Random Ramsdom: Latest loss sets sad record for the defending champs

Los Angeles Rams News and Links for 1/2/23

Rams Fall to Chargers, Set Record for Most Losses by Defending Super Bowl Champion (bleacherreport)

“Los Angeles fell to 5-11 on the campaign with Sunday’s 31-10 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, and NFL on CBS noted it set the league record for the most losses in a season as the reigning Super Bowl champions.

The Rams surely didn’t envision the season unraveling like this, but Aaron Donald, Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp have all missed significant time with injuries. That is the majority of their core of star players from the squad that brought home the Lombardi Trophy, so the record is understandable.

Baker Mayfield, John Wolford and Bryce Perkins have all been under center at times this season, which is not exactly a list of MVP candidates after Stafford won it all in his first season with the franchise.

The latest loss was particularly ugly, as the Chargers scored 17 unanswered points starting late in the second quarter and never looked back.”

Rams vs. Chargers highlights Week 17 (yahoo!sports)

“Watch all of the highlights from the game between the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers in Week 17 of the 2022 NFL regular season.”

Rams Run Defense Implodes vs. Austin Ekeler, Chargers (ramsdigest)

“Ekeler racked up 122 yards and two touchdowns on just 10 carries while catching all four of his targets and adding 39 more yards through the air. Despite being limited in practice throughout the week, Ekeler showed no signs of injury during his stellar day, which was highlighted by a 72-yard rushing score.

But the Chargers’ run game didn’t stop there, as Joshua Kelley added 45 yards on nine carries, averaging five yards per touch to form a complementary duo with Ekeler while running back Larry Rountree III, receiver Keenan Allen, and quarterback Justin Herbert contributed 25 more yards.

Entering Sunday, the Rams ranked No. 5 league-wide in run defense, allowing just 105 yards per game; the most rushing yards they’d allowed all season was 165 by the Las Vegas Raiders, meaning the Chargers blew by that mark by some 27 yards.

It’s the second-most rushing yards the Rams have given up in Raheem Morris’ two-year tenure as defensive coordinator, trailing only the 216-yard mark put up by the Arizona Cardinals in Week 4, 2021.

Throughout all of the injuries and quarterback carousel, the Rams’ run defense was a staple. But in Sunday’s cross-town battle, Los Angeles’ defensive front never showed up, adding merely another wrinkle to an already disappointing campaign.”

Rams Blown Out in SoFi Finale by Chargers (ramsdigest)

“For the Rams, the only redeeming quality from Sunday’s loss was without a doubt running back Cam Akers, who rushed for his second-straight 100-yard game, finishing with 19 carries for 123 yards.

Baker Mayfield on the other hand was completely shut down in half No. 2, completing just 3 of 7 pass attempts for 35 yards in the second half.

Mayfield finished the game with 11 of 19 for 137 yards.

On the defensive side, the Rams were picked apart by the Chargers to the tune of 431 yards, 161 yards and two touchdowns of which came from star running back, Austin Ekeler.

With the loss, the Rams will now turn their attention to the season finale next Sunday at Lumen field in Seattle against the Seahawks.

In their previous meeting this season, Seattle took down the Rams 27-23 in a close battle at SoFi Stadium.”

NFL scores, schedule, live Week 17 updates: Aaron Rodgers’ Packers control playoff destiny; Bucs in postseason (cbssports.com)

“It’s Week 17 of the 2022 NFL season, and we’re keeping you updated on all the action and biggest storylines throughout the day. This week’s slate has some fantastic matchups and storylines, and we’re here to help you watch it unfold. Check back often to find out everything you need to know.

Week 17 schedule

Thursday

Cowboys 27, Titans 13 (Takeaways)

Sunday

Patriots 23, Dolphins 21 (Takeaways)

Saints 20, Eagles 10 (Takeaways)

Buccaneers 30, Panthers 24 (Takeaways)

Giants 38, Colts 10 (Recap)

Browns 24, Commanders 10 (Recap)

Chiefs 27, Broncos 24 (Recap)

Jaguars 31, Texans 3 (Recap)

Lions 41, Bears 10 (Recap)

Falcons 20, Cardinals 19 (Recap)

Seahawks 23, Jets 6 (Takeaways)

Packers 41, Vikings 17 (Takeaways)

Chargers 31, Rams 10 (Recap)

49ers 37, Raiders 34 (OT) (Recap)

Steelers at Ravens, 8:20 p.m. ET (Preview)”

NFC playoff-clinching scenarios for Week 18 of 2022 NFL season (nfl.com)

“EDITOR’S NOTE: The following are NFC playoff-clinching scenarios for Week 18 of the 2022 NFL season, according to NFL Research. Please note that the following scenarios exclude ones involving ties.

• Philadelphia Eagles — playoff berth
• Minnesota Vikings — NFC North
• San Francisco 49ers — NFC West
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers — NFC South
• Dallas Cowboys — playoff berth
• New York Giants — playoff berth”

Best NFL Week 17 Performances: Mike Evans Finally Connects With Tom Brady (sportsillustrated)

“Week 17 on the NFL schedule is almost in the books (we still have Monday Night Football) and the best performances deserve to be recognized by our MMQB staff. Even if you’re feeling down because your team didn’t win, maybe one of your favorite players or coaches gets awarded a game ball by our staff.”