Three takeaways from Packers’ divisional-round win over Rams

One step closer.

The Green Bay Packers cruised to victory on Saturday afternoon, defeating the Los Angeles Rams to advance to the NFC Championship Game for the second straight year.

Even when the Rams pulled with seven points, it felt like the Packers were in complete control of the game from the opening snap.

Now, the Packers get an extra day to rest and prepare for either the New Orleans Saints or the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Here are three takeaways.

1. Offensive dominance starts up front

The Packers put up 484 yards of offense and 32 points on the league’s best defense. It was a dominant display from Matt LaFleur’s offense, and the success all started up front.

Green Bay’s offensive line has been nothing short of phenomenal all year long, leading the NFL in both pass block win rate and run block win rate, according to ESPN. And it was easy to see why against the Rams’ top-ranked defense.

Aaron Donald looked below 100 percent, but he barely made an impact in the game. I’m running out of words to describe Elgton Jenkins, who in only his second season has become one of the NFL’s best guards.

The Pro Bowler kept Donald quiet and even drew a penalty as the two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year got frustrated.

The Rams defense had 53 sacks in the regular season, second-most in the NFL. They sacked Aaron Rodgers zero times on Saturday.

Los Angeles allowed just 91.3 rushing yards per game, but the Packers ran all over the defense with a total of 188 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.

Absolute dominance from the offensive line in their toughest matchup of the year.

2. Jaire Alexander is a superstar

We heard all week about Jalen Ramsey’s incredible numbers. But he wasn’t even the best cornerback in this game. Jaire Alexander proved why he should’ve been a first-team All-Pro ahead of Ramsey.

According to Pro Football Focus, Alexander was on the field for 32 coverage snaps. He allowed one catch on two targets for a grand total of minus-three yards.

The second-team All-Pro has kept some of the best receivers in the game quiet this year, and he continued his great season against the Rams.

3. Have a day, Rashan Gary

Up front, Rashan Gary continues to show his development as a pass rusher.

Gary not only had 1.5 sacks but also led the team with three quarterback hits and a tackle for loss. Gary came through with some big plays in the game, a great afternoon for the defense.

The Packers’ 2019 first-round pick has stepped up in his second season and continues to improve.

Maybe he’ll be the under-the-radar star who makes a huge impact in a Super Bowl run.