Los Angeles Rams: 5 moves of 2018 that got them to Super Bowl

The Los Angeles Rams are going to their first Super Bowl in 17 years. It’s something people expected due in large part to the offseason they had.

So many different moves were made from free agency to the trade market and NFL draft. This raises an interesting question. Out of all those moves, which ones were the most key in propelling them to the championship game? Here is a breakdown of the top five, why they were so important and just how they affected the course of the team.

#5: Trade for Aqib Talib

It hasn’t been the best year personally for Talib due to injury issues. He would’ve liked to contribute more but when the veteran corner has managed to be on the field, he’s been a steady and reliable presence for their pass defense. Not to mention his previous experience as a Super Bowl champion undoubtedly added to their preparation for the big moments down the stretch.

#4: Trade for Marcus Peters

He hasn’t been the highly touted All-Pro he was in Kansas City. That much is sure. Peters has given up way more big plays than anybody would’ve expected including six touchdowns. Still, to say the trade yielded nothing would be entirely incorrect. Peters has three interceptions on the year including one in that key win over Kansas City that helped towards locking up a playoff bye. It hasn’t been perfect, but it has helped.

#3: Trade for Dante Fowler

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Can a man make it this high on the list for just one play? Well when that play sends your team to the Super Bowl, yes it can. The Rams traded for Dante Fowler because they knew they needed an extra punch on the edge for their pass rush. Fowler is a gifted talent but has struggled most of the season. He only had two sacks in the regular season. Then he flipped the switch. He grabbed a sack against Dallas and then delivered the hit that led to the John Johnson interception, sealing the NFC championship.

#2: Signing Ndamukong Suh

He may not have been the center of attention most of the year because of Aaron Donald, but that isn’t why Suh signed in L.A. He’s there simply to win a championship. Quietly he’s gone about doing his job. He’s the best run defender by far on that front line they have and he saved his best performance of the season for when it mattered, sacking Drew Brees 1.5 times in the Superdome. It was and remains the most underrated signing by any team in free agency.

#1: Trade for Brandin Cooks

People continue to overlook Cooks for some unearthly reason. Try to imagine where the Rams offense would be right now if Cooper Kupp had gone down and they hadn’t traded for Cooks? Exactly. He delivered big play after big play for them, often when it was needed most, finishing with over 1,200 yards and five touchdowns. He may not have been the hero in the NFC championship game, but his 107 yards was a huge contribution.

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