All posts by : Don Lichterman

Watching the Rams’ 41–34 win over the Lions felt oddly familiar, not because of the opponent or even the stakes, but because of the emotional toll. In many ways, this game unfolded exactly the way expected, yet still managed to be exhausting in real time. You know what is coming, you brace for it, and somehow it is still grueling when you have to live through it play by play. That was this game in a nutshell. It is like living with President Donald J Trump. You know what you are getting and when it happens, its a gruel getting through it.

From the moment kickoff arrived, it felt inevitable that this would turn into a high-scoring, back-and-forth affair. At halftime, when concerns started bubbling up, it was clear where this was heading. Both teams were going to land deep into the 30s, possibly flirting with a 38–35 type of finish. That prediction proved close to the truth. Knowing that outcome I chose ahead of time did not make the process any easier. Watching it unfold was a grind, full of tension, momentum swings, and moments that tested patience.

The Rams tried to establish physical control early, and that part was encouraging. The opening sequence leaned into the run game immediately, with two of the first three plays on the ground. That balance carried into the opening drive, splitting runs and passes evenly, which is exactly how this offense functions best. Then came the nightmare moment with a brutal interception that was entirely on Matthew Stafford. The ball was forced into traffic, or what am I saying, it was thrown at the defemders face and if it even got by this guy, it would have been thrown directly into coverage where Colby Parkinson had defenders draped all over him. Credit is due for the hustle that prevented a defensive touchdown, but the mistake itself was inexcusable.

That turnover set the tone for a chaotic first half. The defense nearly delivered a stop afterward, but Jared Goff dropped a perfect touchdown pass that simply could not be defended. It was one of those plays where execution beats coverage, and the Rams had to absorb it.

Adding to the early frustration was an officiating sequence that encapsulated everything maddening about NFL replay rules. Lions head coach Dan Campbell challenged a spot that was technically non-reviewable. Officials charged him a timeout, only for replay officials in New York to later correct the spot anyway. Campbell was right, the ball was moved, and yet he still lost a timeout. It was the worst possible way to open a game, and it only added to the sense that the first half was slipping sideways.

The Rams entered halftime trailing 24–17 despite clearly being capable of more. The Lions had momentum, and the Rams were dealing with mounting concerns, including injuries. Both starting wide receivers went down at one point. Puka Nacua returned, but Davante Adams did not escape unscathed. With a short week looming and a Thursday night matchup against the Seahawks, Adams’ hamstring injury casts a long shadow. It is increasingly likely the Rams will have to navigate that game without him, which raises the stakes even further.

The second half, however, told a very different story. The defense finally found its footing, making crucial adjustments and shutting down Detroit’s rhythm. Three straight three-and-outs to open the third quarter flipped control of the game. That stretch alone changed everything. The Rams outscored the Lions 24–10 after halftime, including a run of 20 unanswered points that swung the game decisively.

Still, the defensive concerns remain real. Time and again, the Rams were inches away from sacking Goff, only to see him escape and turn broken plays into explosive gains. One missed sack turned into a massive chunk play when a wide receiver broke free and won a one-on-one matchup downfield. That scenario repeated itself far too often. Plan A was getting pressure, and it worked almost every time. The problem was the lack of a Plan B or C when that pressure did not immediately get home. In those moments, coverage broke down, and Detroit capitalized.

When the defense did clamp down, the results were dominant. That second-half performance showed what this unit can be when assignments are sound and pursuit is disciplined. Allowing points is one thing; gifting yards and momentum is another. The Rams must clean up the latter if they want to make a deep run.

Offensively, Stafford was brilliant and infuriating in equal measure. He threw into tight windows all night, sometimes threading the needle beautifully and other times flirting with disaster. His intensity is unmatched. He might be the only quarterback in the league who looks angry immediately after throwing a touchdown. That edge defines him, and it fuels this team. Even after scoring, he is already dissecting the next mistake.

One of the wildest moments came at the end of the first half, when the Rams managed to steal three points with just two seconds remaining. After burning time on an extra play, they still walked away with points, a decision that felt unnecessary yet somehow worked. Those points mattered.

Puka Nacua was a force of nature. Last week he felt like an eager kid. This week he looked like the Hulk. Every catch came with fury, chest pounding, and raw emotion. He played angry, celebrated aggressively, and nearly shoved Sean McVay into the end zone during one exuberant moment. That fire is contagious, and it set the tone for the offense.

The Rams’ running backs deserve immense credit as well. The combination of vision, burst, and toughness has transformed this offense. Their ability to slice through defenses, paired with an excellent offensive line, was not something many saw coming this season. Add in the subtle coaching details, like consistently falling forward for extra yards, and it becomes clear that this unit is well-drilled and relentlessly physical.

There were, of course, moments that threatened to derail everything. A late pass interference call against the Rams was a prime example of officiating overreach. The defensive back made a strong, clean play, yet the flag flew anyway. These subjective calls continue to influence outcomes far too often, especially late in games. That penalty brought the Lions within one score and shifted momentum unnecessarily. The league has to find a better balance that allows defensive backs to actually defend.

Despite all of that, the Rams proved they are the better team. Detroit played as well as it could, but this matchup always felt like it would tilt toward Los Angeles once adjustments were made. The final score reflected that reality, even if the path there was exhausting.

The win clinched a playoff berth and kept the Rams tied with the Seahawks for the best record in the NFC, making this week’s Thursday night matchup even more critical. With Adams likely sidelined, the challenge becomes steeper. But this team has shown resilience, depth, and the ability to adapt.

This was not a comfortable win. It was messy, stressful, and draining. But it was also revealing. The Rams can survive chaos, adjust on the fly, and impose their will when it matters most. That is what good teams do. And as grueling as this game was to live through, it was another reminder that this Rams team is built for exactly these moments.