C.J. Anderson Became Rams’ X-Factor Against Dallas

The Los Angeles Rams overcame the first obstacle towards the Super Bowl. Last night they defeated the Dallas Cowboys, 30-22 and earned their spot in the NFC Championship game.

Two years after Sean McVay’s hiring and three years after the league allowed their arrival in Los Angeles, this team found itself on the way up.

Though we all knew about the high-flying offense of the Rams, nobody could predict that their rushing game could perform the way they did tonight. Especially after Cowboys’ defensive effort against the league-best running offense, Seattle Seahawks a week earlier.

Hosts collected 273 yards on the ground last night, scoring three touchdowns by carrying the ball into the endzone.

CJ Anderson has 10 carries for 65 yards and a TD.

Todd Gurley has 8 carries for 37 yards.pic.twitter.com/UdvWto3m8N

— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) January 13, 2019

C.J. Anderson had 123 yards, while Todd Gurley added 115. Anderson posted two touchdowns, Gurley one.

“It’s scary,” Anderson said. “We’ve got two different styles, and we can keep teams off balance.”

Head coach McVay was thrilled with the way his offense played, especially, how the guys stepped up in critical times. According to his words, the two running backs were the decisive factor in this game, and the main reason why he became the youngest coach in the history of NFL who won a match in the playoffs.

“So, that’s a big-time win for us. I thought the key was being able to hold them to 50 yards and being able to rush for over 270 (yards) tonight.” McVay stated. “We knew it was going to be a physical game. I thought C.J. (Anderson) and Todd (Gurley II) both were outstanding.”

In most of the critical plays these two guys took the responsibility and made big plays. Rams’ coach told the media that his organization thought that Anderson and Gurley might be good partners way back, which is why they decided to land the 27-year who was released after just six days in Oakland.

CJ Anderson is weirdly the Cowboys kryptonite pic.twitter.com/w1Jlv2TKBj

— RJ Ochoa (@rjochoa) January 13, 2019

Anderson knows how to win Super Bowls, and in the moments when Gurley had to skip games, he was the dominant force in Los Angeles’ attack. In his first two games here, Anderson posted 287 yards and two touchdowns completely reviving his career.

”I think C.J.’s done a great job since he’s gotten here and then, obviously, we know what a special player Todd is. We thought it was going to be able to be a nice complement.” McVay spoke about his RB.

After rushing 100+yards last night against the Cowboys, Anderson became the first running back in the league’s history who managed to achieve that in first three games with his new team.

Todd Gurley was kidding with the reporters that it was a good thing for him to pick up an injury, otherwise his team never would have signed Anderson.

”I guess it was a good thing I got hurt”Gurley laughed. C.J. got me, was able to come in and was able to do his thing. I mean he’s been doing his thing his whole career. The last three weeks been phenomenal, 100 yards each time, so we just going to keep it going.”

The credits for such a performance of these two guys have to go to the offensive line of the Rams, who was absolutely astonishing last night. Yes, Anderson and Gurley did a hell of a job, but they wouldn’t post such numbers or score touchdowns without a huge blocking of their teammates. Also, the Cowboys’ defense who has been excellent over the last couple of weeks, couldn’t reach Jared Goff, not once in this game.

This part of the team was a cornerstone for all the good results in this campaign. Only they don’t make too much noise when the job is done.

It is why the quarterback praised the guys in front of him after the game.

“They’ve been our catalyst all year, and continue to be and are playing well right now. I was trying to think of a moment when I got hit – maybe once when I threw it. No sacks and then the way we ran the ball”

The Rams will have a huge matchup next week. If the Saints win, they will be heading for the Big Easy. If the champions make an upset, and eliminate Brees and the boys, they are coming to LA.