The Los Angeles Rams faced another tough opponent in Week 5, welcoming the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles to SoFi Stadium. And although the Rams were able to keep up with them for three quarters, the Eagles eventually pulled away to earn a 23-14 victory, dropping L.A. to 2-3 on the season.
This game looked like it had the makings of a shootout early as both teams went right down the field and scored with ease of their opening drives. The Rams were the able to find the end zone again just before the end of the first half to take a 14-10 lead, looking like they were going to take some momentum in the locker room.
Unfortunately though, the defense was not able to hold on for 30 seconds as Derion Kendrick had a tough time guarding A.J. Brown. This allowed the Eagles to go all the way down the field and score a touchdown on the “Tush Push” quarterback sneak as time expired, taking a 17-14 lead at halftime.
It was all Eagles from there as they dominated time of possession in the second half. Outside of an interception by Ahkello Witherspoon, the Rams defense wasn’t able to get the stops they needed. And then on the offensive side of the ball, the Rams struggled to move the ball and were shut out in the second half, eventually suffering the defeat.
The Eagles are one of the best teams in the league, specifically in the trenches on both sides of the ball, and that really showed on Sunday against the young and inexperienced Rams.
Looking at some positives though, the Rams welcomed Cooper Kupp back to the lineup and he looked like his usual self, leading the way with eight receptions for 118 yards.
A lot was made about how he and breakout rookie Puka Nacua would be able to coexist, and they were able to do so just finish as Kupp had 12 targets and Nacua had 11 with the latter finishing with seven receptions for 71 yards and a touchdown. And even though Tutu Atwell had a quiet day, he was still able to find the end zone on the Rams’ opening drive.
On the defensive side of the ball, linebacker Ernest Jones continues to impress, leading the team with 15 total tackles on the day. The Rams only had one sack on the day, however, as getting a consistent pass rush continues to be an issue for this young defense.
Up next for the Rams…
After facing a gauntlet of a schedule in the first five weeks, things get easier for the Rams moving forward as they welcome the 1-4 Arizona Cardinals to town in Week 6 before hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 7.
