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The Rams were chasing Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) all over the field in 2019. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
Rams coach Sean McVay and his players really did not want to talk about it.
But the subject was unavoidable.
The Rams have played against Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson only once.
And that 2019 game was memorable for the Rams for all the wrong reasons.
Jackson passed for five touchdowns and rushed for 95 yards in a 45-6 blowout victory at the Coliseum.
“Not a fond memory,” McVay said.
Defensive lineman Aaron Donald can relate.
“You’re going to bring that up?” Donald said.
Read more: Hernández: A ‘more aware’ Sean McVay is helping Rams exceed expectations this season
Jackson’s performance that day kept him on track for the NFL most valuable player award, and proved a setback for a Rams team that finished 9-7 and missed the playoffs.
“That was kind of the epitome of who he is,” Rams linebacker Troy Reeder said of Jackson, “and what he can do on any given night.”
On Sunday, the surging Rams (6-6) face their greatest challenge to date when they play the Ravens (9-3) and Jackson in Baltimore.
While the offense has come alive during the Rams’ three-game winning streak, it is a Donald-led defense that has held opponents to 19 points or fewer and helped put the Rams in playoff contention.
“Everybody’s having fun,” Donald said, “and when you do that good things happen.”
Donald, 32, clearly enjoyed himself last Sunday. The three-time NFL defensive player of the year combined with rookie Kobie Turner to sack Cleveland quarterback Joe Flacco, putting the finishing touch on a 36-19 victory.
Read more: Rams sign vet kicker Mason Crosby to practice squad as special teams concerns linger
In the past, Donald has flexed after making big plays. He’s stomped. And he’s whoopped and he’s hollered, famously exclaiming “ring me!” after making the final decisive play in Super Bowl LVI.
But after the safety against the Browns,…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/rams-grab-win-baltimore-starts-133522791.html
Author : LA Times
Publish date : 2023-12-08 13:35:22
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