Advertisement

RAM UPDATE : Playoff Oblivion Has Become as Simple as 1 + 1

Share

A loss to San Francisco Monday night at Anaheim Stadium combined with a victory by either Green Bay, Minnesota or Dallas Sunday would mathematically eliminate the Rams from a chance at the playoffs.

Even if they beat the 49ers, however, their postseason chances are slim because of disadvantages in the tiebreaking system. The Rams have lost to both the Packers and the Cowboys, and the Vikings have the advantage in games against common opponents.

“The loss (to the Saints) takes us out of any realistic playoff hopes, I think,” Coach John Robinson said. “I think the focus we’ll put on the (49er) game is the same, with or without the loss, but it would have been more exciting going in with a three-game win streak.”

Advertisement

The Rams used every defensive look they could think of against the 49ers during their 28-17 victory at Candlestick Park on Nov. 25, and quarterback Joe Montana acknowledged after the game that the 49ers had been confused.

The Rams played a lot of nickel defense, daring the 49ers to run the ball. The New York Giants and the Cincinnati Bengals have since employed similar strategies, and both lost close games. But Robinson said the 49ers are starting their usual “December rush.”

“I think they are looking forward to establishing their running game now, much the same as they did last year,” he said.

Advertisement