Los Angeles Rams Falter Late, Fall to Baltimore Ravens in Overtime On Punt Return TD
The Los Angeles Rams entered their Sunday afternoon tilt with the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium, looking to move above .500 for the first time since Week 1 and establish themselves as legitimate playoff contenders.
But after four quarters of hard-fought football in rough weather, it wasn't to be, with the Rams special teams giving up an overtime touchdown on a punt return score from Tylan Wallace.
And while the Rams had every chance to win the game, mistakes on top of mistakes late ultimately kept them out of the win column.
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) passes against the Baltimore Ravens during the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium.
Jessica Rapfogel-USA TODAY Sports
The mistakes began late in the fourth quarter, with a miscommunication from the sideline causing the Rams to use a critical timeout on their final offensive drive of regulation - ultimately keeping them out of the end zone, and forcing them to settle for a field goal.
And in overtime, it got even worse, with a delay of the game pushing the offense from a third and four to a third and nine, and throwing a wrench into another potential game-winning drive.
Then, the nail in the coffin came on the ensuing punt, with Wallace evading multiple tacklers on his way to the game-winning score.
Rams QB Matthew Stafford was the spark for the offense on Sunday for L.A., completing 23 of 41 passes for 294 yards and three touchdowns. Stafford's main targets were none other than Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, who caught a combined 13 passes on 18 targets for 199 yards and a Kupp touchdown.
Kyren Williams led the way on the ground for L.A. rushing 25 times for 114 yards.
Following the loss, the Rams, who are still squarely in the NFC Wild Card race, will now turn their attention back home to SoFi Stadium, where it will take on the 4-9 Washington Commanders at 1:05 pm PT next Sunday.
The Commanders will be coming off of a bye week after a blowout loss to the Miami Dolphins on Dec. 3.
