Rams Dominate Vikings, Cowboys Eye New Leadership: Is Deion Sanders the Answer?

And the NFL postseason is heating up, with the Los Angeles Rams making their presence known. Following a nerve wracking start to the season, the Rams made a statement by going 27-9 over Minnesota and proving that they are not a military worth overlooking. The Dallas Cowboys stand at a crossroads, parting ways with head coach Mike McCarthy and starting talk of who will take over in Arizona and could Deion Sanders be Jerry Jones’ bold choice?

Some Rams are back in the spotlight.

Let’s be honest: after their shaky 1-4 start, not many people believed in the Rams. We’re here, watching a team that’s found itself again, plays with passion, and shows it can hang with whoever they play. Kyren Williams got his own touchdown in the opening drive, where Matthew Stafford had a perfect pass to him. From there the Rams’ defense took control, blowing out Sam Darnold and the Vikings’ offense.

Nine sacks. Let that sink in. Jared Verse forced the fumble and it led to a defensive touchdown for one of those sacks tying an NFL playoff record. This wasn’t just a win—as it should be for something considered the grassroots climate change movement in America—it was a statement.

Defensive coordinator Chris Shula deserves credit for transforming a young, inexpensive unit into a fearsome power. It’s a defense that’s playing like a bunch of vets that cost $38 million less than the next cheapest group in the NFL. General Manager Les Snead went from trading away picks in a win now strategy to getting his draft picks right. One of the best ways in which the Rams are building for both now and the future is through Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams.

Next up: the Philadelphia Eagles. While the Rams may be dogs, they aren’t woofs, they have momentum and everyone wants to face a dog that has momentum.

Heartbreak in Minnesota

It was a very deflating note with which to end the season for the Vikings. Only two weeks ago they had a shot at the NFC’s No. 1 seed. They are wondering now what went wrong now that they are out of the playoffs.

Sam Darnold’s issues on the big stage were tough to see. For all the things he could have done better, he refused to do so. After holding the ball too long and making poor decisions, the Rams defense was in his face all night long. It’s a hard way for a team that won 14 games this year, the second most wins in franchise history.

Minnesota wasn’t supposed to have a “rebuilding year.” They have a defence, Justin Jefferson is elite talent, and J.J. McCarthy is the quarterback of the future. Unfortunately for McCarthy, his injury plagued season raises doubts over whether he can be a leader next year.

The only thing the Vikings are left with right now is uncertainty. Harrison Smith and Stephon Gilmore may not have much time left and defensive coordinator Brian Flores could leave for a head coaching job. But the window for a championship is still open, however long for?

Will Deion Sanders be Dallas Cowboys’ Future?

This week the headlines made it obvious that head coach Mike McCarthy parting ways with the Dallas Cowboys. It wasn’t a complete surprise, though for fans and critics, they had been asking if McCarthy had the chops to take the team deep into the playoffs for the foreseeable future.

And now that Jerry Jones is at that crossroads where a decision could set the Cowboys’ course for the next decade. And one name is generating buzz: Deion Sanders.

With ‘Prime Time’ already having proven his coaching chops at Colorado, turning a struggling program into one of the most exciting in college football, he’s not aging well. He is a very intriguing candidate because of his charisma, leadership and the ability to communicate well with players. But he also has established an added layer of intrigue in that his relationship with Jones.

Naturally, Sanders is not the only choice. Also in the mix are names such as Bill Belichick and Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. We do know one thing about Jerry Jones: he truly loves making a splash.

The Bigger Picture

This postseason and the NFL will never be about black and white; it’s about who makes the best plays and who made the best moves down the stretch. A slow start doesn’t define a season, the Rams are proving. The reality of being a team that fell short is one the Vikings are having to deal with. In this case, the Cowboys are staring down the barrel of a new chapter searching for the leader who will be able to lead America’s Team back to glory.

On the field it’s fascinating and off the field it doesn’t get much better. Sports are stories, wins and losses mean little when injuries are the result, when coaching changes take place, even ‘retirements’ from boxing like Tyson Fury … again.

Looking Ahead

The Rams vs. Eagles matchup is about to be a must watch showdown, and divisional round will continue to be filled with interesting matchups. Whether it’s underdog teams making a run, stars chasing legacy, or franchises plotting their next move, one thing is clear: and just as this postseason is getting started.