The Los Angeles Rams traveled to London to take on the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 8 and were able to secure their second consecutive win. They have now managed to end the first half of the 2019 NFL season on a high note at 5-3 following an underwhelming start to the year.
Although making the trip across the pond to prepare for a game is no easy task, the Rams showed little evidence of any jet lag early on as the offense was able to take full advantage of its favorable matchup against a generous Bengals defense thanks to the efforts of quarterback Jared Goff. With wide receiver Brandin Cooks knocked out of the game with a concussion, Goff relied on wide receiver Cooper Kupp early and often to do his bidding.
This resulted in a career day for Kupp as he constantly found himself open to haul in seven receptions for 220 yards and a touchdown. Goff wound up finishing the game completing 17-of-31 passes for 372 yards and two touchdowns.
With the passing game clicking on all cylinders, Los Angeles did somewhat shy away from the run against the worst rushing defense in the NFL. Regardless, running back Todd Gurley and Darrell Henderson managed to make their presence felt by each averaging at least 4.4 yards per carry.
Meanwhile, the defense continued its recent resurgence following the acquisition of cornerback Jalen Ramsey ahead of the trade deadline. They took a bend-but-don’t-break approach that was anchored by a tremendous pass rush that brought down quarterback Andy Dalton down five times.
Although the Bengals went 4-of-6 on fourth-down conversions, the Rams defense did a stellar job of keeping them out of scoring position and even managed to shut them out in the second half.
Special teams also came to play with punter Johnny Hekker providing a crucial punt inside the 20-yard-line to help ice the game. Kicker Greg Zuerlein also converted his lone 23-yard field goal attempt.
