The Los Angeles Rams became the latest victims in Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson’s bid for MVP during their abysmal loss in Week 12 on Monday Night Football.
The Rams knew full well they were going to have their hands full trying to contain Jackson. After all, he had already been in the midst of a spectacular 2019 campaign after taking the league by storm with his versatility as both a runner and a passer.
His explosive skillset was on full display in the 45-6 victory over Los Angeles after needing just 20 pass attempts to throw for five touchdowns while rushing for 96 yards on a mere eight carries. It seems there was a rather profound reason for his impressive efficiency versus the defense.
Rams safety Eric Weddle, who was a teammates of Jackson’s last year in Baltimore, admits it was difficult to even get a grasp on their offensive scheme because of him, via Gary Klein of the L.A. Times:
“A lot of times, I wouldn’t know for a few seconds after if he handed it or if he still had it,” safety Eric Weddle said of Jackson. “Imagine the whole defense, you’re trying to play your rules, play your guy, and these guys are just coming downhill and doubling and getting extra gaps. You’re trying to figure out what’s going on.”
Rams cornerback Troy Hill added that his ability to make plays happen on the ground and through the air made him a particularly difficult matchup:
“It’s tough,” Rams cornerback Troy Hill said. “He’s elusive. He’s a different player back there. When you think about it and look at it, if you do play man and have your back to the ball, then he’s got the ability to take off and run and make you pay that way. When you play zone, he’s throwing the ball and finding the zones. They’re making it easy on him to find the reads.”
It is safe to say that the defense was overwhelmed by the highest-scoring offense in the NFL. Although there are few teams that have been able to limit Jackson this year, the fact that the Rams could not even get a beat on him is certainly a cause for concern moving forward.
Perhaps the most upsetting aspect about the loss is that the defense had actually been playing rather well throughout the course of the 2019 NFL season amidst plenty of changes. Regardless, it is clear that there is still plenty of work to be done before the Los Angeles can consider themselves to be bonafide playoff contenders.
