Before losing in overtime on a punt return, the Rams put up quite a fight against the AFC East rival Ravens. The Chargers’ statistically alive chances of making the playoffs were all but destroyed when quarterback Justin Herbert suffered a broken index finger in his throwing hand and missed the game against the Broncos. NFL columnists Sam Farmer and Dylan Hernandez, Los Angeles Times beat writers for the Rams and Chargers, Los Angeles Times beat writer Gary Klein, and beat writer Jeff Miller talk about what happened and future prospects:
After nine plays, the Rams had first and goal while running the ball. After that, they attempted three straight incomplete passes before settling for a field goal. Should they have depended even more on that ground game after such a commanding start?
Klein: I tweeted from Baltimore that I could hear the Los Angeles fans yelling about the decision to stop running the ball after the Rams passed the ball three times in a row. It is simple to doubt. However, it’s clear that Sean McVay wanted to make a statement by running the ball so frequently on that opening drive. It would seem that they ought to have made the Ravens show that they could stop it.
Farmer: Gary and I both agree. If the Rams had been able to score a touchdown on that first drive, the entire dynamic of that game could have been altered. I thought they would throw in a couple play-action fakes when they put together all those runs at the start of the game. However, the Rams were also successful with the ball in the air, and 31 points is a significant amount of points against that defense.
Was the Rams’ devastating loss to the Ravens a confidence boost for the locker room going into some upcoming games they could win? What kind of vibe was it?
Klein: For seasoned players, I wouldn’t characterize it as a confidence boost. That’s not how Matthew Stafford, Aaron Donald, Cooper Kupp, and others measure it. However, younger players will benefit from the experience as they have never played a game like that.
Farmer: The flight from Baltimore must have been quite lengthy. However, the match served as a reminder that, especially this season, there isn’t much separating good teams from the best teams. The Rams will maintain their postseason hopes through December if they can run the ball and adequately protect Matthew Stafford.
After six consecutive games with fewer than 50 yards, Cooper Kupp recorded his first 100-yard reception. Has he returned? Is he in better health? What were you able to witness?
Klein: For the first time since his 100-yard performance against the Cardinals on October 15, Kupp appeared more like himself. He needs to play at that level for multiple games before I can declare him to be fully “back.” He is undoubtedly going to continue resolving his physical problems until the end of the season.
Farmer: Cooper Kupp showed glimpses of his former self, and he and Matthew Stafford are regaining their rhythm, but there are still indications of the damage done by time and injuries. Kupp was wincing in agony as he struggled to his feet after turning that swing pass into a huge gain down the sideline and getting knocked out of bounds just before the end zone. Being functional and being fresh are two different things.
Next are the Commanders, who have primarily been competitive even though they traded a few defensive stars at the deadline. What should the Rams think of them?
Klein: In the final stretch, the Rams cannot afford to overlook any opponent. If they want to guarantee a postseason berth, they cannot afford any mistakes.
Farmer: This season has seen some strange occurrences. Many erratic outcomes. There isn’t much room for error, as Gary mentioned, and strong teams win games they ought to win. The Rams should be able to continue their recent scoring binge because the Commanders’ defense is porous. They must win these games at home if they are a team that can compete in the postseason.
Clearly a devastating setback to the Chargers’ slim playoff chances. From that vantage point, how did the locker room look after the game?
Miller: Following this game, the players mostly gave off the impression of resignation. They’ve probably realized that they simply aren’t good enough for this season. Nothing else indicates that they are still in the postseason race, despite the math. They discussed what has turned out to be a lost year in a very realistic, businesslike manner.
Hernandez: Following the game, I described Brandon Staley as appearing “drained, almost defeated” in my column. I had the impression that the players in the locker room felt the same way. According to Derwin James Jr., the reason they had lost so many close games was that the offense and defense could not perform well at the same time. A pattern like this one could give cause for hope earlier in the season. I believe that at this point, it results in a sense of resignation.
Is there anyone who knows if Easton Stick is capable of starting in the NFL? Before the Baltimore game, the guy had played in two NFL regular-season games. Any viewpoints?
Miller: I thought Stick did a decent job on Sunday once he got into the game. The Chargers’ coaches discussed Stick’s improved mechanics and throwing on Monday; head coach Brandon Staley made the observation. The Chargers will return to training camp. Any backup quarterback will appear a little diminished after Justin Herbert. If Stick plays as expected against the Raiders, I think he’ll be decent.
Given that it appears the Chargers are out of contention for the playoffs, do you think they will switch up their lineup more to include some younger players?
Miller: I wouldn’t anticipate anything very dramatic until maybe they are declared out of the playoff race.
Hernandez: Jeff is with me in this. Since he might not be a part of the team’s future, Staley is not in a position to prepare it for it.
The Minnesota Vikings shut out the Las Vegas Raiders 3-0 at home. Given that Stick scored seven points against the Broncos, that has to offer some optimism.
Miller: You should never give up hope when your next opponent has just suffered a 3-0 home loss. It’s likely that the Chargers’ best chance to win a game this season will come if Kansas City prevails in Week 18.
Hernandez: For Stick, this will be the chance of a lifetime. I’m very interested to see what his response is. The rest of his career may or may not depend on how he performs.