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In what could very well go down as the Los Angeles Rams’ ugliest offensive performance of the season, quarterback Matthew Stafford’s few doubters were quieted.
Backup quarterback Brett Rypien found himself starting in Stafford’s place, barely a surprise given the thumb injury Stafford sustained in Week 8, and was flat-out bad.
Both Rypien's expected points added per play (-0.34) and total expected points added (-11.8) were 10th-percentile performances. His completion percentage over expected (-17.3) was one of the worst marks fans will witness this season.
In all, Los Angeles lost 20-3 to the Green Bay Packers and never even looked the part of a competitive football team. The Rams needed the passing offense to do enough to keep the Packers' defense honest, opening up opportunities on the ground. When one facet failed, the other followed.
The Rams offense moved the ball as fast as a herd of turtles in a snowstorm, but head coach Sean McVay made it a point to alleviate Rypien of blame.
“I think you just got to figure out what are the things that we can do to activate, that give us a chance to execute better, consistently,” McVay said. “And I will say this, relative to some of the things that we wanted to be able to activate, the weather—I don’t know if you can really tell from the press box—there were some times the way the rain was coming down during those stretches, the ball was so slick.”
Rypien completed 13-of-28 passes for 130 yards, no touchdowns, and an interception. He fumbled twice (on the same play!) and ultimately was not able to lead Los Angeles into the end zone; at least in part due to that pesky weather.
“So it minimizes some of the different things that you want to be able to do,” McVay said. “Whether it’s executing some of your quick passing game, some of the screens, the ball handling on some perimeter plays, and so your inventory gets a little bit smaller.”
That shrinking toolbox was likely crucial to the Packers' defensive success, as a beleaguered Rams team was forced to play left-handed. But was McVay truthful in his meteorology or was this merely the latest episode of Coach Speak?
Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love found 20 completions on 26 attempts, posting 228 yards and a score. He didn’t stretch the field nearly as often (Los Angeles was consistently behind the sticks) but was clearly operating at a higher level than Rypien, regardless of the weather.
McVay made sure to point the finger at himself, saying that he can and will do a better job of putting guys in position to win. However, it may be too late.
The Rams fell to 3-6 after Sunday’s loss in Green Bay. The playoff picture is coming into focus with Los Angeles out of frame, and Stafford’s uncertain future doesn’t forecast sunny days ahead.
Fortunately, a well-timed Week 10 bye should allow the veteran passer to get healthy and give the Rams a shot at mid-January football, no matter how slim their chances currently are.
More must-reads:
- Former Pro Bowler attempting comeback with NFC East team after two seasons out of action
- Cowboys CB sends NFL warning with return of former interceptions leader
- The 'AP First-Team All-Pro tight ends' quiz
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