4 Rams most responsible for Week 15 loss to Packers

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The Los Angeles Rams failed to build on their scintillating Week 14 victory after losing to the Green Bay Packers, 24-12, on the road in Week 15 of the 2022 NFL season. . The Rams had just 156 total yards in that game and allowed 76 yards on eight penalties. The Packers also enjoyed 15 more minutes of possession in this contest. Currently, Los Angeles holds a 4-10 record, which is good enough to tie them in third place in the NFC West. However, this officially knocks them out of playoff contention. Here, discuss well the four Rams most responsible for their Week 15 loss to the Packers.

The Rams traveled to Lambeau Field hoping to upset the Packers in Baker Mayfields’ first official start as a Los Angeles quarterback. In the first half, it looked like they might succeed despite Mayfield struggling to move the ball. However, Packers QB Aaron Rodgers finally found his groove and relied on the combination of Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon in the backfield to lead the Packers to the big win.

Mayfield and his improvised supporting cast put in a valiant effort. However, he struggled with accuracy and deep passes and narrowly avoided throwing a few interceptions. The lack of separation from receivers, including Cam Akers, also hampered the offense. On defense, the Rams were strong early on but eventually gave up a few big plays. They were also unable to stop rapid strikes from Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson in the second half. Additionally, Aaron Donald’s absence was evident as the front put pressure on Rodgers at times but also allowed Jones to have some big avenues to go.

For now, let’s look at the four Rams most responsible for their Week 15 loss to the Packers.

Final. pic.twitter.com/DFgpVazUBb

Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) December 20, 2022

4. CB Troy Hill

On a number of the Packers’ huge plays, especially those that resulted in first downs on third, Rams CB Troy Hill was on the cover. Also, he failed to make a few open field tackles, which has been one of his weaknesses all season. Even though the Rams usually play out of cover, it’s not always his fault. In fact, on a few of the receptions he gave up, he wasn’t even that close to the receiver. Still, Rams fans hope Hill can improve in that area in the future.

3. Rams Special Teams

The Rams’ special teams have been disappointing all season. Unfortunately, that trend continued in their loss on Monday. After the Rams scored their first touchdown of the game, there were numerous special teams penalties, a short punt from Riley Dixon and even Matt Gay missed an extra run attempt.

It goes without saying that an injury-plagued club like the Rams needs the special teams unit to be effective in avoiding plays that could put them in trouble. The Rams’ entire special teams unit failed miserably on Monday night. Yes, they shouldn’t take most of the blame for the loss, but they still played a major role in it.

2. RT Rob Havenstein

Early in the game, Rams offensive lineman Rob Havenstein allowed the Packers Preston Smith to sack Mayfield. Later it was Kenny Clarks’ turn to hit Mayfield, resulting in a fourth quarter interception. Havenstein was expected to be a reliable presence on the Rams’ offensive line this season, but he struggled in several games, including this loss. He gave up heavy pressure on the right side, which made Mayfield uncomfortable in the pocket.

Don’t forget that Brian Allen was injured on the first offensive play of the game. This led to Coleman Shelton moving from right guard to center and Oday Aboushi next to Havenstein. The performance of an attacking tackle can often be influenced by their partner, and Aboushi has struggled when playing this season. Despite this, Havenstein struggled to protect passes and was also penalized several times.

1. QB Baker Mayfield

After an impressive debut with the Rams, QB Baker Mayfields performance against the Packers was a step back. He completed just 12 of 21 passes for 111 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. It could have been even worse, as he could have thrown two or three interceptions. Mayfield looked uncomfortable behind the Rams’ shaky offensive line and made a few sloppy throws that could have been picked. He was also frequently throwing behind or short of his receivers. This included a potential touchdown pass to Tutu Atwell in the end zone.

Remember Mayfield had a full week of practice with the Rams. Sometimes he looked more comfortable with the attack as a whole. However, there were also several plays where he didn’t seem to trust the offensive line. It meant he had escaped the pocket too soon. The former first-round pick saw center Brian Allen fall in the first practice of the game, giving him his second center in his first two weeks with the Rams. The offensive line allowed him to be sacked five times and failed to consistently protect him. Mayfield will have to learn to trust improvised pass protection more in order to make the kind of plays he missed on Monday night.

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