Joe Flacco tried everything, but the Browns defense and a nonexistent ground game didn't help him. Los Angeles lines up a 3rd consecutive victory, with a solid Matthew Stafford and a record Puka Nacua.
Los Angeles Rams (6-6) – Cleveland Browns (7-5): 36-19
For his return to an NFL field, Joe Flacco (23/44, 254 yards, 2 TDs, INT) delivered an honorable match. Unfortunately, the new starting quarterback of the Browns is at the heart of the turning point of the match which swings the meeting in favor of Los Angeles.
By throwing an interception, the Browns quarterback precipitated his team's defeat. An error paid for in cash by a very solid Rams team at SoFi Stadium.
This is the third consecutive victory for the Los Angeles franchise, which returns to level with the Seahawks in the NFC West standings. Nothing is lost for Cleveland, the two teams are still in the race for the playoffs, with a more positive dynamic for Los Angeles.
Receivers affected
The match gets off to a flying start! First offensive series of the season for Joe Flacco, and first touchdown on a pass for running back Jerome Ford (9 races, 3 receptions, 52 yards, TD). Los Angeles was responsive, marked by a strong connection between Matthew Stafford (22/37, 279 yards, 3 TDs) and Puka Nacua (4 receptions, 139 yards, TD). With a 70-yard touchdown, the rookie even exceeds 1,000 yards this season. In total, this gives several spectacular plays, and 10 points. Then, the defenses close the game. Certainly, no sacks, but no more incomplete passes. The 2 attacks are not helped by a non-existent ground game, and by the injuries of their receivers.
Impressive with 105 yards, in the first period alone, Puka Nacua returned to the infirmary, injured in the ribs. A few minutes later, it was Amari Cooper who joined him in turn, with a hip injury. A first offensive part, then a second, more defensive part. This makes for a suspenseful match, with a field goal difference for Los Angeles at halftime (13-10).
Joe Flacco's fatal interception
After the Browns come back to tie, the Rams pass the second, with a second touchdown from Matthew Stafford for DeMarcus Robinson (4 REC, 55 yards, TD). But, the Browns are in the reaction, and Joe Flacco manages to find Harrison Bryant (5 REC, 49 yards, TD) to return to the score… but not to tie.
Dustin Hopkins misses the extra point, and there will be consequences. While the Browns recovered the ball to get back in front, Joe Flacco did the irreparable, and threw an interception on former Browns John Johnson III. Foul punished by Cooper Kupp (6 REC, 39 yards TD), his first touchdown since mid-October.
Cleveland will never recover, and Los Angeles will even widen the gap. Impressive last week, Kyren Williams (21 races, 88 yards, TD) definitively sealed the fate of the match with another touchdown. As if that wasn't enough for the Browns, the Rams added a safety, with a sack from Aaron Donald on Joe Flacco who let go for good.
Puka just got to 1,000 yards receiving in style 😱
📺: #CLEVsLAR on FOX
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