Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
Rams Again Fall Flat in Prime Time, Blow Chance to Move Atop NFC West
gvw_ap_news
By Associated Press
Published 3 hours ago on
November 25, 2024

Running back Saquon Barkley ran for 255 yards as the Eagles beat the Rams on 37-20 on Sunday night. (GV Wire Composite/Paul Marshall)

Share

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

INGLEWOOD — For the second time in three weeks, the Los Angeles Rams went into a game knowing a win would move them into a tie for the NFC West lead, only to struggle mightily on the prime-time stage.

Philadelphia’s Saquon Barkley ran for 255 yards, the most the Rams have allowed to a running back, but it was the familiar struggles on offense and special teams that also loomed just as large in Sunday night’s 37-20 loss to the Eagles.

Defensive Struggles Against the Run

“It just came down to us shooting ourselves in the foot,” defensive end Kobie Turner said. “We really needed to play gap sound but any time an opponent gets (314) rushing yards, that’s embarrassing.”

Barkley’s 255 yards is the most a running back has gained against the Rams, surpassing the previous mark of 253 by Dallas’ DeMarco Murray in a 2011 game.

The 314 total rushing yards was the fourth-most allowed in a game in franchise history.

“They did way too many good things explosive-wise in the running game for us to be able to overcome,” coach Sean McVay said.

Offensive Woes and Turnovers

The Rams appeared as if they were going to get off to a quick start, but Kyren Williams fumbled the ball at the Eagles 17-yard line. It was Williams’ fifth fumble and third turnover in seven weeks after he had only three fumbles and two turnovers last year.

Williams gave the Rams a 7-3 lead with 1:02 remaining in the first quarter on a 1-yard run up the middle, but the offense went three-and-out on its next three drives.

After Barkley’s 70-yard run put the Eagles up 20-7 early in the third quarter, the Rams fought back and got within six when Matthew Stafford connected with Demarcus Robinson for a 2-yard pass. But Philadelphia took control the rest of the way.

Stafford completed 24 of 36 passes for 243 yards and two touchdowns, but was under duress for most of the night. He was sacked five times, tying a season high.

Stafford has been sacked 22 times in their six losses compared to only four in their five wins.

“They rushed four the majority of the night. They didn’t do anything we didn’t expect,” Stafford said. “It was a one score game at halftime and then we didn’t do enough in the second half. We didn’t put ourselves in a lot of favorable positions.”

Puka Nacua had nine receptions for 117 yards but Cooper Kupp was held in check most of the game before finishing with eight catches for 60 yards.

Special Teams Struggles Continue

Rookie Joshua Karty was wide right on a 47-yard field-goal attempt late in the third quarter, marking his third straight game with a missed kick. He has made only three of his last six field goals.

“I thought we came out ready to go,” McVay said. “The turnover in the first quarter really hurt us. When it was a one possession game they ended up scoring quickly coming out of the half. We were able to match it and then it got away from us.”

Playoff Hopes Still Alive

Despite their struggles, the Rams are still in contention for the NFC West title.

Arizona and Seattle are tied atop the division at 6-5 with the Rams and San Francisco one game back at 5-6.

Three of Los Angeles’ last four games are against division opponents.

“There’s humbling nights like this in football. It is all about how you respond. This team has the capability to respond,” McVay said.

RELATED TOPICS:

DON'T MISS

What to Know About the Fresno State Grad Who Is Trump’s Pick for Labor Secretary

DON'T MISS

Trump Victory Will Lead to New Battles in California’s ‘Water Wars’

DON'T MISS

Madera Man Sentenced on Firearms Charges Following Jan. 6 Capitol Breach Conviction

DON'T MISS

Community Unites at Fourth Annual One Table Fresno Event, Serving Thousands

DON'T MISS

Fresno Rain and High Sierra Snow for Now. What’s the Thanksgiving Forecast?

DON'T MISS

Israel Launches New Airstrikes on Lebanon as Leaders Draw Closer to Ceasefire With Hezbollah

DON'T MISS

Special Counsel Moves to Dismiss Election Interference, Classified Documents Cases Against Trump

DON'T MISS

How Did Fresno County Elections Office Mail Out Wrong Ballots?

DON'T MISS

In Haiti, a Grim Barometer: Even United Nations Workers Are Fleeing

DON'T MISS

Trump Jr. Emerges as a Political Force of His Own as He Helps His Father Launch a Second Term

UP NEXT

Trump Victory Will Lead to New Battles in California’s ‘Water Wars’

UP NEXT

Madera Man Sentenced on Firearms Charges Following Jan. 6 Capitol Breach Conviction

UP NEXT

Community Unites at Fourth Annual One Table Fresno Event, Serving Thousands

UP NEXT

Fresno Rain and High Sierra Snow for Now. What’s the Thanksgiving Forecast?

UP NEXT

Israel Launches New Airstrikes on Lebanon as Leaders Draw Closer to Ceasefire With Hezbollah

UP NEXT

Special Counsel Moves to Dismiss Election Interference, Classified Documents Cases Against Trump

UP NEXT

How Did Fresno County Elections Office Mail Out Wrong Ballots?

UP NEXT

In Haiti, a Grim Barometer: Even United Nations Workers Are Fleeing

UP NEXT

Trump Jr. Emerges as a Political Force of His Own as He Helps His Father Launch a Second Term

UP NEXT

What’s Blocking a Ceasefire Between Israel and Hezbollah?

Community Unites at Fourth Annual One Table Fresno Event, Serving Thousands

1 hour ago

Fresno Rain and High Sierra Snow for Now. What’s the Thanksgiving Forecast?

1 hour ago

Israel Launches New Airstrikes on Lebanon as Leaders Draw Closer to Ceasefire With Hezbollah

2 hours ago

Special Counsel Moves to Dismiss Election Interference, Classified Documents Cases Against Trump

2 hours ago

How Did Fresno County Elections Office Mail Out Wrong Ballots?

2 hours ago

In Haiti, a Grim Barometer: Even United Nations Workers Are Fleeing

2 hours ago

Trump Jr. Emerges as a Political Force of His Own as He Helps His Father Launch a Second Term

3 hours ago

What’s Blocking a Ceasefire Between Israel and Hezbollah?

3 hours ago

Rams Again Fall Flat in Prime Time, Blow Chance to Move Atop NFC West

3 hours ago

Controversy Surrounds San Jose State’s Volleyball Tournament Seeding Amid Boycotts

3 hours ago

What to Know About the Fresno State Grad Who Is Trump’s Pick for Labor Secretary

WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump on Friday named Oregon Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer to lead the Department of Labor in his second admi...

3 minutes ago

3 minutes ago

What to Know About the Fresno State Grad Who Is Trump’s Pick for Labor Secretary

Photo of California farmers rallying to protest water plan
23 minutes ago

Trump Victory Will Lead to New Battles in California’s ‘Water Wars’

41 minutes ago

Madera Man Sentenced on Firearms Charges Following Jan. 6 Capitol Breach Conviction

1 hour ago

Community Unites at Fourth Annual One Table Fresno Event, Serving Thousands

1 hour ago

Fresno Rain and High Sierra Snow for Now. What’s the Thanksgiving Forecast?

Thick smoke, flames and debris erupt from an Israeli airstrike that targeted a building in Tayouneh, Beirut, Lebanon, Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. (AP/Hassan Ammar)
2 hours ago

Israel Launches New Airstrikes on Lebanon as Leaders Draw Closer to Ceasefire With Hezbollah

2 hours ago

Special Counsel Moves to Dismiss Election Interference, Classified Documents Cases Against Trump

2 hours ago

How Did Fresno County Elections Office Mail Out Wrong Ballots?

Help continue the work that gets you the news that matters most.

Search

Send this to a friend