Rams @ Ravens
Final Score: Rams 2o, Ravens 19
Writer: Callen Elslager (@callen_elslager on Twitter and Reddit)
While the Ravens’ playoff hopes continue to spiral, the Rams cemented their status for the playoffs with a 20-19 win over the Ravens on Sunday. Led as usual in the receiving game by Cooper Kupp, the Rams also got touchdowns from Sony Michel and Odell Beckham Jr. on the way to a hard-fought victory. The Ravens’ defense did their best to keep the Ravens in this game, forcing three turnovers from Matthew Stafford, including two interceptions and one fumble, however, the Rams’ defense was too much for the Ravens’ offense, not allowing Tyler Huntley to get much going in the passing game along with an interception of their own.
Los Angeles Rams
Quarterback
Matthew Stafford: 26/35, 309 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT | 1 carry, -1 yard
With the Baltimore secondary dealing with a few injuries, Matthew Stafford was able to take advantage for another 300-yard game. As seen below, Stafford threw two touchdowns and was helped by a great game from his receivers, especially with the yards after the catch. The afternoon was not all perfect for Stafford, who threw two interceptions including his league-leading 4th that was returned for a touchdown. The defender jumped the route on the pick six, while Stafford’s second pick was simply a bad decision to throw into double coverage. Stafford also had an unfortunate fumble down near the red zone on a strip-sack.
PICK SIX @ChuckC36 ❗️❗️❗️❗️❗️❗️
Tune in on FOX! pic.twitter.com/p1z6dH03Pb— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) January 2, 2022
OH MY GOODNESS!
ANOTHER INT FOR CHUCK!!
Tune in on FOX! pic.twitter.com/F4zFeYnnMC— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) January 2, 2022
Running Back
Sony Michel: 19 carries, 74 yards, TD | 5 targets, 3 receptions, 25 yards
With Darrell Henderson placed on Injured Reserve and Cam Akers still out, Sony Michel was the lone back in the Los Angeles backfield. With that opportunity came another impressive outing for Michel, taking every single running back opportunity as a result. While of late teams have been able to attack the Ravens’ defense through the air, Sony Michel broke off some longer runs as the offensive line created holes for him to run right through. Michel also received a fair amount of work in the passing game, taking off after the reception for extra yards after the catch. His line was capped off with this goal-line touchdown run, where he was not touched while pushing through a wide lane.
2️⃣5️⃣ gettin' it done!
📺 @NFLonFOX | @Flyguy2stackz pic.twitter.com/81X44BY0s2
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) January 2, 2022
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Cooper Kupp: 7 targets, 6 receptions, 95 yards, TD
Tyler Higbee: 9 targets, 6 receptions, 69 yards
Van Jefferson: 5 targets, 4 receptions, 63 yards
Odell Beckham Jr.: 7 targets, 5 receptions, 39 yards, TD
Ben Skowronek: 2 targets, 2 receptions, 18 yards
What more can be said about Cooper Kupp that has not all ready been said. During this game Kupp set the Rams’ single-season record for receiving yards, taking off for a first down after a screen pass at the line of scrimmage. The clear number one receiver in this offense and in fantasy continued that trend on Sunday as Matthew Stafford‘s go-to receiver, taking off after the catch for some extra yardage, reminding us again why he’s been so dominant this season. This was none more evident than down in the red zone for the Rams’ first touchdown of the game, as he broke over the middle for the reception then took off for the end zone for another touchdown on the season.
.@CooperKupp is the gift that keeps on giving.
📺 @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/FTPEz8Xbn1
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) January 2, 2022
Week after week, the Rams continue to get Odell Beckham Jr. more involved in the offense since he was acquired via trade. Included in this work was the game-winning touchdown reception on an out route to the goal line with just over one minute remaining in the game. This increase of work for him did not mean bad things for Van Jefferson as Stafford looked his way in crucial situations as well, as he used his speed to his advantage beating the weakened Baltimore secondary.
.@obj reaches out and gives us the lead!
📺: @nflonfox pic.twitter.com/Kn63saUaAS
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) January 2, 2022
Finally, this week was a very strong outing for Tyler Higbee, who took advantage of this matchup with a banged-up Baltimore defense. The most targeted pass catcher this week, Higbee provided a valuable safety blanket for Stafford, a valuable piece to continue moving drives and keep the ball moving.
Baltimore Ravens
Quarterback
Tyler Huntley: 20/32, 197 yards, INT | 6 carries, 54 yards
Tyler Huntley was not as efficient this week as he has been in the past while filling in for Lamar Jackson, with the Rams’ defense keeping him under constant pressure throughout the afternoon. This pressure forced him to chuck up a ball deep which ended up right in the hands of the Rams’ defender. The saving grace for his afternoon was the use of his legs, where he would avoid pressure and take off for some impressive runs throughout the game. Though this game made it clear that if the Ravens want to make the playoffs, they are going to need the return of Lamar Jackson.
.@j_fuller4 first INT of the year came at the right time. 💪
📺 @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/fgyHhk4KyZ
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) January 2, 2022
Running Back
Devonta Freeman: 14 carries, 76 yards | 1 target, 1 reception, 1 yard
Latavius Murray: 11 carries, 31 yards
While the Ravens continued to use the split in their backfield, it was clear that the most effective rusher was Devonta Freeman, who was able to break off into more space than Latavius Murray, who was often stopped quickly after the line of scrimmage. While neither were involved in the passing game, Freeman was much more efficient and showed off some bursts including this run seen below.
Breaking FREE❗️❗️
Tune in on FOX! pic.twitter.com/guGeBw6vns
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) January 2, 2022
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Mark Andrews: 6 targets, 6 receptions, 89 yards
Rashod Bateman: 10 targets, 7 receptions, 58 yards
Marquise Brown: 8 targets, 3 receptions, 28 yards
Devin Duvernay: 3 targets, 2 receptions, 19 yards
Nick Boyle: 1 target, 1 reception, 2 yards
Mark Andrews continued to be the most effective pass catcher on this team, and one of the best tight ends in the league, whom Huntley looked to most in crucial situations. Among these catches were some crucial third-down conversions and a long reception downfield to continue an early drive. With Marquise Brown coming into this week banged up and was dealing with an illness throughout the week, he and Huntley were not on the same page with several passes being thrown out of his reach. Brown was also unable to get past Ramsey for the deep shots which we have been so accustomed to seeing from him. Because of this, Rashod Bateman was forced to step up and be the number one target for Huntley. This is a trend that has been seen in each of Huntley’s starts this season.
— Callen Elslager (@callen_elslager on Twitter and Reddit)