The Rams’ opportunistic young defense was key to their season-ending rebound and playoff victory over the Vikings

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Rams’ defense appeared to be starting from virtually scratch when it began this season with a rookie coordinator and without retired superstar Aaron Donald.

The Rams knew they would have to endure whatever mistakes and setbacks it would take to rebuild a once-solid unit. Coordinator Chris Shula’s group has certainly struggled, ranking 26th in the NFL in total defense and getting shredded a few times this season.

Yet despite its youth, inexperience and lack of full-fledged defensive stars, this running team has shown an undeniable talent for getting the job done.

The defense even carried the Rams through the regular season (11-7) and into the playoffs, where they had perhaps their best performance yet in Los Angeles’ cathartic 27-9 win over the Minnesota Vikings on Monday night.

Shula’s defense still needs a lot of work, but it has been shockingly effective just when coach Sean McVay needed it most.

“I think a lot of the scars that we’ve suffered as a team have led us to the point where we are now,” McVay said Tuesday. “I know that my greatest opportunities for growth come when times are toughest and you think, ‘Man, I don’t like this at all.’ When you look back, you can’t imagine where you would be without these difficult times.”

Donald was in the stands in Arizona to watch his former teammates’ recent impressive performance. LA’s defense has been able to hold its last four opponents to less than 10 points when it doesn’t rest its starters – and while this starting group isn’t particularly impressive behind its promising front four, the group has shown the ability in a number of smart games making big plays game plans.

That talent was on full display in suburban Phoenix: Not only did the Rams harass Sam Darnold and his hapless blockers for nine sacks, but they also held All-Pro receiver Justin Jefferson without a catch in the second half.

Not bad for a group with just one Pro Bowl selection (rookie edge rusher Jared Verse) and only one player who even received a vote in AP All-Pro voting (nose tackle Kobie Turner).

The Rams certainly played on an emotional wave as they buoyed their fire-ravaged city with a stunning win over a 14-win opponent, but they know emotions only go so far. The Philadelphia Eagles (15-3) represent another step up in quality, especially with the memory of Saquon Barkley’s 255-yard performance at SoFi Stadium two months ago still fresh in the Rams’ minds.

What works

Matthew Stafford and the offense got the job done early, scoring on four of their first six drives to build a 24-3 halftime lead. The 16-year veteran quarterback distributed the ball well among eight pass-catchers, including four tight ends who stepped into action when Tyler Higbee injured his chest early.

What needs help

The Rams were the NFL’s least penalized team during the regular season, but committed a season-high penalty of 10 penalties for 95 yards against Minnesota, including unnecessary roughing calls on rookies Beaux Limmer and Kam Kinchens. Special teamer Jake Hummel also extended a Vikings drive by roughing up the punter.

Stock up

The Rams’ cornerbacks played solid coverage against Jefferson and Jordan Addison, but also contributed to the pass rush. Ahkello Witherspoon and Cobie Durant both had sacks on cornerback blitzes, with Witherspoon forcing a fumble that led to Jared Verse’s touchdown return. Durant saw a significant increase in his playing time after losing his starting spot to Witherspoon last month. Los Angeles’ defensive backs haven’t been outstanding this season, but they’ve done it in Glendale.

Inventory reduced

Cooper Kupp again had a surprisingly small role, playing just 29 snaps – his fewest of the season other than when he was injured at Arizona – and catching one pass for 29 yards on his only score. Demarcus Robinson played more snaps (38) than the Super Bowl 56 MVP, while the Rams made extensive use of sets with two tight ends.

Injuries

McVay said Higbee expects to play against Philadelphia despite being hospitalized Monday with a chest injury after just 12 snaps. McVay said Higbee “spit up a little bit of blood” but declined to provide further details about the injury. Higbee, who had five catches for 58 yards in his brief stint, returned to the team to fly home.

Key number

Stafford threw multiple touchdown passes in each of his first six playoff games with the Rams, becoming the first quarterback in NFL history to accomplish the feat.

Next

Shutting down Barkley was an impossible task for the Rams in November, but the defense is on a roll now. McVay has his players’ full concentration and they will have a chance to pull off another upset.

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL