Big plays were nemesis in loss to Ravens

Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers had six key catches, including a 21-yarder for a touchdown. (Daniel Kucin Jr. / Associated Press)

The Rams lost to the Baltimore Ravens 37-31 on Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.

What we learned from a defeat that dropped the Rams’ record to 6-7:

The Rams gave up too many explosive plays

In 2021, star receiver Odell Beckham Jr. joined the Rams near the trade deadline and helped them win a Super Bowl title. The Ravens signed him before this season as an enticement to quarterback Lamar Jackson, who was negotiating a new contract.

On Sunday, Beckham caught four passes for 97 yards, including a 46-yard touchdown.

Earlier in the game, the Rams gave up a 56-yard touchdown pass to tight end Isaiah Likely.

“It was a fast motion play for me, and I didn’t really see anyone coming in motion with me,” Likely said. “So, I raised my hand, and I was like, ‘Throw it to me. Throw it to me.’ [Jackson] saw me and I said, ‘I’ve got to score on this one.’ ”

Running back Kyren Williams is a fast starter

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford hands the ball Kyren Williams, who surpassed 100 yards rushing against the Ravens. (Alex Brandon / Associated Press)

Coach Sean McVay called Williams’ number six times in the Rams first nine plays, all runs.

“We had to insert our dominance at the line of scrimmage,” said Williams, who rushed for 114 yards in 25 carries. “We had to show them boys over there that we’re going to run the ball when we want to run the ball. You’re not going to dictate what we do.”

It was the fourth time this season that Williams rushed for more than 100 yards.

Rookie tight end Davis Allen stepped up

Rams tight end Davis Allen (87) leaps over Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith after making a catch. (Nick Wass / Associated Press)

With Tyler Higbee sidelined because of a neck injury, Allen and Hunter Long filled his role. Long started but suffered a leg injury and was carted from the field in the second quarter.

Allen…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/rams-takeaways-big-plays-were-132018244.html

Author : LA Times

Publish date : 2023-12-11 13:20:18

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