3 initial reactions to Rams' Week 5 overtime loss against the Bills

The Los Angeles Rams knew they would face another competitive Week 5 opponent in the Buffalo Bills, and like the last time the teams met in a 44-42 barnburner, the matchup did not disappoint.

LA's offense was efficient, but not effective, in the first half. The main problem was sustaining drives. Even when the Rams had a manageable down and distance, penalties complicated the scenario and threw off the team's rhythm.

But as the game wore on, both offenses settled into a groove. That was the story of the second half after the Bills led 13-7 at the break. On LA's final possession in regulation, Matthew Stafford drove the offense 63 yards in 1:34 with time running out to send the game into overtime.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, it was the Rams' absence of a dependable kicker that put them at a distinct disadvantage and ultimately decided the game. Harris Mevis had a potential game-winning field goal blocked, his second miss of the day. The Bills kicked their own field goal successfully to pull off a stunning win.

Rams' poor run defense and special teams were too much to overcome

1. Special teams were a complete disaster

Bills returner Ray Davis fielded the opening kickoff and ran for 70 yards to LA's 26-yard line. That set the tempo for the entire game, a complete meltdown right out of the gate. The Rams defense is on fire right now. But when the opposing offense takes over deep in Los Angeles territory, the game is already slanted in the wrong direction.

Making matters worse, kicker Harrison Mevis missed his first field-goal attempt from 50 yards. His second attempt in overtime was blocked. He finished 0-for-2. At this rate, it's almost certain that he won't finish the week in Los Angeles.

2. James Cook and Josh Allen ran all over the Rams all game

The Bills didn't fool anyone by handing the ball to Cook six times to open the game. And still, Cook gained 32 yards, rattling off a 15-yard dash up the middle that put the Bills in field-goal range.

Despite his fumble problems - his second of the game gave the Rams a golden chance in overtime - Cook may indeed be the best running back in the NFL.

Cook was tough to stop all night and put up multiple 15+ yard gains. On the day, he rushed 25 times for 111 yards and two touchdowns.

Oh, and Bills quarterback Josh Allen ran 10 times for 121 yards and a rushing touchdown as well. LA knew he was coming and sadly failed to muster a game plan to stop him.

3. Rams' pass defense put up a valiant effort in the loss

Allen was effective with his legs, but not so much with his arm. By halftime, he had completed 4-of-7 passes for 60 yards. Boosting his stat line late in the game and in overtime, he finished 12-of-19 for 201 yards, one touchdown, and one pick.

He suffered one sack at the hands of LA's edge rusher Josaiah Stewart, while Aaron Donald nearly had his first this season before a Trent McDuffie penalty wiped it off the board. Allen, however, evaded countless other sack attempts.

While LA limited the aerial attack, the Bills won this one on the ground, totaling 234 yards on 6.3 yards per carry for three scores. And so, the Rams are 2-3. Onwards and upwards.

As always, thanks for reading.

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