The Los Angeles Rams hit the road in Week 8 looking to avenge their loss from the previous week although things got out of hand quickly as they were beaten by the Dallas Cowboys 43-20 to drop to 3-5 on the season.
Things actually started well for the Rams as they had three sacks on the Cowboys’ opening drive, seemingly forcing a punt before a ticky-tack holding penalty was called on Quentin Lake to keep the drive alive with Dallas eventually finding the end zone.
Aaron Donald turned back the clock with a two-sack day on Dak Prescott while Michael Hoecht added one as well, although those were the only bright spots as the Rams with beaten thoroughly in all facets of the game.
L.A. had no answer for CeeDee Lamb, who led the way for the Cowboys with 12 receptions for 158 yards and a pair of scores while Prescott through for four touchdowns in total.
Things started to get out of hand late in the first quarter when Matthew Stafford was looking for Cooper Kupp on an out route but instead threw a pick-six to DaRon Bland.
The Rams then went three-and-out and had their punt blocked for a safety. The disasters didn’t end there though as the Cowboys returned the ensuing kickoff 63 yards, setting up another easy touchdown for 19 unanswered points in a span of three minutes.
Unfortunately, it ended up being a rough day for Stafford and in addition to the pick-six, he also banged his thumb on a Cowboys player’s helmet on a two-point conversion and wasn’t able to finish the game with Brett Rypien taking over in the second half. It remains to be seen just how serious the thumb injury is but if Stafford is forced to miss time then that will put the Rams offense in a tough spot moving forward.
Perhaps the lone bright spot on offense in the loss to the Cowboys was running back Darrell Henderson, who continues to show he has some juice left in the tank after being signed a couple weeks ago. He only had 31 rushing yards on 12 carries but did also lead the team in receiving with three catches and 54 yards.
If Stafford is unable to play in Week 9 then L.A. would likely lean heavily on the run game, so it’s good to see Henderson finding some success even in a blowout loss.
Also noteworthy is that the young kicker the Rams brought in last week, Lucas Havrisik, made both of his field goal attempts which will likely earn him at least one more week with the team.
Up next for the Rams…
The Rams stay on the road in Week 9, traveling to take on the 2-5 Green Bay Packers, who are also coming off a blowout loss.
Stafford’s status will be something to monitor throughout the week, although this is a winnable game for L.A. even if he is unable to go.
