Jetlagged: LA Rams stuck in two win one loss holding pattern

Even when facing the previous winless Jets, the LA Rams game day remains stuck in a two-win one-loss pattern this season

The LA Rams had every reason to win their 14th game of the season. With a win or a tie, the LA Rams would have clinched a berth in the NFL Playoffs. With a win, the Rams might have clung to a fading hope for a week one bye in the NFC playoffs by claiming the top-seed. A win would keep the Rams in first place in the NFC West. And a win today would have been the perfect ointment to work out the kinks in the Rams offense, defense, and special teams.

The New York Jets were winless. Winning does nothing more than salvage what little pride they have left. Lose, and they draw closer to the first pick of the 2021 NFL Draft. The Rams were playing for a playoff spot, while the Jets were eliminated from the NFL playoffs weeks ago. All of this contributed to the LA Rams entering the game favored by 17.5 points.  And that’s why they play the game.

Loss on the entire team

No element of the Rams did well in this one. So many on social media went right after the tried and true scapegoat in this one, quarterback Jared Goff. Yes, he threw a first-half interception that resulted in a Jets’ field goal.  But for the list of alleged transgressions by the team in this game, Goff was one of the better performers.

The defense allowed the Jets to move the ball right down the field twice, each time to open the half. Meanwhile, the punting unit allowed the Jets to block a punt deep in the Rams territory. Fortunately, the Rams held the Jets to a field goal. And of course, there was the obligatory interception of a Goff pass as well. That too led to another Jets’ field goal.