By Ron Johnson
Baltimore Ravens 37 – Los Angeles Rams 31
The Rams came into their game against Baltimore on a three-game winning streak, and many were thinking that they would get demolished by the Ravens’ high-powered offense. But when this game ended, the Rams found out something about themselves…and the Ravens found out they are not as dangerous as they thought.
But in Baltimore’s case, a win is a win…even if it took their special teams to get them there.
Tylan Wallace proved to be the X Factor in overtime as he returned a punt 76 yards for a touchdown to help the Baltimore Ravens overcome the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime. The win keeps the Ravens atop the AFC with a few weeks left in the regular season with a record of 10-3, while the Rams fall to 6-7 and at least third for right now in the NFC West.
Matthew Stafford went yet another game without throwing an interception as he went 23/41 for 294 yards and three touchdowns. Kyren Williams continued to dominate on the ground for the Rams as he finished with 114 yards on 25 carries, but the ground game could not reach the end zone for the Rams.
Cooper Kupp returned to its old self as he snagged eight catches for 115 yards and a touchdown for his best output of the season, while Puka Nacua kept in pace for Offensive Rookie of the Year with five catches for 84 yards. Davis Allen and Demarcus Robinson caught a total of seven passes for 96 yards and two touchdowns to keep the Rams in this shootout dogfight with a nasty Ravens defense.
Speaking of defense, they made things very hard for Lamar Jackson as Ernest Jones and Byron Young were able to sack Jackson during this game, Ahkello Witherspoon was able to snag a pick. After Mason Crosby signed over the weekend, Lucas Havrisik proved his worth by nailing all three of his field goals, including the one that sent the game to overtime, and was perfect on PATs for this game.
The Rams did lose a few guys to injury during this game as Rob Havenstein (hip) and Hunter Long (knee) were not able to finish the game, and wide receiver Tutu Atwell will be in concussion protocol this week. Depending on the outcome of the Seattle-San Francisco game, the Rams will finish Week 14 either in eight or ninth in the playoff hunt.
The Rams look to bounce back into .500 status as they host the Washington Commanders next week, while the Ravens eye to keep their spot at the top of the AFC Mountain when they visit the reeling Jaguars who are losers of two straight.
