2020 Los Angeles Rams season
2020 Los Angeles Rams season | |
---|---|
Owner | Stan Kroenke |
General manager | Les Snead |
Head coach | Sean McVay |
Home field | SoFi Stadium |
Results | |
Record | 10–6 |
Division place | 2nd NFC West |
Playoff finish | Won Wild Card Playoffs (at Seahawks) 30–20 Lost Divisional Playoffs (at Packers) 18–32 |
Pro Bowlers | DT Aaron Donald CB Jalen Ramsey |
AP All-Pros | DT Aaron Donald (1st team) CB Jalen Ramsey (1st team) |
Uniform | |
The
In the Wild Card round, the Rams upset the rival Seattle Seahawks 30–20, advancing to the Divisional round, but lost to the top-seeded Green Bay Packers by a score of 32–18.
Offseason
Coaching changes
- On January 6, 2020, the Rams parted ways with long time defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, whose contract was not renewed. Special teams coordinator John Fassel, who had been with the franchise since 2012, was also not retained and took the same position with the Dallas Cowboys. Other staff members who did not return were assistant offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch, running backs coach Skip Peete, assistant special teams coach Matt Daniels, and director of strength training and performance Ted Rath.
- Several staff members shifted responsibilities or added to their duties. Run game coordinator Aaron Kromer also became the team's offensive line coach, while pass game coordinator Shane Waldron retained that title but is no longer the quarterbacks coach.[1] Also, assistant wide receivers coach Zac Robinson and assistant quarterbacks coach Liam Coen swapped positions from the previous season.
- Kevin O'Connell was hired as offensive coordinator and Brandon Staley took over as defensive coordinator. John Bonamego was brought on board as special teams coordinator and will be assisted by Tory Woodbury. Justin Lovett became the Rams' new director of strength training and performance.
Uniform changes
- In March 2019, the Rams announced they would debut new uniforms for the 2020 season. The new logos and colors were revealed on March 23.[2] The new primary logo was derided by fans as well as former Rams players.[3] The new uniforms were revealed on May 13 and were also heavily criticized by fans.[4]
Roster changes
Free agency
Unrestricted
Position | Player | 2020 team | Date signed | Contract |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE | Michael Brockers | Los Angeles Rams | March 27, 2020 | |
ILB | Cory Littleton | Las Vegas Raiders | March 25, 2020 | |
OLB | Dante Fowler | Atlanta Falcons | March 25, 2020 | |
WR | Mike Thomas | Cincinnati Bengals | March 24, 2020 | |
C | Austin Blythe | Los Angeles Rams | March 26, 2020 | |
QB | Blake Bortles | Denver Broncos | September 24, 2020 | |
K | Greg Zuerlein
|
Dallas Cowboys | March 30, 2020 | |
CB | Nickell Robey-Coleman | Philadelphia Eagles | March 31, 2020 | |
FS
|
Marqui Christian | New York Jets | September 23, 2020 | |
LB | Bryce Hager | New York Jets | September 22, 2020 | |
T
|
Andrew Whitworth | Los Angeles Rams | March 18, 2020 |
Signings
Contract extensions
Releases/waivers
On March 19, 2020, the Rams released running back Todd Gurley after they were unable to trade him. The move was made before the team would have to pay an additional $10.5 million on Gurley's $60 million contract extension that was signed prior to the 2018 season.[5][6] Gurley was later signed as a free agent by the Atlanta Falcons.
Also on March 19, 2020, the Rams released linebacker Clay Matthews after one season.[7][8]
Retirements
On February 6, 2020, veteran safety Eric Weddle announced his retirement from the NFL after 13 seasons.[9]
Trades
Draft
Round | Selection | Player | Position | College | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2 | 52 | Cam Akers | RB | Florida State | |
57 | Van Jefferson | WR | Florida | from Houston | |
3 | 84 | Terrell Lewis | OLB | Alabama |
|
104 | Terrell Burgess | S | Utah | Compensatory pick
| |
4 | 136 | Brycen Hopkins | TE | Purdue | from Houston |
6 | 199 | Jordan Fuller | S | Ohio State | |
7 | 234 | Clay Johnston | LB | Baylor | |
248 | Sam Sloman | K | Miami (OH) |
from Houston | |
250 | Tremayne Anchrum | G |
Clemson | from Houston |
Draft trades
- The Rams traded their first-round selection (20th overall), as well as their first-round and fourth-round selections in the
- The Rams traded their fifth-round selection (165th overall), as well as a
- The Rams traded cornerback 2022 NFL Draft.[13]
- The Rams traded wide receiver 2022 to the Houston Texans in exchange for the Texans' second-round pick (57th overall).[14]
- The Rams traded their fourth round pick (126th overall) to the Houston Texans in exchange for the Texans' fourth round pick (136th overall) and two seventh-round selections (Nos. 248 and 250).[15]
Undrafted free agents
Following the
Staff
Front office
Head coaches
Offensive coaches
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Defensive coaches
Special teams coaches
Strength and conditioning
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Final roster
Preseason
The Rams' preseason schedule was announced on May 7, but was later cancelled due to the Coronavirus Pandemic.[17]
Week | Date | Opponent | Venue | Result |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | August 14 | New Orleans Saints | SoFi Stadium | Cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic |
2 | August 22 | at Los Angeles Chargers | SoFi Stadium | |
3 | August 29 | Denver Broncos | SoFi Stadium | |
4 | September 3 | at Las Vegas Raiders | Allegiant Stadium |
Regular season
Schedule
The Rams' 2020 schedule was announced on May 7.[17]
Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue | Recap |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | September 13 | Dallas Cowboys | W 20–17 | 1–0 | SoFi Stadium | Recap |
2 | September 20 | at Philadelphia Eagles | W 37–19 | 2–0 | Lincoln Financial Field | Recap |
3 | September 27 | at Buffalo Bills | L 32–35 | 2–1 | Bills Stadium
|
Recap |
4 | October 4 | New York Giants | W 17–9 | 3–1 | SoFi Stadium | Recap |
5 | October 11 | at Washington Football Team | W 30–10 | 4–1 | FedExField
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Recap |
6 | October 18 | at San Francisco 49ers | L 16–24 | 4–2 | Levi's Stadium | Recap |
7 | October 26 | Chicago Bears | W 24–10 | 5–2 | SoFi Stadium | Recap |
8 | November 1 | at Miami Dolphins | L 17–28 | 5–3 | Hard Rock Stadium | Recap |
9 | Bye | |||||
10 | November 15 | Seattle Seahawks | W 23–16 | 6–3 | SoFi Stadium | Recap |
11 | November 23 | at Tampa Bay Buccaneers | W 27–24 | 7–3 | Raymond James Stadium | Recap |
12 | November 29 | San Francisco 49ers | L 20–23 | 7–4 | SoFi Stadium | Recap |
13 | December 6 | at Arizona Cardinals | W 38–28 | 8–4 | State Farm Stadium | Recap |
14 | December 10 | New England Patriots | W 24–3 | 9–4 | SoFi Stadium | Recap |
15 | December 20 | New York Jets | L 20–23 | 9–5 | SoFi Stadium | Recap |
16 | December 27 | at Seattle Seahawks | L 9–20 | 9–6 | Lumen Field | Recap |
17 | January 3 | Arizona Cardinals | W 18–7 | 10–6 | SoFi Stadium | Recap |
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.
Game summaries
Week 1: vs. Dallas Cowboys
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cowboys | 0 | 14 | 3 | 0 | 17 |
Rams | 7 | 6 | 7 | 0 | 20 |
at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California
- Date: September 13
- Game time: 5:20 p.m. PDT
- Game weather: Cloudy, 72 °F (22 °C)
- Game attendance: 0
- Referee: Tony Corrente
- TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth, Michele Tafoya and Terry McAulay
- Recap, Game Book
Game information | ||
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Playing their first game ever in their brand-new home at
Week 2: at Philadelphia Eagles
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rams | 14 | 7 | 3 | 13 | 37 |
Eagles | 3 | 13 | 0 | 3 | 19 |
at
- Date: September 20
- Game time: 1:00 p.m.
Game information | ||
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Linebacker Micah Kiser had a breakout performance that earned him NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors and tight end Tyler Higbee caught three touchdowns as the Rams broke a six-game losing streak to the Eagles (dating back to 2004) and gave head coach Sean McVay his first victory over Philadelphia after two prior defeats. With the win, the Rams earned their third consecutive 2–0 start. Making his second career start at inside linebacker after missing all of 2019, Kiser forced a fumble on the Eagles' opening drive. Linebacker Kenny Young recovered the fumble by Eagles running back Miles Sanders to give Los Angeles possession at the Philadelphia 41. Three runs for 13 yards by rookie running back Cam Akers and a 24-yard pass from quarterback Jared Goff to wide receiver Cooper Kupp set up a 4-yard scoring toss from Goff to Higbee with 11:15 remaining in the first quarter. Goff, who completed his first 14 passes, led the Rams to scores on their next two drives, the first ending with a 5-yard run around end by Robert Woods and the second capped off by a second TD pass to Higbee from three yards out. After the Eagles bounced back with a pair of touchdowns in the second quarter, the Rams extended their lead as kicker Samuel Sloman added a 30-yard field goal in the third period. Then in the fourth, Goff and Higbee connected for a third touchdown, this one from 28 yards. Second-year running back Darryl Henderson led the Rams on the ground with 81 yards on 12 carries, including his first career NFL touchdown on a 2-yard run with 3:41 remaining in the game. Kiser led the Rams with 15 total tackles (10 solo) along with the forced fumble and a pass deflection. While Los Angeles did not sack Carson Wentz, constant pressure forced the Philadelphia quarterback to throw two interceptions to L.A. cornerbacks Darious Williams and Troy Hill as the Rams got their first-ever win at Lincoln Financial Field as well as their first road win over Philadelphia since the 2001 season.
Week 3: at Buffalo Bills
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rams | 0 | 3 | 14 | 15 | 32 |
Bills | 7 | 14 | 7 | 7 | 35 |
at
- Date: September 27
- Game time: 1:00 pm. EDT/10:00 am. PDT
- Game weather: Sunny, 79 °F (26 °C)
- Game attendance: 0
- Referee: Alex Kemp
- TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Greg Jennings, Brock Huard and Jen Hale
- Recap, Game Book
Game information | ||
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After falling behind 28–3 in the third quarter, the Rams staged the largest comeback in team history, but ultimately fell to the host Bills in their first inter-conference game of 2020. Los Angeles had difficulty stopping Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen, who passed for three touchdowns and ran for another in building the Bills' 25-point lead midway through the third quarter. The Rams answered with an 8-play, 75-yard drive that ended with Jared Goff scoring from one yard out on a quarterback sneak. A questionable interception of Allen on the next drive by Rams safety John Johnson, who was credited with the pick after reaching for the ball as tight end Tyler Kroft caught it,[18] helped to set up a 25-yard touchdown pass from Goff to wide receiver Robert Woods, who was playing for the first time against the team that originally drafted him. Woods, who finished with five receptions for 74 yards, had a 31-yard catch that set up Goff's second touchdown pass of the day, this time to wide receiver Cooper Kupp with 10:40 remaining in the game. Goff connected with tight end Tyler Higbee for a successful two-point conversion to close to within 28–25. Running back Darrell Henderson had a strong game for the second straight week, rushing 20 times for 114 yards and gave the Rams their first and only lead of the game on a 1-yard run with 4:33 to play. The 25-point comeback was the best Rams rally since a 31–27 victory against Tampa Bay in 1992. The defense was led by defensive tackle Aaron Donald, who had two sacks among his six total tackles, including a forced fumble that he recovered to set up the Rams' go-ahead score. However, Allen was able to evade a furious Rams pass rush to make several late conversions and, after a likewise controversial pass interference call on fourth down against L.A. cornerback Darious Williams, connected with tight end Tyler Kroft on a 3-yard score to reclaim the lead with just 15 seconds remaining.[19] Kupp led the Rams with six receptions for 107 yards while Goff, who completed 23 of 31 for 321 yards, surpassed 15,000 career passing yards (15,082).[20]
Week 4: vs. New York Giants
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Giants | 0 | 6 | 0 | 3 | 9 |
Rams | 7 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 17 |
at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California
- Date: October 4
- Game time: 1:05 pm. PDT
- Game weather: Sunny, 86 °F (30 °C)
- Game attendance: 0
- Referee: John Hussey
- TV announcers (Fox): Adam Amin, Mark Schlereth and Lindsay Czarniak
- Recap, Game Book
Game information | ||
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The Rams started quickly, but then had to hold on to beat the visiting Giants and improve to 3–1 on the season. Tight end Gerald Everett took a handoff from quarterback Jared Goff from two yards out to score the first rushing touchdown of his career, capping off L.A.'s efficient opening 12-play, 65-yard drive. From there, Los Angeles struggled offensively, as a second quarter drive saw the Rams reach New York's 4-yard-line before Goff was sacked and then completed two passes for minus-2 yards. Sam Sloman converted a 32-yard field goal to give L.A. a 10–3 lead. Though the Giants were able to control the ball and had a clear edge in time of possession (33:17 to 26:43), the Rams defense collected five sacks of New York quarterback Daniel Jones and limited the Giants to three Graham Gano field goals, the last coming less than a minute into the fourth quarter to pull New York to within 10–9. After the teams exchanged punts, the Rams came up with their biggest offensive play of the day as Goff found wide receiver Cooper Kupp over the middle. Kupp turned upfield and outraced Giants defenders to the end zone to complete the 55-yard touchdown pass play and extend the Rams' lead to 17–9 after Sloman's successful PAT. New York drove into Rams territory on its final two possessions but was turned away both times. With just under a minute remaining, Jones's pass attempt to wide receiver Damion Ratley was intercepted by Rams cornerback Darious Williams at the Los Angeles 7-yard-line to preserve the victory. Safety Taylor Rapp led the Rams with eight tackles, while cornerback Jalen Ramsey added four solo tackles, including a critical stop of Giants wide receiver Golden Tate for a 1-yard loss on a third-and-3 play near midfield, which was soon followed by the Rams' final touchdown. Following the game, Ramsey and Tate got into a fight that would lead to disciplinary action by the NFL. The Rams, who improved to 2–0 on the season at SoFi Stadium, also debuted their Royal-and-Sol jersey-and-pants combination, which had been spurred by fan demand.
Week 5: at Washington Football Team
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rams | 6 | 14 | 3 | 7 | 30 |
Washington | 7 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
at
- Date: October 11
- Game time: 1:00 pm. EDT/10:00 am. PDT
- Game weather: Cloudy, 69 °F (21 °C)
- Game attendance: 0
- Referee: Shawn Smith
- TV announcers (Fox): Brandon Gaudin, Daryl Johnston and Pam Oliver
- Recap, Game Book
Game information | ||
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Week 6: at San Francisco 49ers
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rams | 0 | 6 | 3 | 7 | 16 |
49ers | 7 | 14 | 0 | 3 | 24 |
at Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California
- Date: October 18
- Game time: 5:20 pm. PDT
- Game weather: Sunny, 86 °F (30 °C)
- Game attendance: 0
- Referee: Carl Cheffers
- TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth and Michele Tafoya
- Recap, Game Book
Game information | ||
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On
Week 7: vs. Chicago Bears
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bears | 0 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 10 |
Rams | 7 | 3 | 14 | 0 | 24 |
at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California
- Date: October 26
- Game time: 5:15 pm. PDT
- Game weather: Cloudy, 71 °F (22 °C)
- Game attendance: 0
- Referee: Bill Vinovich
- TV announcers (ESPN): Steve Levy, Brian Griese, Louis Riddick, Lisa Salters and John Parry
- Recap, Game Book
Game information | ||
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A dominant performance by defense and special teams lifted the Rams over the visiting Bears on Monday Night Football in their third straight meeting on national TV in as many years. Playing against the team that originally drafted him, linebacker Leonard Floyd had six total tackles, including two sacks as well as three hurries of Chicago quarterback Nick Foles, who was sacked four times in total and was intercepted twice by the team he played for in 2015. Second-year safety Taylor Rapp got the first interception after a pass deflection in the end zone by cornerback Troy Hill in the third period, while the second came courtesy of cornerback Jalen Ramsey in the fourth quarter. Punter Johnny Hekker was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week after averaging 44.2 yards on five punts (including punts of 57 and 63 yards), all of which he dropped inside the Chicago 20 to repeatedly pin the Bears deep in their own territory. On offense, Jared Goff completed 23 of 33 passes for 220 yards and touchdowns to wide receiver Josh Reynolds and tight end Gerald Everett, while Darrell Henderson had 15 rushes for 64 yards and fellow running back Malcolm Brown added 57 yards on 10 carries with a touchdown run.
Week 8: at Miami Dolphins
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rams | 7 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 17 |
Dolphins | 7 | 21 | 0 | 0 | 28 |
at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
- Date: November 1
- Game time: 1:00 pm. EST/10:00 am. PST
- Game weather: Cloudy, 86 °F (30 °C)
- Game attendance: 12,397
- Referee: John Hussey
- TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma and Shannon Spake
- Recap, Game Book
Game information | ||
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Despite holding clear advantages of total offensive yards (471 to 145) and time of possession (36:30 to 23:30), the Rams were undone by four turnovers in losing to the host Dolphins. Early in the first quarter, defensive tackle Aaron Donald sacked Miami rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, forcing a fumble that was recovered by linebacker Leonard Floyd at the Dolphin 15. Three plays later, wide receiver Robert Woods scored on a 4-yard run. Late in the first quarter, Rams quarterback Jared Goff was intercepted, which led to a Miami touchdown. Early in the second quarter, Rams safety Taylor Rapp forced a fumble that was recovered by cornerback Troy Hill to set up first-and-goal at the Miami 7. But two plays later, Goff was sacked by Dolphins defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah, who forced a fumble that was picked up by linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel, who returned it 78 yards for a touchdown. After the Rams were forced to punt on their next possession, Miami's Jakeem Grant returned the kick 88 yards for a score. Goff threw another interception and lost another fumble that led to another touchdown for the Dolphins, who led 28-7 just before halftime. Newly-acquired kicker Kai Forbath converted a 23-yard field goal late in the second period, but missed from 48 yards out in the fourth quarter in his first game with the Rams. Goff, who completed 35 of 61 attempts for 355 yards, connected with Woods on an 11-yard touchdown pass in the fourth period for the 100th TD pass of his career as the Rams fell to 5-3 heading into their bye week.
Week 10: vs. Seattle Seahawks
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Seahawks | 7 | 6 | 0 | 3 | 16 |
Rams | 10 | 7 | 6 | 0 | 23 |
at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California
- Date: November 15
- Game time: 1:25 pm. PST
- Game weather: Sunny, 78 °F (26 °C)
- Game attendance: 0
- Referee: Clete Blakeman
- TV announcers (Fox): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Erin Andrews
- Recap, Game Book
Game information | ||
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Cornerback Darious Williams snagged two interceptions and the Rams defense sacked Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson six times to lead Los Angeles to victory at home in a key NFC West showdown. Kai Forbath finished L.A.'s opening drive with a 23-yard field goal, while Darrell Henderson and Malcolm Brown both scored on touchdown runs to give the Rams a 17-7 lead in the second quarter. Brown added another touchdown run in the third period, while the Seahawks were limited to three field goals from kicker Jason Myers (including a Seahawks-record 61-yarder at the end of the second quarter. Linebacker Leonard Floyd had five tackles including three sacks and a fumble recovery, a performance that earned him NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. Fellow linebackers also stood out as Terrell Lewis added two sacks and Micah Kiser led the team with 12 tackles. In all, the defense corralled Wilson for much of the day, totaling 12 quarterback hurries to go along with the six sacks. The performance of the secondary was outstanding in limiting the Seahawks' air attack. Williams stopped two scoring drives with interceptions and also had three pass deflections on the day, while fellow corner Jalen Ramsey had two tackles and was successful in limiting Seattle's leading receiver DK Metcalf to just two receptions for 28 yards. Offensively, quarterback Jared Goff passed for 302 yards and wide receiver Josh Reynolds led the Rams with eight receptions for 94 yards as the Rams improved to 9-4 against the Seahawks since 2014. The victory was marred by several injuries, as Forbath injured an ankle while tackle Andrew Whitworth suffered a torn MCL. Both players were placed on the team's injured reserve list.
Week 11: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rams | 7 | 10 | 7 | 3 | 27 |
Buccaneers | 0 | 14 | 3 | 7 | 24 |
Game information | ||
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In a high-stakes battle on
Week 12: vs. San Francisco 49ers
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
49ers | 7 | 0 | 10 | 6 | 23 |
Rams | 3 | 0 | 10 | 7 | 20 |
at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California
- Date: November 29
- Game time: 1:05 pm. PST
- Game weather: Sunny, 72 °F (22 °C)
- Game attendance: 0
- Referee: Scott Novak
- TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Greg Jennings and Jen Hale
- Recap, Game Book
Game information | ||
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The Rams stumbled badly, suffering four turnovers to the rival 49ers in L.A.'s first-ever loss at SoFi Stadium. After Los Angeles took a first quarter lead on a 48-yard field goal by Matt Gay in the first quarter, visiting San Francisco seized the lead with an 8-yard touchdown run by running back Raheem Mostert. Rams quarterback Jared Goff fumbled once in the second quarter to stop an L.A. drive into 49er territory and threw two interceptions, the second of which was returned 27 yards for a touchdown by San Francisco defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw to give the 49ers a 14-3 lead just after the start of the third quarter. After a Robbie Gould field goal extended the visitor's lead to 17-3, the Rams answered with a 41-yard field goal by Gay. On the ensuing possession, Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald tackled and forced Mostert to fumble, and the loose ball was picked up by cornerback Troy Hill, who returned it 20 yards for a touchdown. After the Rams forced the 49ers to punt, rookie running back Cam Akers broke loose for a 61-yard run down to the San Francisco 7 to end the third quarter. Two plays into the fourth period, Akers scored his first career rushing touchdown to give the Rams a 20-17 lead. However, the 49er defense stiffened and kept the Rams from crossing midfield. Though the Rams defense also played hard as linebacker Troy Reeder led the team with 15 total tackles, San Francisco prevailed on their final drives with field goals by Gould that went for 44 yards with 3:11 left and the final 42-yard kick came as time ran out, giving the 49ers their fourth straight win over the Rams, and a sweep of the intra-state series for the second straight season. Wide receiver Robert Woods led the Rams with seven receptions for 80 yards.
Week 13: at Arizona Cardinals
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rams | 0 | 14 | 3 | 21 | 38 |
Cardinals | 7 | 0 | 7 | 14 | 28 |
at State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona
- Date: December 6
- Game time: 2:05 p.m. MST/1:05 pm. PST
- Game weather: Sunny, 71 °F (22 °C) (retractable roof open)
- Game attendance: 0
- Referee: Jerome Boger[21]
- TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Brock Huard and Greg Jennings
- Recap, Game Book
Game information | ||
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The visiting Rams maintained their dominance over the Cardinals, pulling away in the fourth quarter for their sixth straight win at
Week 14: vs. New England Patriots
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Patriots | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
Rams | 10 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 24 |
at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California
- Date: December 10
- Game time: 5:20 pm. PST
- Game weather: Clear, 60 °F (16 °C)
- Game attendance: 0
- Referee: Craig Wrolstad
- TV announcers (Fox/NFLN/Amazon Prime): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews and Kristina Pink
- Recap, Game Book
Game information | ||
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Rookie running back Cam Akers rushed for a season-high 171 yards on 29 carries and was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week (the sixth Rams player to earn Player of the Week honors this season) as he powered Los Angeles to its fourth win in five weeks. Facing the Patriots for the first time since their 13-3 loss in Super Bowl LIII, the host Rams dominated from the opening drive, going 75 yards in six plays to finish with quarterback Jared Goff scoring on a 1-yard run. Kicker Matt Gay added a 35-yard field goal on L.A.'s second drive midway through the opening period. Following a Rams turnover off a tipped pass end the end of the first quarter, Rams linebacker Kenny Young picked off a Cam Newton pass and returned it 79 yards for a touchdown at the start of the second quarter. The Los Angeles defense turned in a strong effort, limiting the Patriots to just 220 total yards and one field goal while eight of 12 New England drives were held to four plays or less. Defensive end Michael Brockers had two of the Rams' six total sacks, while defensive tackle Aaron Donald added 1.5 sacks. Wide receiver Cooper Kupp caught a 2-yard TD pass from Goff for the only score of the second half, as L.A. assured itself of a winning record at its new home by improving to 5-1 at SoFi Stadium. The win not only was the Rams' first victory over the Patriots since 2001, when they were then based in St. Louis, but it also secured the team's fourth straight winning season.
Week 15: vs. New York Jets
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jets | 7 | 6 | 10 | 0 | 23 |
Rams | 0 | 3 | 7 | 10 | 20 |
at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California
Game information | ||
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The Jets pulled off the most shocking upset of the NFL season, stunning the host Rams for their first win of the season. New York, entering the game with an 0–13 record and as a 17-point underdog, drove 76 yards in 13 plays on their opening offensive drive, capping it with an 18-yard from former USC quarterback Sam Darnold to Ty Johnson. Jets kicker Sam Ficken, who had played for the Rams in 2018, added a pair of field goals from 39 and 25 yards in the second quarter as New York built a 13-0 lead. The field goals were set up by a blocked punt off Rams punter Johnny Hekker and a Jared Goff interception. Matt Gay's 45-yard field goal at the end of the second quarter got L.A. on the scoreboard, but the Jets answered with another long touchdown drive to start the second half. Veteran running back Frank Gore's 1-yard TD run ended an 11-play, 72-yard drive that lasted 6+1⁄2 minutes. The Rams answered as Goff connected with Robert Woods for a 15-yard touchdown pass. However, the Jets answered with another long scoring drive, going 72 yards in 10 plays down to the Los Angeles 3, which ended in a 21-yard field goal by Ficken for a 23-10 lead. The Rams pulled close in the fourth quarter with a 3-yard TD pass from Goff to tight end Tyler Higbee and a 42-yard field goal by Gay. But after the defense forced the Jets to punt, the Rams' final offensive drive stalled at the New York 37 after an illegal block penalty wiped out a 22-yard run by rookie running Cam Akers and Goff's final two passes fell incomplete. Akers, who ran 15 times for 63 yards, also had an 18-yard touchdown run that would have tied the game nullified by a holding penalty. Linebacker Troy Reeder had a team-high 11 tackles, while linebacker Samson Ebukam and defensive tackle Morgan Fox each had a sack for the Rams' defense.
Week 16: at Seattle Seahawks
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rams | 3 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 9 |
Seahawks | 0 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 20 |
at
Game information | ||
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The host Seahawks pulled away from the Rams in the second half to clinch the NFC West Division for the first time since 2016. Los Angeles took a 6-3 lead in the second quarter after field goals by kicker Matt Gay of 44 and 51 yards. But the Rams hurt themselves badly on their next two drives as quarterback Jared Goff threw an errant pass that was intercepted by Seattle cornerback Quandre Diggs at the Seahawks' 10-yard line. After Seattle went ahead 13-6 in the third quarter, the Rams responded by driving down to the Seattle 1. But successive run attempts by Goff and Malcolm Brown were stopped and L.A. turned over the ball on downs. Goff passed for 234 yards while playing half the game with a broken thumb on his right throwing hand. Gay added a 33-yard field goal in the fourth quarter to account for all of the Rams' scoring. Though he was sacked five times by the Rams' defense (twice by linebacker Leonard Floyd), Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson scored on a 3-yard run and passed for 225 yards and another touchdown.
Week 17: vs. Arizona Cardinals
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cardinals | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
Rams | 0 | 12 | 3 | 3 | 18 |
at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California
- Date: January 3, 2021
- Game time: 1:25 pm. PST
- Game weather: Cloudy, 59 °F (15 °C)
- Game attendance: 0
- Referee: Carl Cheffers
- TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz, Boomer Esiason, Tracy Wolfson and Gene Steratore
- Recap, Game Book
Game information | ||
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The Rams shut down the visiting Cardinals to secure their third playoff appearance in four seasons as head coach
Standings
Division
NFC West | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W | L | T | PCT | DIV | CONF | PF | PA | STK | |
(3) Seattle Seahawks | 12 | 4 | 0 | .750 | 4–2 | 9–3 | 459 | 371 | W4 |
(6) Los Angeles Rams | 10 | 6 | 0 | .625 | 3–3 | 9–3 | 372 | 296 | W1 |
Arizona Cardinals | 8 | 8 | 0 | .500 | 2–4 | 6–6 | 410 | 367 | L2 |
San Francisco 49ers | 6 | 10 | 0 | .375 | 3–3 | 4–8 | 376 | 390 | L1 |
Conference
# | Team | Division | W | L | T | PCT | DIV | CONF | SOS | SOV | STK |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Division leaders | |||||||||||
1 | Green Bay Packers | North | 13 | 3 | 0 | .813 | 5–1 | 10–2 | .428 | .387 | W6 |
2[a] | New Orleans Saints | South | 12 | 4 | 0 | .750 | 6–0 | 10–2 | .459 | .406 | W2 |
3[a] | Seattle Seahawks | West | 12 | 4 | 0 | .750 | 4–2 | 9–3 | .447 | .404 | W4 |
4 | Washington Football Team | East | 7 | 9 | 0 | .438 | 4–2 | 5–7 | .459 | .388 | W1 |
Wild cards | |||||||||||
5 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | South | 11 | 5 | 0 | .688 | 4–2 | 8–4 | .488 | .392 | W4 |
6 | Los Angeles Rams | West | 10 | 6 | 0 | .625 | 3–3 | 9–3 | .494 | .484 | W1 |
7[b] | Chicago Bears | North | 8 | 8 | 0 | .500 | 2–4 | 6–6 | .488 | .336 | L1 |
Did not qualify for the postseason | |||||||||||
8[b] | Arizona Cardinals | West | 8 | 8 | 0 | .500 | 2–4 | 6–6 | .475 | .441 | L2 |
9 | Minnesota Vikings | North | 7 | 9 | 0 | .438 | 4–2 | 5–7 | .504 | .366 | W1 |
10[c] | San Francisco 49ers | West | 6 | 10 | 0 | .375 | 3–3 | 4–8 | .549 | .448 | L1 |
11[c][d] | New York Giants | East | 6 | 10 | 0 | .375 | 4–2 | 5–7 | .502 | .427 | W1 |
12[d] | Dallas Cowboys | East | 6 | 10 | 0 | .375 | 2–4 | 5–7 | .471 | .333 | L1 |
13[e] | Carolina Panthers | South | 5 | 11 | 0 | .313 | 1–5 | 4–8 | .531 | .388 | L1 |
14[e] | Detroit Lions | North | 5 | 11 | 0 | .313 | 1–5 | 4–8 | .508 | .350 | L4 |
15 | Philadelphia Eagles | East | 4 | 11 | 1 | .281 | 2–4 | 4–8 | .537 | .469 | L3 |
16 | Atlanta Falcons | South | 4 | 12 | 0 | .250 | 1–5 | 2–10 | .551 | .391 | L5 |
Tiebreakers[f]
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Postseason
Schedule
Round | Date | Opponent (seed) | Result | Record | Venue | Recap |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wild Card | January 9, 2021 | at Seattle Seahawks (3) | W 30–20 | 1–0 | Lumen Field | Recap |
Divisional | January 16, 2021 | at Green Bay Packers (1) | L 18–32 | 1–1 | Lambeau Field | Recap |
Game summaries
NFC Wild Card Playoffs: at (3) Seattle Seahawks
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rams | 3 | 17 | 0 | 10 | 30 |
Seahawks | 0 | 10 | 3 | 7 | 20 |
at Lumen Field, Seattle, Washington
- Date: January 9, 2021
- Game time: 1:40 p.m. PST
- Game weather: Cloudy, 39 °F (4 °C)
- Game attendance: 0
- Referee: John Hussey
- TV announcers (Fox): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews and Tom Rinaldi
- Recap, Game Book
Game information | ||
---|---|---|
|
A dominant performance by the
NFC Divisional Playoffs: at (1) Green Bay Packers
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rams | 3 | 7 | 8 | 0 | 18 |
Packers | 3 | 16 | 6 | 7 | 32 |
at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin
- Date: January 16, 2021
- Game time: 3:35 p.m. CST/1:35 pm. PST
- Game weather: Cloudy, 35 °F (2 °C)
- Game attendance: 7,439
- Referee: Ronald Torbert
- TV announcers (Fox): Kevin Burkhardt, Daryl Johnston, Pam Oliver and Kristina Pink
- Recap, Game Book
Game information | ||
---|---|---|
|
The top-seeded Packers played mistake-free football and turned away the visiting Rams to advance to the NFC Championship game. Green Bay controlled the line of scrimmage in the first half and scored on every drive to build a 19-10 first half lead, mounting scoring drives of 12, 14, and 10 plays against the top-ranked Rams defense. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw a 1-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Davante Adams in the second quarter, capping off a drive that was extended by an uncharacteristic 15-yard personal foul penalty on Aaron Donald, who had only one assist as he appeared limited due to a rib injury suffered a week earlier. Rodgers, who added a 1-yard TD run later in the period, finished the day with 296 passing yards and was not sacked. For the Rams, Jared Goff returned to the starting lineup and completed 21 of 27 passes for 174 yards and a touchdown pass to rookie wide receiver Van Jefferson from 4 yards out late in the second quarter to pull within 16-10. Running back Cam Akers continued a strong postseason push, rushing for 90 yards on 18 carries, including a 7-yard touchdown run out of a wildcat formation play in the third quarter. Akers scored on a two-point conversion play to keep the Rams within a touchdown, but the Packers sealed the win with a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter. Linebacker Troy Reeder had 13 tackles for the Rams defense, which gave up a season-high 484 yards in the loss.
Awards and honors
Recipient | Award(s) |
---|---|
Micah Kiser | Week 2: NFC Defensive Player of the Week |
Aaron Donald | Week 5: NFC Defensive Player of the Week |
Johnny Hekker | Week 7: NFC Special Teams Player of the Week |
Leonard Floyd | Week 10: NFC Defensive Player of the Week |
Robert Woods | Week 11: NFC Offensive Player of the Week |
Cam Akers | Week 14: NFC Offensive Player of the Week |
Recipient | Award(s) |
---|---|
Johnny Hekker | October: NFC Special Teams Player of the Month |
References
- ^ "Sean McVay talks about newly assembled Rams coaching staff". LATimes.com. February 12, 2020.
- ^ "Los Angeles Rams New Look". ramsnewlook.com. Retrieved March 23, 2020.
- ^ Mather, Victor (March 25, 2020). "A New Rams Logo Draws Digital Boos From Fans". The New York Times. Retrieved September 11, 2020.
- ^ DaSilva, Cameron (May 13, 2020). "What the Rams got right and wrong with their new uniforms". Rams Wire. Retrieved September 11, 2020.
- ^ Jackson, Stu (March 19, 2020). "Rams release RB Todd Gurley". therams.com. Retrieved March 19, 2020.
- ^ Patra, Kevin (March 19, 2020). "Rams release former OPOY, standout Todd Gurley". NFL.com. Retrieved March 19, 2020.
- ^ Jackson, Stu (March 19, 2020). "Rams release OLB Clay Matthews". therams.com. Retrieved March 20, 2020.
- ^ Thiry, Lindsey (March 19, 2020). "Rams release RB Todd Gurley, LB Clay Matthews". ESPN.com. Retrieved March 20, 2020.
- ^ Patra, Kevin (February 6, 2020). "Veteran DB Eric Weddle retires after 13 seasons". NFL.com. Archived from the original on February 6, 2020. Retrieved September 21, 2020.
- ^ "Jaguars trading Jalen Ramsey to Los Angeles Rams". NFL.com. October 15, 2019. Retrieved March 24, 2020.
- ^ Simmons, Myles (October 30, 2018). "Rams Acquire Edge Rusher Dante Fowler". TheRams.com. Retrieved March 24, 2020.
- ^ Owens, Jason (October 15, 2019). "Reports: Rams trade CB Marcus Peters to Ravens". sports.yahoo.com. Retrieved March 24, 2020.
- ^ Patra, Kevin (October 29, 2019). "Rams ship CB Aqib Talib, fifth-rounder to Dolphins". NFL.com. Retrieved March 24, 2020.
- ^ Jackson, Stu (April 10, 2020). "Rams agree to trade WR Brandin Cooks to Texans". TheRams.com. Retrieved April 24, 2020.
- ^ DaSilva, Cameron (April 25, 2020). "Rams trade 126th overall pick to Texans". theramswire.usatoday.com. Retrieved April 25, 2020.
- ^ "Rams agree to terms with 20 undrafted free agents". TheRams.com. April 25, 2020. Retrieved April 25, 2020.
- ^ "Watch: Questionable call on INT set up Rams' TD drive". Touchdown Wire. September 27, 2020. Retrieved September 30, 2020.
- ^ Gleeson, Scott. "Rams vent about 'wrong call' on fourth-quarter penalty that cost them vs. Bills". USA TODAY. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
- ^ "Bills vs. Rams final score: Buffalo bounces back after blowing 25-point lead to remain undefeated". CBSSports.com. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
- ^ Football Zebras Week 13 referee assignments