ClutchPoints
For nearly three quarters, the Los Angeles Rams looked like they were about to notch a season-defining win over the defending NFC champions. Up 26-7 early in the third quarter, the Rams seemed poised to move to 3-0 and cement their status as one of the league’s hottest teams. Instead, they imploded. Philadelphia stormed back with 26 unanswered points. That was capped by a blocked field goal that eventually became a touchdown in the final seconds. The Rams didn’t just lose. They choked away a statement game. In the process, they raised alarming questions about their ability to close out tough opponents.
The Rams suffered a heartbreaking 33-26 defeat to the Eagles after building a 19-point second half lead behind a Kyren Williams touchdown run and four field goals from Joshua Karty. The Eagles, however, mounted a furious rally. Jordan Davis blocked a field goal and a clutch AJ Brown touchdown. The Rams still had a chance to win it late with a 44-yard field goal attempt. Davis was there to block it again, though, and rumble 61 yards for a game-sealing score.
If not for their own mistakes, the Rams would be 3-0. Instead, they left Lincoln Financial Field with a crushing loss defined by self-inflicted wounds. They had costly penalties, poor field goal execution, and a defense that collapsed in crunch time. The Eagles are a tough opponent, of course. Still, this game was there for the taking. Los Angeles just handed it away.
Here we’ll try to look at and discuss the Los Angeles Rams who are most to blame for their Week 3 loss vs. Eagles.
The Rams’ offense deserves plenty of the blame. Despite outgaining the Eagles 356 yards to 288, Los Angeles failed to deliver in critical moments. They went just 3-of-10 on third downs and repeatedly settled for field goals instead of touchdowns. After racking up 115 rushing yards in the first half, the ground game sputtered with only 45 yards after the break.
Matthew Stafford connected early on a beautiful 44-yard touchdown strike to Davante Adams. However, that was the high point for the passing attack. From there, the Rams couldn’t stretch the field. Yes, Puka Nacua was his usual reliable self with 11 catches for 112 yards. That said, the offense lacked explosiveness when it mattered most. Missed opportunities defined this collapse.
Joshua Karty’s game was a roller coaster. Early on, his unusual knuckleball kickoffs gave Philadelphia trouble and helped set up field position advantages. He converted four field goals to extend the Rams’ lead to 26-7. It seemed like he fully cemented his role as a steady contributor.
Football, though, is all about being as good as your last opportunity. The fourth quarter turned into a nightmare for Karty.. Two blocked field goal attempts overshadowed everything else he accomplished. Sure, Karty isn’t in danger of losing his job. However, the Rams can’t...
