Turf Show Times
The Los Angeles Rams dropped to 2-1 after epically failing to put away the Philadelphia Eagles in the second half. There’s some staggering ugliness to rehash from the Rams’ missed opportunity, so let’s just get into it before I chuck something at my TV again.
Aside from Jalen Hurts scoring on a 1-yard touchdown run roughly halfway through the first quarter, the reigning Super Bowl champs were held in check before halftime.
The Eagles’ passing game was held to -1 net passing yards in the first half, which was the fewest allowed by the Rams since 1998, according to the L.A. Rams PR Twitter account. A.J. Brown was also held without a catch in that span. Life was good then as the Rams jumped out to a 19-7 start. Even Saquon Barkley was held in check.
This game had all the makings of a blowout early. Oh, what might’ve been.
Barkley practically ran L.A. off the field in 2024 following two 200+ yard rushing performances.
What a difference a year makes, considering the All-Pro star rushed for only 46 yards on 18 carries (2.6 yards per carry). During my Q&A with Bleeding Green Nation leading up to the game, I felt confident that Los Angeles would do (reasonably) better in corralling Barkley this time around.
Of course, I also said Barkley “should get another 100-yard performance against this unit,” and I was way off on that. At least there’s that.
Compared to the first two weeks, the Rams got off to a much quicker start.
Despite that, the offense didn’t capitalize on great field position throughout the game as well as they could have.
To get only 26 points out of the deal is disappointing. Well, that’s what happens when you go 3-of-10 on third down and 1-of-4 red zone opportunities. Give Vic Fangio credit for his defense tightening up in key situations.
The All-Pro Adams had a 44-yard touchdown with 1:20 left in the first quarter to give Los Angeles an early 10-7 lead. That was good!
However, dropping what could’ve been a crucial touchdown to put away the Eagles in the fourth quarter was not great Bob!
There was a blocked 36-yard field goal attempt on the very next play. Poor Davante’s PTSD from his Packers days of GB choking away big games must’ve been triggered big time in this one.
Simply put, those are the plays that Adams has to make. The Rams coughed up a ton of cash because they believed in his ability to thrive in these situations. While it’s unrealistic to expect a touchdown or big play in every instance, what value do you bring to the team if you cannot do it consistently?
This obviously wasn’t a moment from the game, but the Rams could be trouble for failing...
