The Los Angeles Rams lost Sunday, virtually dropping out of playoff contention. According to FiveThirtyEight, 33 percent of teams starting 4-4 make the playoffs, as opposed to 7 percent of 3-5 teams. The Seattle Seahawks win coupled with the Arizona Cardinals bye week put Seattle firm control of the NFC West.
Week 9 outcome: 13-10 loss to the Carolina Panthers
The Rams were held scoreless for three-plus quarters on Sunday, before pulling to within three points with less than a minute to go. A failed onside-kick attempt sealed the Rams loss. The game was a defensive slugfest. The only scoring on either side through the first three quarters was a Greg Olsen TD catch in the first quarter. Rams kicker Greg Zuerlein missed a pair of 55 yard field goals in the first half.
The Rams have been roughly the same story for weeks now. Another close loss. Another week of wondering when Case Keenum will be benched for Jared Goff. Little production from “star” RB Todd Gurley, who carried 12 times for 48 yards. The only major difference is that, for the first time in four weeks, Keenum didn’t throw the game ending interception. The Rams are just an uninteresting team bound for another 7-9 (at best) season.
Up next: @ New York Jets (3-6)
This game features two of the bigger disappointments in the NFL this season. The Jets expected to build on a 10-6 record from last season. The Rams opened 3-1, before faltering. Both teams struggle to score points. The Rams average the lowest points per game in the NFL, the Jets the 6th lowest.
The game may feature the first career start for at least one QB. Jets 2015 fourth round pick Bryce Petty may start in place of Ryan Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick suffered a sprained MCL in Sunday’s loss to the Miami Dolphins. Sadly, the Rams have firmly stated that Keenum will continue as the starting QB, or this game might actually feature an interesting storyline. The Rams rushing struggles will likely continue against a Jets defense that is 4th in yards allowed.
Biggest headlines:
Ian Rapaport is reporting that the Rams are committed to Jared Goff staying on the bench until they are mathematically eliminated from the playoffs. The less than stellar NFC field competing for a Wild Card spot could mean the Rams staying “alive” late into the season.
Jeff Fisher expressed confidence about his job security despite the Rams 4 games losing streak. The Jeff Fisher Approval Poll on the Turf Show Times seemingly got hit by a trolling effort. After his approval on the weekly poll hit a low of 12% last week, it jumped to 65% following Sunday’s loss.