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The LA Rams’ Strategic Playoff Performance: A Shocking Use of Tight Ends and What It Means for Their Future
The 2025 NFL Playoffs have already provided plenty of surprises, but one of the most intriguing developments came in the Wild Card Round with the Los Angeles Rams. For much of the regular season, the Rams’ offense was relatively predictable, with tight ends being a minor factor in the passing game. In fact, of the 541 passes thrown during the regular season, just 83 were directed at tight ends—making up only 15.3% of the team’s targets. This lack of focus on the tight end position led many to believe that it would be an afterthought in the postseason. However, in a stunning twist, the Rams shifted their offensive strategy significantly in their playoff matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. The offense targeted tight ends 11 times out of 27 pass attempts through three quarters, with quarterback Matthew Stafford completing nine of those passes for 97 yards and a touchdown.
This unexpected change in offensive philosophy caught the Vikings off guard, as they had not prepared to face a Rams team featuring their tight ends so heavily in the game plan. The decision to lean on tight ends despite the early exit of star player Tyler Higbee proved to be a game-changing strategy. While it was a shift from what the Rams had shown throughout the regular season, it highlights the adaptability that NFL teams must possess if they hope to succeed in the postseason. Let’s dive deeper into this shift in strategy, the impact it had on the game, and what it means for the Rams’ future playoff prospects.
The Regular Season and Predictable Rams’ Offense
Throughout the regular season, the Rams’ offensive strategy was somewhat predictable. The team did not frequently use tight ends in their passing attack, preferring to target wide receivers and running backs more often. The Rams carried up to four tight ends on their active roster, but their involvement in the offense was limited. Of the 541 passes thrown by quarterback Matthew Stafford during the regular season, only 83 were directed at tight ends. This heavy reliance on other positions in the passing game suggested that opposing defenses did not need to worry too much about the Rams’ tight ends.
The Rams’ reliance on receivers like Cooper Kupp, as well as a solid ground game featuring running backs like Cam Akers, meant that tight ends were mostly seen as secondary weapons. With a relatively low number of targets directed at tight ends, defensive coordinators could largely ignore them when planning their defensive strategies against the Rams. In fact, if you were the Minnesota Vikings’ defensive coordinator, there wouldn’t have been much reason to focus heavily on stopping the tight ends.
A Bold Playoff Shift: Tight Ends Take Center Stage
However, the postseason is a different animal. The Rams’ offense, which had been somewhat predictable in the regular season, took a complete turn in their playoff matchup. Instead of sticking to their usual playbook, the Rams decided to utilize their tight ends far more frequently. In a game that would determine their future in the postseason, the Rams took the bold step of targeting their tight ends 11 times, nearly 40% of their total pass attempts through three quarters.
The shift in offensive strategy was apparent right from the start. Stafford’s success with the tight ends was impressive, completing 9 of those 11 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown. This change in focus completely altered the way the Vikings’ defense approached the game, as they had not prepared for the Rams to suddenly use their tight ends so heavily. The Vikings were caught off guard by this strategy, and it ultimately proved to be one of the keys to the Rams’ success in the game.
The Injury to Tyler Higbee and Continued Offensive Success
One of the most significant challenges for the Rams in the Wild Card game was the injury to their starting tight end, Tyler Higbee. Higbee had been an essential part of their offensive plans, and he was having a fantastic game before he was forced to leave early due to injury. Despite losing Higbee, the Rams did not alter their offensive game plan. They continued to target tight ends with backup options stepping up to fill the void left by Higbee’s departure.
The Rams’ ability to maintain their focus on the tight end position even after the injury is a testament to the depth of their roster and their flexibility in executing their strategy. The backup tight ends stepped in seamlessly, ensuring that the team didn’t miss a beat. This ability to adapt and keep the offense flowing smoothly despite losing a key player shows that the Rams are more than capable of handling adversity in the postseason.
Ball Control and Time Management in the Second Half
As the game progressed, the Rams recognized the need to shift from a fast-paced offensive attack to a more controlled, ball-dominant strategy. With an early lead and the Vikings’ offense struggling to keep pace, the Rams decided to slow the game down in the second half. This strategy was designed to eat up clock, wear down the Vikings’ defense, and give their own defense time to rest.
One of the most telling aspects of this strategy was the Rams’ willingness to allow the Vikings to run the football and control the clock late in the game. With the Rams leading by 18 points and just over 7 minutes left in the game, they opted to focus on possession and clock management rather than trying to score additional points. The Vikings’ time of possession was close to the Rams’, but the Rams were content with this margin, knowing that they were in control of the game and would come away with the victory.
The Rams’ Playoff Future: What Comes Next?
If the Rams can hold on for the win, they will advance to face the Philadelphia Eagles in the Divisional Round of the 2025 NFL Playoffs. The Eagles present a much tougher challenge with their strong defense and high-powered offense. The Rams will need to carry forward the lessons learned from their success against the Vikings, particularly their ability to utilize tight ends effectively. Given the Eagles’ defensive strength, the Rams will need to keep them on their toes by continuing to feature tight ends in the passing game, as they did so effectively in the Wild Card Round.
Additionally, the Rams will need to maintain their balanced offensive attack, combining the passing game with an effective ground game to keep the Eagles’ defense from focusing too much on any one element. The success of the Rams’ ball-control strategy in the previous game could prove invaluable against the Eagles, especially if the game becomes a back-and-forth battle for possession.
Conclusion
The Rams’ performance in the Wild Card Round of the 2025 NFL Playoffs showcased an unexpected but impressive shift in their offensive strategy. By targeting tight ends more frequently and adjusting their game plan mid-game, the Rams demonstrated their ability to adapt to different circumstances. The injury to Tyler Higbee did not derail their offensive plans, and they were able to maintain control of the game despite the setback.
As the Rams move forward in the playoffs, they will need to continue building on this success and refining their strategies. The Eagles will undoubtedly present a tough challenge, but if the Rams can replicate their game plan against Minnesota, they could be well on their way to making a deep playoff run. The evolution of the Rams’ offense, coupled with their balanced approach, makes them a dangerous team to face in the postseason, and their performance in this game could be a sign of more surprises to come.
