The Los Angeles Rams had a memorable Christmas Day as they defeated the Denver Broncos, 51-14, behind stellar performances from Baker Mayfield, Tyler Higbee and the defense.
Mayfield was nearly perfect as he completed 24 of 28 passes for 230 yards and two touchdowns. Both of those scores were caught by Higbee, who passed Damone Johnson for the most touchdowns by a Rams tight end in franchise history (19).
The Rams defense also rose to the occasion against the Broncos as the unit recorded six sacks and four interceptions. Cobie Durant was responsible for two of those picks — the latter of which was returned 85 yards for a touchdown.
Durant said after the game that his pick-six was a longtime dream of his, via Gilbert Manzano of the Southern California News Group:
“I finally did it,” Durant said about what he thought when he saw open space near the left sideline and headed for the end zone. “That’s been a dream come true. I have three career picks as a rookie.”
Durant, the Rams’ fourth-round pick out of South Carolina State this year, revealed it was his first pick-six since high school.
Durant recorded his first career NFL interception in Week 2 against the Atlanta Falcons and returned it 51 yards before being tackled at the 9-yard line.
In 11 games this season, the Rams rookie cornerback has accumulated 11 tackles, one sack and three interceptions (one start).
Tyler Higbee: ‘pretty cool’ to set Rams’ record for most touchdowns by tight end
Higbee’s first touchdown catch against the Broncos allowed him to pass Damone Johnson for the most touchdowns by a Rams tight end in franchise history (19).
Higbee downplayed the accomplishment and noted he was just trying to help the Rams defeat the Broncos, but said he will reflect on his record-breaking catch after the season.
Higbee for the year has caught 65 of his 97 targets for 576 yards and three touchdowns in 15 games.
