods over the middle, but Woods can't even get a hand on it. LA will punt. The Saints will be very happy with how the night's going so far.
Field goal Saints! Los Angeles Rams 0, New Orleans Saints 6
What a great job from the Rams defense, who make a massive stop and force the New Orleans offense to go three-and-out. Will Lutz adds three more points, but the Rams will be really happy with how their defense has started so far. They could easily be 14-0 down.
Interception Saints! Los Angeles Rams 0, New Orleans Saints 3
Jared Goff gets a nice eight-yard gain on a play action pass to Robert Woods, but Todd Gurley is stuffed by Demario Davis on the next play, setting up a third-and-seven. And oh! What a start for Davis! Goff passes to Gurley over the middle but the running back drops it and the Saints linebacker is there to pick up the pieces. The Saints have it back on LA's 16-yard line.
Field goal Saints! Los Angeles Rams 0, New Orleans Saints 3
And New Orleans are on the board. Lutz hammers his kick right through the uprights and the Saints have a 3-0 lead. That's a good result for the Rams after a dangerous drive, though. Over to you, Jared Goff.
Dropped in the end zone! Los Angeles Rams 0, New Orleans Saints 0
So! Close! Brees finds Dan Arnold at the back of the end zone but he drops the pas under pressure from Mark Barron. That'll set up a 37-yard field goal try for Will Lutz...
Thomas' first catch. Los Angeles Rams 0, New Orleans Saints 0
Michael Thomas' first reception is for just a two-yard gain. It means the Saints have a third-and-seven from the Rams' 22, and Sean Payton has called for a time out.
Kamara punishes the Rams defense. Los Angeles Rams 0, New Orleans Saints 0
It's that man Kamara again. Brees converts over the middle to the explosive running back and the Saints are just outside the red zone. Here we go...
Kamara down the sideline. Los Angeles Rams 0, New Orleans Saints 0
Mark Ingram bursts through the middle for a gain of nine, but is stuffed behind the line of scrimmage on the following play for a two-yard loss. Brees converts on third down again with a beautiful pass to Kamara down the sideline, and the Saints are into Rams territory.
First down Saints! Los Angeles Rams 0, New Orleans Saints 0
Nothing doing for the Saints early doors, as Brees is forced to throw it away under pressure from Donald, and then Kamara can only manage a yard, setting up a third-and-one. No trouble, as Brees finds Tedd Ginn over the middle for the first first down of the night.
Kick off! Los Angeles Rams 0, New Orleans Saints 0
Greg Zuerlein kicks off for the Rams and we're officially underway in the NFC Championship game. It goes out the back of the end zone for a touchback, and Drew Brees will start on the 25-yard line.
Five minutes until kick-off
We're almost ready to go in New Orleans. These playoffs are due a brilliant game, I've got a feeling we're going to get one here tonight. Brees, Goff, Kamara, Donald, Thomas, Gurley... we've definitely got the players for one.
The road to Atlanta...
Saints fans will be extremely aware that if they win tonight, they'll be playing the Super Bowl at the home stadium of their most bitter rivals, the Atlanta Falcons. If there's any way to make a shot at the Lombardi trophy that bit more appealing, this is it.
Can Jared Goff prove the doubters wrong?
The Rams quarterback is the only one left in the competition with any real question marks hanging over his head. LA may be finding a lot of success with the run game, but that alone may not be enough to get past these Saints. Goff was playing to an MVP level earlier in the season before tailing off after that incredible 54-51 win over the Chiefs. Now's the time for the former number one overall pick to prove his worth.
The Michael Thomas factor
The Saints receiver was phenomenal the last time these teams met in week nine, catching 12 passes for 211 yards and a touchdowns. He was equally outstanding in last week's win over the Eagles, hauling in another 12 for 171 yards and a score. His Twitter handle is @cantguardmike - Aqib Talib and Marcus Peters are going to have to if they want to give their offense a chance of keeping up.
Less than an hour to go...
We're counting down to kick off in the Superdome, and judging from the pictures outside the stadium it's going to be absolutely deafening in there. Just how much can the home crowd swing the game in New Orleans' favour? It's definitely going to be a factor for Jared Goff and the Rams offensive line at the line of scrimmage.
Here we go then
In roughly four and a half hours we’ll have our NFC champion, and our first contender for Super Bowl LIII. Who will it be? It’d take a brave man to bet anything of note on either the New Orleans Saints or the Los Angeles Rams. This one’s too close to call.
New Orleans’ Drew Brees is 15 years and 272 days older than LA’s Jared Goff - it’s the largest age gap in conference championship history. They will hold that record for all of a few hours, when Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes (18 years and 45 days) clash later tonight.
Can Brees make his experience pay? He was the NFL’s most accurate passer once again this season, and when these two met back in week nine he threw four touchdowns to four different receivers in a 45-35 victory.
The Rams were torched by wide receiver Michael Thomas that day - he went for an incredible 211 yards, even more than the game-winning 171 he had against the Eagles last week. LA were missing star cornerback Aqib Talib for the last meeting, he’s going to need to be at the very top of his game to stand any chance to keeping Thomas quiet.
Los Angeles have transformed into a smash mouth, ground and pound style offense in the late season. The week 16 addition of CJ Anderson, cut by the Panthers and the Raiders, has been a revelation. He’s rushed for 422 yards and four touchdowns in his three games as a Ram, and both he and Todd Gurley went over 100 in last week’s win over the Cowboys. Does New Orleans’ number two-ranked run defense have what it takes to stop them? And if they do, does Jared Goff have what it takes to go toe to toe with Brees?
