The Patriots and Rams face off on Thursday for the first time since Super Bowl LIII.
Two seasons ago, the New England Patriots were doused in red and blue confetti after their sixth championship in Super Bowl LIII. The Los Angeles Rams, meanwhile, walked off the field in tears after such a remarkable season that concluded without them hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.
For the first time since their 13-3 meeting in Atlanta, both teams will face off in SoFi Stadium with both teams looking to make a push for the postseason. Additionally, there a number of notable changes, none more obvious than at the quarterback position as the winning quarterback from the big game is no longer in Foxborough. Tom Brady’s departure leaves Cam Newton in position to handle the offense while Jared Goff is still in control for LA.
Defensively for both sides, each one has a key leader that was on the field in the biggest game in sports. Aaron Donald still anchors a young and talented Rams defense while Stephon Gilmore, largely responsible for the title given his game-winning interception, still is a leader for the Patriots. Both Sean McVay and Bill Belichick are also still the lead men who will be on the headset calling plays.
It’s not the Super Bowl, but the Patriots and Rams have a lot to play for
While no one will be presented a trophy at the end of the game, the stakes are high given the current playoff positioning and the level of competition within each team’s conference. Additionally, each quarterback is under immense pressure to prove that they are the respective leader for their team.
For Los Angeles, given their division could very well produce three teams to make the expanded postseason field, this game will be critical if they are in pursuit of a division title and home playoff game. In the case of New England, their postseason streak is on the line as they have not missed the playoffs since 2008. Winning the division is likely out of reach but making the playoffs is possible as NBC’s Steve Kornacki expressed on Sunday Night Football.
There is no doubt Los Angeles has not forgotten the experience of walking off that field. As for New England, they understand that the past is what it is. Whoever wins will have the satisfaction of getting closer to the postseason. The other will be feeling a strong level of uneasiness.