The Rams capped off a somewhat disappointing season yesterday with a win over the division rival Arizona Cardinals 31-24.
The win moved their record to a respectable 9-7, however coming off two consecutive playoff appearances including a Super Bowl appearance last year this season felt like a letdown. It was a beautiful day at the Los Angeles Coliseum, made even more picturesque with the Rams wearing their blue and yellow throwback uniforms. It was also a bittersweet day as this game marked the final home game the team will play at the historic LA Coliseum before moving into SoFi Stadium next season.
Being that it was the final home game at the Coliseum I was expecting a greater turnout than what I saw on the broadcast.
It could have been a late-arriving crowd or maybe it was just the fact that the Coliseum is massive and the empty red seats made it look worse than it really was.
The game got off to an inauspicious start with an unsuccessful fake punt deep in their own territory on 4th and 7 that led to a touchdown for the Cards. HC Sean McVay was noticeably upset by the call.
McVay was seen talking with Special Teams Coach John Fassel, asking “what are you doing?”
Continuing the rocky start RB Todd Gurley II started the game with six carries for -5 yards, and QB Jared Goff missed a TD pass to Copper Cupp in the end zone. It was certainly a tight window of a throw, but a QB of his caliber and his salary should make that throw and I don’t doubt Goff would tell you the same.
Unfortunately, Kicker Greg Zuerlein continued his shaky season missing a 47-yard field goal, putting him at less than 50% on kicks between 40-49 yards. I have to believe his injured quad certainly played a role in his inconsistent play this season because Greg the Leg is normally nails.
Despite the slow start, the Rams were able to capitalize on 5 Cards turnovers and received a strong showing from Goff who finished with 311 yards passing, 3 TDs and no INTs.
TE Tyler Higbee continued his hot streak to finish the season, setting the franchise season record for receiving yards by a TE with 83 yards in the game and 734 yards for the season. His emergence as a weapon in McVay’s offense is definitely a bright spot to look forward to next season.
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