The Los Angeles Rams dropped to 2-1 after epically failing to put away the Philadelphia Eagles in the second half. There’s some staggering ugliness to rehash from the Rams’ missed opportunity, so let’s just get into it before I chuck something at my TV again.
The Good
The first half defense was historic
Aside from Jalen Hurts scoring on a 1-yard touchdown run roughly halfway through the first quarter, the reigning Super Bowl champs were held in check before halftime.
The Eagles’ passing game was held to -1 net passing yards in the first half, which was the fewest allowed by the Rams since 1998, according to the L.A. Rams PR Twitter account. A.J. Brown was also held without a catch in that span. Life was good then as the Rams jumped out to a 19-7 start. Even Saquon Barkley was held in check.
This game had all the makings of a blowout early. Oh, what might’ve been.
Run defense on Saquon Barkley
Barkley practically ran L.A. off the field in 2024 following two 200+ yard rushing performances.
What a difference a year makes, considering the All-Pro star rushed for only 46 yards on 18 carries (2.6 yards per carry). During my Q&A with Bleeding Green Nation leading up to the game, I felt confident that Los Angeles would do (reasonably) better in corralling Barkley this time around.
Of course, I also said Barkley “should get another 100-yard performance against this unit,” and I was way off on that. At least there’s that.
The Bad
Offense didn’t capitalize on great field position
Compared to the first two weeks, the Rams got off to a much quicker start.
Despite that, the offense didn’t capitalize on great field position throughout the game as well as they could have.
To get only 26 points out of the deal is disappointing. Well, that’s what happens when you go 3-of-10 on third down and 1-of-4 red zone opportunities. Give Vic Fangio credit for his defense tightening up in key situations.
Davante Adams
The All-Pro Adams had a 44-yard touchdown with 1:20 left in the first quarter to give Los Angeles an early 10-7 lead. That was good!
However, dropping what could’ve been a crucial touchdown to put away the Eagles in the fourth quarter was not great Bob!
There was a blocked 36-yard field goal attempt on the very next play. Poor Davante’s PTSD from his Packers days of GB choking away big games must’ve been triggered big time in this one.
Simply put, those are the plays that Adams has to make. The Rams coughed up a ton of cash because they believed in his ability to thrive in these situations. While it’s unrealistic to expect a touchdown or big play in every instance, what value do you bring to the team if you cannot do it consistently?
Daunting upcoming schedule
This obviously wasn’t a moment from the game, but the Rams could be trouble for failing to hang on Sunday.
In the next two games, Los Angeles will face the unbeaten Colts and 49ers—San Francisco on a short week, mind you—the AFC-contending Ravens and the Jaguars, who could be contending with Indy for a playoff spot in the weak AFC South.
That is quite the gauntlet for a team expected to be a title contender. Had the Rams taken care of business, they could have afforded one or two hiccups, but things have suddenly turned dire in Hollywood, which is crazy to say given how early in the year it is.
L.A. missed out on a signature win and could pay the price if they struggle with this upcoming portion of the schedule.
The Ugly
WTF was that second half?!
If anyone has an answer, I’d really like to know!
Where the h-e-double hockey sticks do I even begin? Giving up a 19-point lead should never happen. It doesn’t matter who the opponent is, once you knock ‘em down, you gotta finish the job and make them wish they were never born! I’d run through a wall after saying that if I wasn’t so damn depressed.
For the third time in his Eagles career, Brown had over 100 receiving yards in the second half, and the first time since 2023. Jalen Hurts, who didn’t have a single passing touchdown this season, had three after halftime. The Rams didn’t look like they were hurting much with Ahkello Witherspoon out; however, Hurts eventually made them pay.
Once the Eagles got their passing game going, it was over for L.A. It was only a matter of time before Philly got it going, and it came at the Rams’ expense.
Either way you slice it, this result never should’ve happened. If there’s any solace for the painful outcome, it’s that the Rams could become a better version of themselves, assuming they take a LOOOOOOOONG look in the mirror first.
Joshua Karty
If the Rams are smart, they’d leave Joshua Karty behind to check out the Philadelphia sites. I know darn well he wouldn’t have to pay for a cheesesteak in the City of Brotherly Love after his performance at the Linc.
Seriously, how do you have two field goals blocked? That is unbelievable and simply inexcusable, especially the final one that was blocked and returned by Eagles defensive tackle Jordan Davis for the exclamation point touchdown.
Karty was not solely to blame for the outcome. He didn’t play defense, but somehow I think if he did, he’d still manage to get something blocked.
Again, Karty wasn’t the main reason for L.A.‘s loss, yet a game ending like this deserves a scapegoat. With kickers typically on the low end of the totem pole, don’t be surprised if the front office cuts the second-year kicker this week. We’ve already seen the rival 49ers cut bait with a kicker early in the season, for way less compared to Karty’s situation.
Heads must roll for this one, and unfortunately, it just might end with the kicker getting the boot.
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