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Lindsey ThiryESPN
A chaotic week that coach Sean McVay described as worse than mind-numbing ultimately resulted in a victory for the Los Angeles Rams.
Despite placing up to 29 players on the reserve/COVID-19 list over the past 10 days and playing Tuesday night without three starters, the Rams defeated the division rival Seattle Seahawks 20-10 at SoFi Stadium in a game the NFL rescheduled from Sunday due to the Rams’ coronavirus outbreak.
With the win, the Rams improved to 10-4 and moved into a tie with the Arizona Cardinals (10-4) for first place in the NFC West with three games remaining in the regular season.
After several key playmakers were removed from the reserve/COVID-19 list, including wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., cornerback Jalen Ramsey and outside linebacker Von Miller, the Rams went into Tuesday’s game with 16 players total on reserve/COVID-19, including starting right tackle Rob Havenstein, safety Jordan Fuller and tight end Tyler Higbee.
The Seahawks also were short-handed and without nine players on the reserve/COVID-19 list, including wideout Tyler Lockett and cornerback D.J. Reed. Cornerback Blessuan Austin started in Reed’s absence and was charged with two costly defensive penalties that aided the Rams’ winning effort.
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford overcame an uneven start to complete 21 of 29 passes for 244 yards and two touchdowns, with an interception.
Wide receiver Cooper Kupp continued to make a case for NFL Offensive Player of the Year. He caught nine passes for 136 yards and two touchdowns, setting a Rams single-season record with 122 receptions on the season. Kupp’s 14 TD receptions are the second most in a season in Rams history, behind Elroy Hirsch, who had 17 in 1951.
Despite Darrell Henderson Jr.‘s activation from Los Angeles’ reserve/COVID-19 list, running back Sony Michel started a third consecutive game and proved to be an offensive catalyst, as he broke tackles on several physical runs and rushed for 92 yards on 18 carries.
Defensively, the Rams kept the pressure on quarterback Russell Wilson, who completed 17 of 31 passes for 156 yards, with an interception.
The Rams sacked Wilson three times. And Miller recorded his first sack since L.A. traded for him ahead of the deadline last month, as the 10th-year pro ended a seven-game sack drought, the longest of his career.
Safety Taylor Rapp intercepted a pass from Wilson to close out the game.
The Rams must now turnaround on a short week and travel to Minnesota, where they will face the Vikings (7-7) on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium.
