Rams’ most maligned unit delivers emphatic statement in pivotal Week 6 win

The Los Angeles Rams' secondary was shredded by San Francisco 49ers backup quarterback Mac Jones in Week 5. Baltimore Ravens backup quarterback Cooper Rush didn't find the going nearly as easy. In a windy M&T Stadium, Los Angeles's secondary held Rush to just 11-of-19 for 72 yards and one interception. It wasn't a good performance, compelling Ravens head coach John Harbaugh to send backup backup Tyler Huntley into the game in the fourth quarter.

At the time, the Horns held a comfortable lead at 17-3, but Huntley brought a bit of a spark to the squelched Ravens offense. He took over in the fourth quarter with 13:30 on the game clock on his own 11-yard line. Huntley completed 10-of-14 passes for 68 yards and ran three times for 39 yards. But LA's defense held with fourth down and goal to go from its own 15-yard line, as a Huntley pass sailed incomplete.

The game was a bit of a topsy-turvy affair. A stingy blue and yellow run defense allowed 179 rushing yards by the potent Baltimore ground assault, including a huge 122-yard performance by elite running back Derrick Henry. But the defensive backs, shredded in Week 5, allowed just 112 passing yards. As expected, the secondary was helped out by the return of the pass rush.

Rams' pass defense roars back to life in Week 6

Mother Nature had a lot to say on both teams' passing offenses, as neither team was able to get much going through the air. Veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford was only 17-of-26 for 181 yards. He was also sacked once for 13 yards and a fumble. But the impact was most noticeable from the Ravens' passing offense.

Quarterbacks Cooper Rush and Tyler Huntley combined for 21-of-33 passing for 140 yards and an interception. The duo was sacked four times for a loss of 23 yards. While the Ebony Birds fans were thrilled to see Henry get back on track, they were squelched on offense to just three points. Don't expect any sudden personnel moves from general manager Les Snead, following this promising performance.

The outcome improves Los Angeles to 4-2, while Baltimore falls to 1-5. The Horns will remain in Baltimore this week, preparing to compete in Wembley, England, to face the Jacksonville Jaguars. This was a tough game to watch, but a huge effort from a defense that reestablished itself as one of the NFL's best. The team needed a win, and got a tough one. As always, thanks for reading.