NFL Playoffs: One reason for optimism for every team eliminated in Divisional Round

The four teams eliminated in the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs still have a lot to be excited about moving forward.

Obviously getting knocked out of the NFL playoffs is never fun but, for the Browns, Rams, Ravens, and Saints, there’s always next season.

Three of these four teams were underdogs in their respective matchups and still have a lot to be proud of as they turn the page from the 2020 season to the 2021 season.

Let’s explore one reason why every eliminated team can look forward to the 2021 season, starting with the first team eliminated in the divisional round.

Los Angeles Rams: Defense is ferocious

While it didn’t necessarily show in the loss to the Packers, the Rams have one of the best defenses in the entire league. They finished the season with the No. 1 ranked total defense and as long as Aaron Donald is wearing a Rams uniform, that looks unlikely to change, at least not by much.

The Rams were able to completely shut down the Seahawks offensively and while Seattle had struggled down the stretch, Russell Wilson is always someone to fear and the Rams took him out of the game. Not being able to slow down Aaron Rodgers isn’t something to be ashamed of, as he’s going to win MVP, but the Rams did hold him under 300 yards.

Losing defensive coordinator Brandon Staley to the Chargers hurts, but this unit is still going to be a force to be reckoned with for quite some time.