LOS ANGELES -- Boos rang out at the L.A. Memorial Coliseum, a tone previously unheard in the Sean McVay era, as the Baltimore Ravens routed the Los Angeles Rams 45-6 on Monday Night Football.
The Rams fell to 6-5, and a season after they appeared in Super Bowl LIII, it appears that the end of their season will coincide with Week 17. Before Monday night’s loss, the Rams had only a 17.5% chance of making the playoffs, according to ESPN’s Football Power Index.
The offense appeared lackluster on Monday, gaining only 111 yards through the first three quarters before finishing with 221 total yards. The defense was practically nonexistent, as the Ravens scored six touchdowns on their first six possessions.
In the days leading to Monday night’s game, the Rams' organization provided plenty of reminders of last season’s Monday Night Football thriller against the Kansas City Chiefs, which resulted in a 54-51 Rams win. But nearly 53 weeks later, the only thing that resembled that game was the Rams' yellow color rush uniforms, as they proved once again that this Rams team is a far cry from the 2018 version.
Describe the game in two words: All Ravens. The Ravens' offense, defense and even special teams completely dominated the Rams.
QB Breakdown: The Rams signed Jared Goff to a four-year, $134 million extension with an NFL record $110 million guaranteed before the season opener. Through 12 games, Goff has done little to demonstrate that he was worthy of a record-breaking deal. On Monday, he completed 26 of 37 passes for 212 yards with two interceptions, as receiver Brandin Cooks returned from his two-game absence because of concussions and receiver Robert Woods returned from a personal issue that kept him sidelined a week ago. Through their first two possessions, the Rams gained a total of 5 yards, and Goff ended the second drive frozen, taking an 8-yard sack. It marked the first time since Week 17 of 2017, McVay’s first season as coach, that the team went three-and-out on the first two drives of a game. In the fourth quarter, with the Rams driving at the Ravens’ 30-yard line, Goff threw a pass that former Rams cornerback Marcus Peters intercepted.
Biggest hole in the game plan: Everything. The defense, which features two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald and cornerback Jalen Ramsey, was embarrassed by Lamar Jackson, who completed 15 of 20 passes for 169 yards and five touchdowns and rushed for 95 yards on eight carries before he was removed from the game with more than 10 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, ahead 42-6. Ravens fans who remained in the Coliseum late in the game chanted "MVP." A week after McVay showed promise in his ability to adapt his game plan and playcalling in a win over the Bears, the Rams' offense once again appeared stagnant against the Ravens.