Improvement and flaws show up in win over Commanders

The Commanders Daron Payne (94) sacks quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) in the first quarter, forcing the Rams to settle for a field goal. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times)

The Rams defeated the Washington Commanders, 28-20, on Sunday at SoFi Stadium.

What we learned from a victory that improved the Rams’ record to 7-7 and tentatively put them in the No. 7 spot for the NFC playoffs:

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) congratulates Cooper Kupp (10) after his touchdown catch. (Kyusung Gong / Associated Press)

No more wondering if the 2021 NFL offensive player of the year has finally moved past hamstring and ankle injuries.

Kupp scored on a 62-yard touchdown pass play, his third touchdown in three games.

After Kupp caught eight passes for 115 yards and a touchdown in last week’s overtime loss to the Baltimore Ravens — breaking a string of six consecutive games below Kupp’s standard — it remained to be seen whether he could do it two games in a row.

Kupp caught eight passes on eight targets for 115 yards.

Sean McVay must improve early play-calling near goal line

Commanders coach Ron Rivera, left, shakes hands with Rams coach Sean McVay after Washington lost the road game. (Marcio Jose Sanchez / Associated Press)

For the second game in a row, the Rams drove inside the 10-yard line on their first possession.

And for the second game in a row, McVay called three consecutive passes. On Sunday, two fell incomplete and quarterback Matthew Stafford was sacked.

The Rams, once again, settled for a field goal.

After the game, McVay acknowledged his failure and his need to improve.

Let’s see what happens Thursday against New Orleans.

Veteran-minimum players making maximum contributions

Rams wide receiver Demarcus Robinson (15) catches a pass for a touchdown against the Commanders. (Marcio Jose Sanchez / Associated Press)

Receiver Demarcus Robinson and safety John Johnson III showed once again that general manager Les Snead made wise investments when he signed them to one-year…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/rams-takeaways-improvement-flaws-show-132026807.html

Author : LA Times

Publish date : 2023-12-18 13:20:26

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