By Matthew DelDonna, PSO Director of Football Development
Dec 11, 2020

In a rematch of Super Bowl LIII, the New England Patriots and Los Angeles Rams took the field with sights on picking up a win both teams saw as absolutely necessary. A win for NE would keep its already slim playoff hopes alive, while the Rams looked to stay ahead in a tight race for the NFC West crown. This matchup turned out much differently than their previous battle as rookie DC Brandon Staley and his defense dominated the Foxborough Faithful all night long and allowed only a field goal in a commanding 24-3 win that sent a message the NFL’s best defense might reside in LA.

Enjoy PSO’s Premium Review for the Patriots vs. Rams on Thursday Night Football:

 
Cam Akers Facts
 

Final Results: @LAR (-240) d. NE (+20024-3 [LAR -5.0 u43.5]

  • Rams’ D suffocated NE’s offense

  • Akers had himself a night

  • Bryant played the ball perfectly on this play

1. The Patriots will be looking for a starting QB this offseason

The Cam Newton experiment has had mixed results thus far but will most likely not be given a second chance for a franchise that has been the epitome of NFL success over the last two decades. With just a measly five touchdown passes through 14 weeks and on the brink of missing the playoffs, it’s become obvious that Newton is not a fit in NE and his departure this offseason is evident as his one-year deal is set to expire. 

Look for Belichick and the Pats to seek Newton’s successor in the 2021 NFL Draft (where Kyle Trask or Mac Jones could be available outside the top-10) or scour the free agency/trade market with guys like Aaron Rodgers, Jimmy Garoppolo, Dak Prescott, Matthew Stafford, Matt Ryan, and Sam Darnold all potential targets.

2. Brandon Staley has already emerged as an elite defensive coordinator

It’s hard to say anyone’s been more impressive at their job as a defensive coordinator this season than Rams DC Brandon Staley. In just his first year at the position, Staley has made a name for himself as he’s guided his defense in a way most DCs take at least a few years to master. LA’s defense is second in yards allowed, third in sacks and tied for third in total takeaways. While it certainly helps having one of the best players of all-time on his defense in Aaron Donald, AD has always been special but never had an overall defense as effective as the 2020 Rams is, and a lot of credit should go to Staley who celebrated his 38th bday with a big win.

3. Put a fork in the Patriots’ dark horse playoff hopes 

Now 6-7 after the loss, it’s pretty safe to say at this point that New England’s consecutive playoff appearances streak will officially come to an end after 11 straight seasons and their 10+ win season streak is over after 17 years. While not officially eliminated yet, their chances are pretty much shot with several other AFC teams still very much in the hunt and gunning for a wild card spot at this point. The Foxborough Faithful was already in a position before tonight where they pretty much had to win out to have any shot at the postseason, and now they’ll have to hope for a miracle should they be fortunate enough to run the table and finish 9-7.

For a primer on what the colors mean, click here. For LAR’s full Team Outlook, click here 
 

As Brandon Staley’s defense continues to wreak havoc across the league, LA’s offense is starting to put up more consistent and efficient performances each week. Cam Akers had a breakout game after carrying the ball a staggering 29 times for 171 yards against Bill Belichick’s Patriots. Goff was able to replicate his performance from last week and Cooper Kupp remains as productive as he’s ever been. 

Now sitting at 9-4, the Rams control their own destiny these last few weeks and hope to hold onto the NFC West lead by season’s end for a home playoff game. Matchups against SEA and ARZ in Weeks 16 and 17 will be critical to Sean McVay’s squad and determine whether they win the division or not. 

The Patriots are now in unfamiliar territory: under .500 with only three games remaining on the schedule and about to miss the playoffs for the first time since 2008. In their defense, several key starters opted out for the 2020 season to avoid COVID and other starters such as Julian Edelman have missed time due to injury. The Cam Newton experiment will most likely come to an end after just one highly underwhelming season and kickstart the Pats’ search for a new quarterback this offseason. 

Full game highlights from the Patriots vs. Rams Week 14 matchup can be viewed below.

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