In this article, we will be completing our list of the top 10 Rams games since 1990. In the first top 10 Rams list, we covered games 10 through six and capped off part one with a riveting controversy-filled NFC Championship game between the Rams and Saints. Which games will make part two of our top 10 Rams list? Let’s find out.
Top 10 Rams Games: #5- STL vs. TB (1/23/00)
This game makes our Rams list for several reasons. Number one is the fact that in a season in which the Rams were known for their offensive explosion, it was the defense that punched their ticket to the Super Bowl. The Rams won the game 11-6 in a defensive battle to claim the NFC Championship.
When we think about the “Greatest Show on Turf,” we automatically think about that shiny offense filled with hall-of-fame talents such as Torry Holt, Isaac Bruce, Marshall Faulk, and Kurt Warner. But what people don’t realize is the Rams defense led the NFL in sacks.
The Rams came into the NFC Championship as the fourth-ranked scoring defense giving up just 15.1 points per game. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrived in St. Louis as the third-ranked scoring defense at 14.7 points per game.
Both showed up for this contest as St. Louis sacked Shaun King five times, and both defenses combined for five interceptions. The defensive battle, controversy late in the game, and flare for the dramatics put this game on my top 10 Rams list.
Top 10 Rams Games: #4- STL @ TEN (1/30/00)
In what was their first trip to the big game in 20 years, the Greatest Show on Turf faced one of the best pass rushes that season. If throwing a 30-yard TD in the dying minutes of a defensive stalemate is dramatic, try winning your first Super Bowl by one yard.
The Rams took on the Tennessee Titans, who finished 13-3, and took out the upcoming Jacksonville Jaguars, who had the best record in the NFL. The Rams took a 16-6 lead into the fourth quarter after missed opportunities left them with field goals.
The Titans fought back to tie the game with two minutes left in the fourth quarter. One play later, the Rams took the lead after a 73-yard catch and run by Isaac Bruce for a touchdown. Tennessee put together a promising drive with only one timeout left. With five seconds to play and no timeouts, the Titans tried a slant, and Mike Jones stopped Kevin Dyson one yard short of the endzone to secure their first Super Bowl victory in franchise history.
Top 10 Rams Games: #3- LAR vs. KC (11/19/18)
Next up on our top 10 Rams list is the Monday night heavyweight showdown. The Kansas City Chiefs traveled to LA to take on the Rams for a week 11 matchup in 2018. The game was initially supposed to take place in Mexico City but was moved back to LA just a few days prior. California was burning due to wildfires, and the game added to the heat.
The Rams won this game 54-51 which set the record for the most points scored on Monday Night Football. This wasn’t all offense—both defenses combined for 21 points off takeaways and seven turnovers. The two squads traded leads late, but the Rams came out with the victory after Jared Goff connected with tight end Gerald Everett for a 40-yard touchdown with under 2 minutes to go. The defense sealed it with an interception by Lamarcus Joyner, which was turnover number five for Patrick Mahomes.
Top 10 Rams Games: #2- LAR vs. SF (1/30/22)
We all know the story of the “same old sorry Rams” from the 90s. Both teams hate each other; they play twice a year. How can you possibly raise the stakes? Oh right. Put the NFC Championship on the line.
The 49ers beat the Rams 17 straight times in the 90s before getting embarrassed in game 18. The 49ers beat the Rams 6 consecutive times heading into the NFC Championship game last year. The streak also included erasing a 17-point deficit in week 18 to get into the postseason.
The 49ers led by 10 points in the fourth quarter, and the Rams took over from there. The defense shut down the Niners’ run game and made an injured Jimmy G have to lead the way. Matthew Stafford connected with Cooper Kupp on multiple occasions in the fourth, including an 11-yard touchdown pass.
On the 49ers final three drives, the LA defense held them to 28 total yards on 12 plays for two punts and an interception. They had the ball for under 40 seconds on each of their last two drives. Beating your arch-rival for a chance to at the Super Bowl while ending a wretched streak is what lands you in the top 10 Rams list.
Top 10 Rams Games: #1- LAR @ CIN (2/13/22)
The Rams traded away former number-one pick Jared Goff and a few draft picks for Matthew Stafford in February 2021. They traded away more capital for Von Miller. Both acquisitions paid off big time when LA hoisted the Lombardi.
They met the Bengals in the Super Bowl, and the Bengals shut down the rushing game of the Rams. At the same time, they trailed by 10 points early after two Stafford touchdown passes. Then the wheels started falling off for the Rams. Odell Beckham jr tore his ACL; the second half started with Tee Higgins catching a 75-yard touchdown pass on an offensive pass interference no-call, and Stafford got intercepted on a tipped pass.
By the fourth quarter, LA trailed 20-16, and Stafford had his arsenal dwindled. The Rams offense became limited by injuries, but Stafford and Cooper Kupp rose to the occasion not once, not twice, but three times with the game on the line.
Kupp converted on fourth down inside Rams territory on a jet sweep, then Stafford found Kupp on a no-look pass later in the drive. Once more, they connected on the go-ahead touchdown with 1:25 left in the game. Aaron Donald took over on the game’s final drive and sealed the ring for the Rams.
When you’re running on fumes and still able to rise above it all and claim your spot at the top of the mountain? That’s what makes you great. That puts this game at number one on our top 10 Rams list.
Round-Up:
This concludes my two-part series. I hope you enjoyed my list. What do you think? Did I get it right? What’s your list?
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