The Rams narrowly lost in Baltimore, but they also proved they can contend with the NFL’s best teams.
The Rams (6-7) have proven they can compete with the NFL’s top clubs, and their unlikely run at a postseason berth carries more weight now than it did when they were on the verge of defeating the AFC North leaders.
Rams wide receiver Demarcus Robinson, who has only appeared on playoff teams once in his eight-year NFL career, said, “Playing the Ravens, that’s definitely a top-tier playoff team, and I think we can be that, too.” All we have to do is complete games like (Sunday). We could have the same kind of tier.
The Rams’ three-game winning streak came to an agonizing end, and Tylan Wallace’s punt return was partially made possible by Charlie Kolar of Baltimore, who hit Rams special teamer Jacob Hummel, an Iowa State teammate and close friend, with what appeared to be a block in the back.
“My approach is to examine the things that I believe are clear to us all, but there were numerous other opportunities with six missed tackles on that play,” McVay remarked.
“It is necessary to improve the placement of the ball carrier.” A game consists of so many plays, and there were many moments when I was extremely proud of our team for the way we competed. I’m also very happy about our team’s ability to go forward.
“I refuse to expend emotional energy on things that have happened in the past. That’s not a major topic of discussion today because there were other opportunities on that play to make plays. Robinson’s generally optimistic assessment following the defeat was echoed by McVay, who cited his team’s competitiveness against 10-win Baltimore.
After a significant roster purge in the offseason to make room for 2024 by clearing salary cap dead money, the Rams’ main goal for this season was to just be competitive.
However, Los Angeles is in the thick of things going into Week 15, with a real chance to secure the sixth NFC seed with a strong finish. The Rams’ next three opponents all have losing records (a combined 14-24), which makes the schedule even more advantageous.
What is effective
The game of passing. In the last three games, Matthew Stafford has thrown 10 touchdown passes with just one interception, marking one of his best runs in his 15-year career. More importantly, even though Baltimore’s elite pass rush sacked Stafford twice and repeatedly hit him hard, the Rams are managing to keep him healthy.
WHAT REQUIRES ASSISTANCE
As has been the case all season, the defense held off a potent offense only to be repeatedly stung by explosive plays. Due to blown coverages, probably involving Derion Kendrick, Baltimore scored on touchdown passes of 54 and 46 yards in the first half. Later in the fourth quarter, on a third-and-17 play, Los Angeles allowed another 21-yard touchdown pass.Safety John Johnson stated, “We’ve got to get back to the fundamentals and tighten some things up to eliminate big plays.”
WHAT REQUIRES ASSISTANCE
As has been the case all season, the defense held off a potent offense only to be repeatedly stung by explosive plays. Due to blown coverages, probably involving Derion Kendrick, Baltimore scored on touchdown passes of 54 and 46 yards in the first half. Later in the fourth quarter, on a third-and-17 play, Los Angeles allowed another 21-yard touchdown pass. Safety John Johnson stated, “We’ve got to get back to the fundamentals and tighten some things up to eliminate big plays.”
Throughout the day, the Ravens consistently used double- and triple-teams against Aaron Donald, while Rams supporters flooded social media with images and videos of what they believed to be unfair holding penalties. For the second time in three games, Donald failed to make a tackle, and despite numerous close calls, he was unable to bring down a quarterback hit on Lamar Jackson.
PERSONAL HARM
WR Tutu Atwell is undergoing the concussion protocol. Backup TE Hunter Long is sidelined for the entire season due to a torn knee ligament. QB Quentin Lake is expected to make a comeback this week after missing three games due to a hamstring injury, according to McVay. RT Rob Havenstein left Sunday’s game early due to a groin strain, so his prognosis for this week is unknown.
ESSENTIAL NUMBER
Following the Super Bowl MVP’s breakout performance of eight receptions for 115 yards and a touchdown, Cooper Kupp’s career-worst run of games with less than 50 yards receiving came to an end. According to McVay, Kupp’s play and health are getting better at the same time.
NEXT ACTIONS
On Sunday, Washington (4-9) will visit SoFi Stadium on a four-game losing streak, and four days later, New Orleans (6-7) will do the same. If the Rams won consecutive games, they would be seriously considered for an unexpected playoff berth.