LA Rams Hekker game hero in Rams Monday Night Football

The LA Rams paid a high price of player injury in games against the Chicago Bears in Monday Night Football

The LA Rams needed a win in Monday Night Football. Not just a game with questions, but a huge statement game. After the Rams were held to just 23 points combined in two previous games, the Rams put up 24 points by the opening of the fourth quarter.  They needed it because the Rams uncharacteristically allowed the Bears to score a second-half touchdown.  The final score was Chicago Bears 10 and LA Rams 24

The LA Rams improve to 5-2, keep pace with the Arizona Cardinals who are also 5-2 and have greatly improved their NFC Playoff situation. The Green Bay Packers vault to NFC North leader, dropping the Bears to the wildcard spot. Thanks to the head to head victory, the Rams move up to the sixth playoff spot, dropping the Bears to the seventh playoff spot.

Game data

The game was another efficient outing for QB Jared Goff, who put up 23 of 33 passes for 219 yards and two touchdowns. The Rams passing game was led by WR Josh Reynolds, who caught four of eight for 52 yards, and TE Johnny Mundt who caught three of three and 47 yards. Seven players caught passes for the Rams in this one.

The Rams focused on running the ball in the second half, giving the team 33 rushes and 33 passes for the game.  The Rams had 384 yards and 24 points, while the defense allowed 310 yards and just three points.  The Rams allowed a fumble recovery for a score, accounting for the other 10 points in the game.

Game hero

Is it wrong to call a punter a game hero? I don’t see how you can avoid it in this one. Rams All-Pro punter Johnny Hekker punted the ball five times in this game, and each time the ball was pinned inside the Bear’s 20-yard line. With the Bears working for the most part on their side of the football field, the Rams had the luxury of playing with great field position virtually the entire game.

Of course, OLB Leonard Floyd had a huge game against his former team, putting up two sacks in the contest, raising his season total to four which has already tied or beaten two previous season totals. QB Jared Goff threw for two touchdowns. And that Rams defense was incredible tonight, proving once more that they are far better than perceived right now.

High cost

This was just the third Rams home game, and they are undefeated when playing in SoFi stadium. Unfortunately, the LA Rams lost rookie Terrell Burgess who was playing very well in the contest. Burgess eventually was carted off the field with a boot on his left ankle area and he did not return to the game.

That is the second safety to fall to injury for the LA Rams. While no further information was immediately available, the Rams must travel to face the Miami Dolphins for their last game before their bye week. The Chicago Bears host the New Orleans Saints next week, then travel to face the Tennessee Titans the following week.

This was a solid, and desperately needed win for the LA Rams. With a victory against the Miami Dolphins next week, the Rams can enter the bye at 6-2, with only three of their final eight games on the road. Hopefully, the Rams will continue to run the ball well to ensure a victory. Go Rams!