Following each practice, Quotes and Notes will bring you what was said, who said it, and what it means for your Los Angeles Rams
"You can expect to see a good balance of both — some different things that maybe gets those guys on the field."
-HC SEAN McVAY
- Head coach Sean McVay said he expects running back Todd Gurley to practice this week in preparation for his second-career playoff game — but that doesn't mean he won't look to running back C.J. Anderson for meaningful snaps against the Cowboys.
- Last week, Gurley said, "he's been doing better than me," when asked about Anderson's production with the starter's Week 16 and 17 absence. Anderson rushed for at least 130 yards in each of his two games as a Ram. Week 16 against the Cardinals, Anderson finished with 167 yards rushing — one-yard short of his career high.
- Prior to backup running back Malcolm Brown's season-ending clavicle injury early Week 14, Gurley rarely split significant time with the backup. Gurley played at least 85 percent of snaps in seven games with a healthy Brown on the bench, including Week 10 against Seattle, when the reliable back played 100 percent of the offensive snaps.
"The whole goal is when '30' is out, we don't want to miss a beat."
-RB C.J. ANDERSON
- Anderson used the word 'super' to describe his comfort level after just a few weeks in McVay's offense and said his playoff experience should help in ensuring the unit doesn't stall without Gurley on the field.
- Anderson's provided starter-caliber support without Gurley to close the regular season, but his efforts have come against the last-ranked Cardinals run defense — which allowed 154.9 rushing yards per game this season — and the 49ers, who also allowed north of 100 yards per game on the ground.
- Dallas offers on of the league's top run defenses, ranked No. 5 allowing just 94.6 yards per game. The defense limited the Seahawks — the league's top rushing team — to 73 yards in the Wild Card round.
"We've got to pick and choose our spots and I think this team has the right mindset."
-HC SEAN McVAY
- By the time the Rams take the field on Saturday evening in the Coliseum, the team will have not played since its Week 17 win over the 49ers on December 30th.
- McVay called balancing getting healthy, and trying to remain physical in the time off as a "great challenge" on Tuesday afternoon.
- The Rams rested nearly all of its offensive starters for the full month of preseason action before starting the season 8-0. Additionally, the Rams came off its 12 days of no gameday action for the Week 12 bye and beat the Lions 30-16 in Detroit to clinch the NFC West.
"I think he's done an excellent job of learning from that experience."
-HC SEAN McVAY
- It is yet to be seen how quarterback Jared Goff will fare in his second-career postseason appearance, but the head coach seemed pleased with what his young quarterback has taken from last season's early exit.
- McVay said Goff is better equipped to play at a higher level — citing the signal caller's physical improvement and increased understanding of the two-year old system, and how defenses work to stop it.
- Goff's played some of his best games in the brightest spotlights since losing to Atlanta in the Wild Card round in 2017. Goff set a career high in both yards passing (465) and in touchdowns (five) on Thursday Night Football in Week 4 against the Vikings. On Monday Night Football against the Chiefs, Goff had 413 yards passing and four touchdowns.
Check out photos of the Rams taking on the Cowboys throughout the years.
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Ed "Too Tall" Jones (72) is blocked by Rams offensive tackle John Williams (75) in a 14 to 27 Dallas Cowboys loss to the Los Angeles Rams on September 17, 1978 at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. (AP Photo/NFL Photos)
"DALLAS, TX - SEPTEMBER 30: Isaac Bruce #80 of the St. Louis Rams runs with a reception against the Dallas Cowboys on September 30, 2007 at Texas Stadium in Dallas, Texas. Dallas won 35-7. (Photo by G. Newman Lowrance/St. Louis Rams)"
Running back (30) Todd Gurley of the Los Angeles Rams against the Dallas Cowboys during the Rams 35-30 victory over the Cowboys in an NFL week 4 football game, Sunday, October 1, 2017, in Arlington TX. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Quarterback (16) Jared Goff of the Los Angeles Rams hugs quarterback (4) Das Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys after the Rams 35-30 victory over the Cowboys in an NFL week 4 football game, Sunday, October 1, 2017, in Arlington TX. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
The Los Angeles Rams line up against the Dallas Cowboys during the Rams 35-30 victory over the Cowboys in an NFL week 4 football game, Sunday, October 1, 2017, in Arlington TX. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Quarterback (16) Jared Goff of The Los Angeles Rams during a NFL Regular Season Game against the Dallas Cowboys, October 1st, 2017 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX (Rams/Hiro Ueno).
Linebacker (52) Alec Ogletree of The Los Angeles Rams during a NFL Regular Season Game against the Dallas Cowboys, October 1st, 2017 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX (Rams/Hiro Ueno).
Running back (30) Todd Gurley of the Los Angeles Rams catches a pass and runs for a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during the Rams 35-30 victory over the Cowboys in an NFL week 4 football game, Sunday, October 1, 2017, in Arlington TX. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Wide receiver (18) Cooper Kupp of the Los Angeles Rams against the Dallas Cowboys during the Rams 35-30 victory over the Cowboys in an NFL week 4 football game, Sunday, October 1, 2017, in Arlington TX. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Cornerback (22) Trumaine Johnson of The Los Angeles Rams during a NFL Regular Season Game against the Dallas Cowboys, October 1st, 2017 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX (Rams/Hiro Ueno).
Center John Sullivan (65) of the Los Angeles Rams play against the Dallas Cowboys during Week 4 of the 2017 season. The Los Angeles Rams defeat the Dallas Cowboys (35-30) on Sunday, October 1st, 2017, in Arlington, TX. (Will Navarro/Rams)
Tackle (77) Andrew Whitworth of the Los Angeles Rams against the Dallas Cowboys during the Rams 35-30 victory over the Cowboys in an NFL week 4 football game, Sunday, October 1, 2017, in Arlington TX. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Quarterback Jared Goff (16) of the Los Angeles Rams play against the Dallas Cowboys during Week 4 of the 2017 season. The Los Angeles Rams defeat the Dallas Cowboys (35-30) on Sunday, October 1st, 2017, in Arlington, TX. (Will Navarro/Rams)
Wide receiver (18) Cooper Kupp of the Los Angeles Rams catches a pass, scores a touchdown, and celebrates with teammates against the Dallas Cowboys during the Rams 35-30 victory over the Cowboys in an NFL week 4 football game, Sunday, October 1, 2017, in Arlington TX. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
The Los Angeles Rams defense against the Dallas Cowboys during the Rams 13-10 victory against the Cowboys in Week 1 of the preseason, Saturday, August 12, 2017, in Los Angeles, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Defensive tackle (99) Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams against the Dallas Cowboys during the Rams 35-30 victory over the Cowboys in an NFL week 4 football game, Sunday, October 1, 2017, in Arlington TX. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Quarterback (16) Jared Goff of the Los Angeles Rams against the Dallas Cowboys during the Rams 35-30 victory over the Cowboys in an NFL week 4 football game, Sunday, October 1, 2017, in Arlington TX. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
"St. Louis Rams defensive tackle Kendall Langford during a NFL football game on Sunday, Sep. 21, 2014 in St. Louis. The Cowboys won the game, 34-31. (Photo by Scott Rovak/St. Louis Rams)"
Running back (30) Todd Gurley of the Los Angeles Rams against the Dallas Cowboys during the Rams 13-10 victory against the Cowboys in Week 1 of the preseason, Saturday, August 12, 2017, in Los Angeles, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
The Los Angeles Rams during a NFL Regular Season Game against the Dallas Cowboys, October 1st, 2017 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX (Rams/Hiro Ueno).
Defensive back John Johnson III (43) of the Los Angeles Rams plays against the Dallas Cowboys, Saturday, August 12th, 2017, in Los Angeles, CA. (Will Navarro/Rams)
"The St. Louis Rams defense gets set at the line of scrimmage against the Dallas Cowboys offense during an NFL Football game on October 23, 2011 in Arlington, TX. The Cowboys won 34-7. (Photo by G. Newman Lowrance/St. Louis Rams)"
Quarterback Sean Mannion (14) of the Los Angeles Rams plays against the Dallas Cowboys, Saturday, August 12th, 2017, in Los Angeles, CA. (Will Navarro/Rams)
The Los Angeles Rams host the Dallas Cowboys at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, August 12th, 2017, in Los Angeles, CA. (Will Navarro/Rams)
Los Angeles Rams defensive end Ian Seau #72 during the NFL preseason week 1 game against the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday, August 13, 2016 in Los Angeles. (Ric Tapia/Rams)
Tackle (70) Jordan Swindle of the Los Angeles Rams during the second half of the Rams 28-24 victory over the Dallas Cowboys at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in an NFL preseason game, Saturday, August 13, 2016, in Los Angeles. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Punter (6) Johnny Hekker of the Los Angeles Rams against the Dallas Cowboys during the Rams 13-10 victory against the Cowboys in Week 1 of the preseason, Saturday, August 12, 2017, in Los Angeles, CA. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Running back (36) Aaron Green of the Los Angeles Rams in game action during the second half of the Rams 28-24 victory over the Dallas Cowboys at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in an NFL preseason game, Saturday, August 13, 2016, in Los Angeles. (Jeff Lewis/Rams)
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Pharoh Cooper #10 during the NFL preseason week 1 game against the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday, August 13, 2016 in Los Angeles. (Ric Tapia/Rams)
Los Angeles Rams Quarterback Sean Mannion (14) passes under pressure from Dallas Cowboys Defensive End Ryan Russell (99) during a preseason NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Saturday, Aug. 13, 2016, in Los Angeles. (Rams/Hiro Ueno)
Los Angeles Rams linebacker Josh Forrest #59 during the NFL preseason week 1 game against the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday, August 13, 2016 in Los Angeles. (Ric Tapia/Rams)
Los Angeles Rams defensive end Matt Longacre #96 during the NFL preseason week 1 game against the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday, August 13, 2016 in Los Angeles. (Ric Tapia/Rams)
"St. Louis Rams Steven Jackson runs for yardage against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL Football game on October 23, 2011 in Arlington, TX. The Cowboys won 34-7. (Photo by G. Newman Lowrance/St. Louis Rams)"
"St. Louis Rams defensive end William Hayes during a NFL football game on Sunday, Sep. 21, 2014 in St. Louis. The Cowboys won the game, 34-31. (Photo by Scott Rovak/St. Louis Rams)"
Los Angeles Rams running back Malcolm Brown #39 and Dallas Cowboys defensive back Isaiah Frey #23 during the NFL preseason week 1 game against the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday, August 13, 2016 in Los Angeles. (Ric Tapia/Rams)
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff #16 during the NFL preseason week 1 game against the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday, August 13, 2016 in Los Angeles. (Ric Tapia/Rams)
"St. Louis Rams running back Zac Stacy during a NFL football game on Sunday, Sep. 21, 2014 in St. Louis. The Cowboys won the game, 34-31. (Photo by Scott Rovak/St. Louis Rams)"
"St. Louis Rams Isaiah Pead runs for yardage against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game on Sept. 22, 2013 in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys won the game, 31-7. (Photo by G. Newman Lowrance/St. Louis Rams)"
"St. Louis Rams Quintin Mikell and Chris Chamberlain combine on a tackle against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL Football game on October 23, 2011 in Arlington, TX. The Cowboys won 34-7. (Photo by G. Newman Lowrance/St. Louis Rams)"
"St. Louis Rams Chase Reynolds runs into the end zone to score a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during the NFL preseason week 3 football game on August 25, 2012 in Arlington, TX. The Cowboys won the game, 20-19. (G. Newman Lowrance/St. Louis Rams)"
"St. Louis Rams Ray Ray Armstrong against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game on Sept. 22, 2013 in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys won the game, 31-7. (Photo by G. Newman Lowrance/St. Louis Rams)"
"St. Louis Rams Marshall Faulk runs for yardage against the Dallas Cowboys during a game on September 29, 2002 in St. Louis. The Cowboys won, 13-10. (Photo by Bill Stover/St. Louis Rams)"
"DALLAS, TX - SEPTEMBER 30: Randy McMichael #84 of the St. Louis Rams is tackled after a reception against the Dallas Cowboys on September 30, 2007 at Texas Stadium in Dallas, Texas. Dallas won 35-7. (Photo by G. Newman Lowrance/St. Louis Rams)"
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Danny White (11) is sacked by the Los Angeles Rams defense for a 13-yard loss during second quarter action in Irving, Texas on Monday, Dec. 26, 1983. Ram in foreground is Greg Meisner (69). (AP Photo/Mike Murphy)
Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley (30) sprints to the end zone for a touchdown as Dallas Cowboys cornerback Anthony Brown (30) gives chase during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Los Angeles Rams halfback Eric Dickerson, left, carriers into Dallas Cowboys safety Michael Downs, right, as he moves the ball for yardage during third quarter action in Irving, Texas on Monday, Dec. 26, 1983. The Rams won it 24-17 to take the NFL wild card game. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)
"St. Louis Rams Torry Holt attempts to make a catch against the Dallas Cowboys during a game on September 29, 2002 in St. Louis. The Cowboys won, 13-10. (Photo by Bill Stover/St. Louis Rams)"
Refree Tom Bell steps between the Rams Jack Youngblood (85) and the Cowboys Roger Staubach (12) after the players exchanged words following a play in NFC Championship game on Sunday, Jan. 4, 1976 in Los Angeles. The Cowboys won 37-7. (AP Photo)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) has his pass blocked by Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Michael Brockers (90) during a 2017 NFL week 4 regular season game, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. The Rams defeated the Cowboys, 35-30. (James D. Smith via AP)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Gary Hogeboom (14) is sacked by Los Angeles Rams linebacker George Andrews (52) and fumbles the ball during first quarter action, Sept. 3, 1984 in Anaheim in their NFL season opener. The Rams recovered the ball on the one yard line and one play later went in for the score. (AP Photo/Lennox McLendon)
Dallas Cowboys Hall of Fame defensive tackle Randy White (54) fights his way through the blocking of Rams guard Tom Mack (65) in a 14 to 27 Dallas Cowboys loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 17, 1978 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/NFL Photos)
"The guys that win in the playoffs, and win late in the playoffs, and do good things in December and January are usually the ones that are remembered."
-QB JARED GOFF
- Goff agreed that playoff success is an important piece of leaving behind a legacy as an NFL quarterback four days before his second postseason game.
- The Cal Berkeley product posted a 259-yard, one-touchdown performance in his debut playoff game a season ago — a game that Goff said he was more excited than nervous to play in.
Check out photos from practice as the Los Angeles Rams prepare to face the Dallas Cowboys in Divisional Round.
"You want to be popular and get your name out there, make a couple plays in the playoffs — you'll be there."
-CB AQIB TALIB
- Cornerback Aqib Talib said the playoffs serve as a measuring stick for all 22 ahead of his ninth-career playoff game.
- Talib confirmed that he was speaking from experience, possibly recalling his six passes defensed as part of the Broncos' 'No Fly Zone' defense that gave the All-Pro corner his Super Bowl 50 ring in 2015.
- Talib's 35 interceptions is No. 2 across all active players, however the defensive back has never picked off a pass in the playoffs.
