This season has been full of ups and downs for the LA Rams. They were at 5-6 till week 12. After that, head coach Sean McVay and quarterback Matthew Stafford came together and made some new plans that worked. The entire team became united and won five games in a row. However, the quarterback wanted more from the offense. And he is talking about it publicly.

After winning the week 17 game against the Cardinals by 13-9, they are still at the top of their division, NFC West. The QB accepted their poor performance in the post-game conference and said, “We didn’t do a whole lot great, to be honest with you. Didn’t run it great, didn’t throw it great, but found a way to get a win and get enough points.” But he wasn’t very happy with the win and threw his locker room under the bus by adding, “I thought our guys you know competed at a high level, just didn’t make enough plays.”

Matthew Stafford is thinking already about their must-win game against the Seahawks. They need to win it to enter the playoffs. Coming off a 5-game win streak, the confidence is high. But the offense needs to perform at their best level. Though they won against the Cardinals, they failed to make plays.

Starting with the possession, they had the ball for 23 minutes, 5 seconds only, while the Cardinals kept it for 36 minutes and 55 seconds. In plays, the Rams made only 257 total plays (68 rushing + 189 passing) while their opponents made a whopping 396 plays (113 rushing + 283 passing). The QB understands that they won, but most times it happens, they will lose.

Now, everyone is eagerly waiting for the last game of the season. The winner will advance to the playoffs. It would be exciting.

Sean McVay requests Matthew Stafford & co. for full focus

Talking to reporters after the game, the Rams HC said, “I don’t want to put the cart before the horse so our focus and concentration will be on, all right, how do we get an opportunity to play a complete game against an excellent Seattle Seahawks football team? And until we have to, you know, decide otherwise. That’s where my sole focus and concentration will be.” That’s understandable. The Seahawks have also re-surged by winning 5 of the last 7 games.

Sean McVay’s personal plan is the need of the hour. The Seahawks have a 9-6 win-loss record. In the NFC West division, if they win the last game against the Rams, and get their winning percentage (0.563) above the current leaders (0.625), they would enter the playoffs. The Hawks’ HC Mike Macdonald had requested the Cardinals to win the game after winning his week 17 matchup against the Rams. That would have placed both teams evenly on a record of 9-7. Alas, that didn’t happen.

After week 17, with a 10-6 win-loss record, Matthew Stafford & co. are in a better place. But on the gridiron, the talent and the focus will decide the outcome. So, stay prepared for the fierce battle in the final week before playoffs.