Rams cap trying week with win, in tie atop West

A chaotic week that coach Sean McVay described as worse than mind-numbing ultimately resulted in a victory for the Los Angeles Rams.

Despite placing up to 29 players on the reserve/COVID-19 list over the past 10 days and playing Tuesday night without three starters, the Rams defeated the division rival Seattle Seahawks 20-10 at SoFi Stadium in a game the NFL rescheduled from Sunday because of Los Angeles’ coronavirus outbreak.

“This was a heavy week navigating all the things we went through,” McVay said after the game. “This was a big-time win for our team.”

With the win, the Rams improved to 10-4 and moved into a tie with the Arizona Cardinals (10-4) for first place in the NFC West with three games remaining in the regular season.

“We’re in a good spot. I mean, hopefully we’re in a good spot,” cornerback Jalen Ramsey said. “Hopefully we can keep trending up.”

After several key playmakers were removed from the reserve/COVID-19 list, including Ramsey, wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and outside linebacker Von Miller, the Rams went into Tuesday’s game with 16 players on the list, including starting right tackle Rob Havenstein, safety Jordan Fuller and tight end Tyler Higbee.

“Crazy times. It’s been a crazy week,” said Miller, who said he felt shocked Tuesday morning after learning he cleared COVID-19 protocol. “I didn’t know what to expect. I took the test, went home, started playing Call of Duty at 6:45, 7 a.m. … Got the call that I was cleared, and I was like, ‘Oh, snap!’ I finished my game, and then I went upstairs and started packing.”

The Seahawks also were short-handed and without nine players on the reserve/COVID-19 list, including wideout Tyler Lockett and cornerback D.J. Reed. Cornerback Blessuan Austin started in Reed’s absence and was charged with two costly defensive penalties that aided the Rams’ winning effort.

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford overcame an uneven start to complete 21 of 29 passes for 244 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.

“Tonight was a total team win,” Stafford said.

Wide receiver Cooper Kupp continued to make a case for NFL Offensive Player of the Year. He caught nine passes for 136 yards and two touchdowns, setting a Rams single-season record with 122 receptions. Kupp’s 14 touchdown receptions are the second most in a season in Rams history, behind Elroy Hirsch, who had 17 in 1951.

“I had no idea,” Kupp said when asked if he was aware of his historic performance. “Obviously that’s a great honor considering the receivers that have come through this organization.”

“He’s a great player, he’s having a fantastic season,” Stafford said of Kupp, who leads the NFL in catches, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. “I’m happy that I get a chance to play with a guy like that.”

Despite Darrell Henderson Jr.‘s activation from Los Angeles’ reserve/COVID-19 list, running back Sony Michel started a third consecutive game and proved to be an offensive catalyst, as he broke tackles on several physical runs and rushed for 92 yards on 18 carries.

“Sony Michel ran tough, physical and hard,” McVay said about the fourth-year back whom the Rams acquired via a trade with the New England Patriots before the season.

Defensively, the Rams kept the pressure on quarterback Russell Wilson, who completed 17 of 31 passes for 156 yards with an interception.

The Rams sacked Wilson three times. And Miller recorded his first sack since Los Angeles traded for him ahead of the deadline last month, as the 10th-year pro ended a seven-game sack drought, the longest of his career.

“My first game ever in my whole entire life, playing in a game not having any practice, any meetings and then the day of the game I get cleared,” said Miller, who spent five days on the reserve/COVID-19 list. “It’s unprecedented times, and you’ve just got to make the most of it.”

Safety Taylor Rapp intercepted a pass from Wilson to close out the game.

The Rams must now turn around on a short week and travel to Minnesota, where they will face the Vikings (7-7) on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium.

“I am tired right now. This has been emotionally and physically exhausting,” McVay said. “We’ll get some rest, and then we’ll get back at this thing tomorrow.”

Source: www.espn.com