LA Rams ILB Ernest Jones snuffs Raiders drive, picks Carr in end zone

There is plenty of NFL play in the LA Rams, despite the challenge of so many injuries. And for those who truly expect the LA Rams to win games right now, let’s review some facts. The LA Rams are playing a quarterback under center who just got off the plane. The Rams’ offensive line is the same starting five that started in Week 13 but have only had three days to prepare for this one.

The Rams entered the Thursday Night Football contest in the midst of a six-game losing streak.  The Las Vegas Raiders entered this game on the crest of a three-game winning streak. The Rams have lost a minimum of five starters on offense, and a minimum of two starters on defense. Victories in this game may not be on the scoreboard, but rather in the individual plays and by individual players.

In the closing moments of the first half, the Las Vegas Raiders lined up with a third down and five yards to go on the LA Rams’ ten-yard line, when the Raiders quarterback dropped back to pass with his eyes trained on the endzone. Rams defensive tackle Greg Gaines (who is having an outstanding game) pushed his blocker into Carr just as the pass was released, causing a high arching path which Rams inside linebacker Ernest Jones hauled in.

That interception followed a fumble by Rams RB Cam Akers and eliminated a certain three points by the Raiders offense.

The interception was a solid defensive play by a rising star on this Rams defense. While he has yet to record a quarterback sack, Ernest Jones is the runner-up in terms of the number of tackles for the team with 89 tackles entering Week 14. He has two tackles for a loss, one forced fumble, and one pass broken up. Jones has just two tackles in this one but has added an interception.

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