Tag: Rams

Saquon Barkley Performance Against Rams, Running Back Record Was The Career-Best For Him

Post author By Michael Smith
Post date November 28, 2024
No Comments on Saquon Barkley Performance Against Rams, Running Back Record Was The Career-Best For Him

The NFL’s twelfth week is nearing its end, with just one game remaining, but it has already delivered incredible performances and unexpected outcomes.

Saquon Barkley’s sensational performance on Sunday night against the Rams stood out as one of the most memorable of his career.

The Eagles’ seventh-year running back racked up a career-high 255 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns, and 47 receiving yards.

This total of 300 scrimmage yards is a first in Eagles history, breaking the franchise’s single-game rushing record previously held by LeSean McCoy (217 yards in 2013).

Barkley also became just the ninth player in NFL history to record 255 or more rushing yards in a single game. It marked the most rushing yards in an NFL game since Jamaal Charles’ 259-yard performance in 2009.

Yet, Barkley’s extraordinary night wasn’t the only storyline of Week 12. FOX Sports Research identified ten more notable highlights. Let’s break them down:

1. Dynamic Duo in Detroit

The Lions continued their impressive season, but this week it was their running game that took center stage. Jahmyr Gibbs rushed for 90 yards and two touchdowns, while David Montgomery added 37 yards and another score.

Together, they have 21 combined rushing touchdowns this season. Remarkably, they are the first running back duo in NFL history to each log 10+ rushing touchdowns in consecutive seasons.

This game marked the ninth occasion where both Gibbs and Montgomery rushed for a touchdown in the same game, tying them for the third-most by a running back duo in league history.

They trail only Hugh McElhenny and Joe Perry (49ers) and Paul Hornung and Jim Taylor (Packers), who each achieved the feat ten times. Removing position labels, their ten games rank as the sixth-most among all scoring duos.

Takeaway: The Lions remain dominant and could be the best team in the NFL. Can anyone halt their momentum?

2. Tua Tagovailoa’s Mastery Over the Patriots

Tua Tagovailoa’s perfect record against the Patriots continues. After leading the Dolphins to a 34-15 win, he now holds a 7-0 record against New England, the second-best mark for any quarterback in NFL history against the franchise, behind John Elway’s 10-0 record.

Tagovailoa has thrown 11 career touchdown passes against the Patriots—more than against any other opponent.

Leading the league in completion percentage at 73.3%, he has propelled the Dolphins to three consecutive wins, with a favorable schedule ahead.

Takeaway: Miami is building momentum, keeping their Wild Card hopes alive.

3. Cowboys-Commanders Chaos

A thrilling contest saw the Cowboys edge the Commanders 34-26 in a game packed with excitement. After leading 20-9 in the third quarter, the Cowboys conceded a touchdown and two-point conversion, bringing the score to 20-17.

KaVontae Turpin then returned a kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown, only for the Commanders to respond with a field goal and an 86-yard touchdown bomb to Terry McLaurin.

Washington’s Austin Seibert missed the PAT, forcing an onside kick that the Cowboys returned for a game-sealing touchdown.

This chaotic game featured two missed PATs, two kickoff return touchdowns, and a blocked punt—the first such occurrence in the Super Bowl era.

Takeaway: Washington’s loss clears the path for Philadelphia to take control of the NFC East.

4. Titans Stun Texans in a Wild Finish

The Titans pulled off a surprising 32-27 victory against the Texans despite Houston’s defensive dominance, which included eight sacks, three takeaways, and a pick-six.

Teams achieving these defensive milestones were previously 36-1 in the Super Bowl era—now, they’re 36-2.

Titans quarterback Will Levis has been resilient, posting a 109.3 passer rating across his last three games despite being sacked 20 times.

He’s the first quarterback since the 1970 merger to maintain a 105+ passer rating over a three-game span while being sacked so frequently.

Takeaway: Houston has underwhelmed this season. C.J. Stroud must step up to secure a playoff spot.

5. Trey McBride Shines for Cardinals

Trey McBride delivered a career-best performance with 12 catches for 133 yards against the Seahawks, setting a Cardinals record for receptions by a tight end in a single game. His 685 receiving yards this season trail only Brock Bowers among tight ends.

McBride is now one of just two Cardinals tight ends with multiple 130-yard games, joining Hall of Famer Jackie Smith.

Takeaway: McBride has cemented himself as a top-three tight end in the league.

6. Chiefs’ Close Call Secures Historic Feat

The Chiefs narrowly escaped with a 30-27 win over the Panthers, improving to 10-1. Kansas City has now recorded ten wins in ten consecutive seasons, joining the Patriots (17 seasons, 2003-2019) and 49ers (16 seasons, 1983-1998) as the only teams in NFL history to achieve this feat.

Takeaway: Despite their record, doubts remain about the Chiefs’ dominance.

7. Bo Nix Leads Broncos to Historic Win

Bo Nix guided the Broncos to their first road victory over the Raiders since 2015. Nix passed for 273 yards and two touchdowns, breaking Denver’s single-season rookie passing touchdown record (16).

He also matched Dak Prescott’s rookie record of four games with a 70% completion rate, two passing touchdowns, and no interceptions.

Takeaway: Nix is showing franchise quarterback potential for Denver.

8. Buccaneers Dominate on the Ground

Tampa Bay cruised to a 30-7 victory over the Giants, fueled by four rushing touchdowns from four different players—a franchise first.

Rookie Bucky Irving tallied 87 rushing yards, 64 receiving yards, and a touchdown, joining Doug Martin as the only Buccaneers rookies to hit those marks in a single game.

Takeaway: Tampa remains in contention for a division title and playoff spot.

9. Browns’ Big Thursday Upset

Cleveland snapped Pittsburgh’s five-game win streak with a shocking victory, having previously ended Baltimore’s five-game win streak earlier this season.

They’re the only sub-.500 team in NFL history to accomplish this feat against two divisional opponents in the same season.

Takeaway: The Browns’ win keeps the AFC North race intriguing.

10. Giants’ Home Struggles Continue

In a 30-7 loss to Tampa Bay, the Giants dropped their sixth consecutive home game, one shy of the franchise’s single-season record for consecutive home losses (7).

From record-breaking performances to historic milestones, Week 12 showcased why the NFL remains unpredictable and thrilling.

Tags Rams, Saquon Barkley

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Rams’ 2024 Offseason Outlook: Free Agents, Targets, and Draft Needs Following NFL Playoff Defeat

Post author By Ryan Dyrud
Post date January 16, 2024
No Comments on Rams’ 2024 Offseason Outlook: Free Agents, Targets, and Draft Needs Following NFL Playoff Defeat

Rams’ 2024 Free Agents, Targets and Draft Needs After NFL Playoff Loss

The Los Angeles Rams defied expectations in the recent NFL season, surpassing predictions of a rebuilding year to clinch a wild-card berth. With a seasoned core and emerging young talent, they secured the No. 6 seed, finishing the season with 10 wins after a five-win performance the previous year. Despite the success, their playoff journey ended abruptly with a 24-23 loss to the Detroit Lions in the NFC Wild Card Game.

Key contributors included returning stars Matthew Stafford, Aaron Donald, and Cooper Kupp, along with surprising performances from rookies Puka Nacua and Kobie Turner. The 2023 season potentially marked the start of a new era rather than a rebuilding phase, offering optimism for the future.

Rams' 2024 Offseason Outlook: Free Agents, Targets, and Draft Needs Following NFL Playoff Defeat — Rams’ 2024 Offseason Outlook: Free Agents, Targets, and Draft Needs Following NFL Playoff Defeat (Credits: Bleacher Repor)

Looking ahead to the offseason, the Rams face decisions on free agents, with notable names like Tremayne Anchrum, Kevin Dotson, Jordan Fuller, and others. While their core veterans are under contract, retaining key players like offensive tackle Alaric Jackson is crucial.

Financially, the Rams are in a favorable position with a projected $48.2 million in cap space, allowing flexibility in retaining talent and exploring potential free-agent or trade targets. The approach may hinge on whether they opt for a youth movement or aim for another Super Bowl run, considering Stafford’s age and contract status.

Potential targets in free agency or trades include veterans on expiring contracts, such as Khalil Mack, Mike Williams, or Justin Simmons. Alternatively, pursuing ascending players like Jaylon Johnson or L’Jarius Sneed could address positional needs, especially in the secondary.

The upcoming draft holds significance for the Rams, featuring a first-round selection for the first time since 2016. Considering the success of the 2023 draft, they may trade picks for more late-round capital but will likely focus on key needs early. A playmaking cornerback or a pass-rusher could be on the radar, with prospects like Kool-Aid McKinstry and JT Tuimoloau standing out.

Defensive backfield improvements remain a priority, making prospects like Calen Bullock and Kamari Lassiter potential Day 2 considerations. Depending on free agency outcomes, the Rams might target additional pass-catching options, with receivers like Tee Higgins and tight ends like Bryson Nesbit as potential late-round interests.

In summary, the Rams have an opportunity to build on their success, making strategic moves in free agency and the draft to solidify their roster for the upcoming season.

Tags Rams

NFL (American Football)

Bills’ Player Damar Hamlin is Going to Play on Sunday, Which is the First Time Since He Had a Serious Heart Problem

Post author By Collins Abia
Post date October 1, 2023
No Comments on Bills’ Player Damar Hamlin is Going to Play on Sunday, Which is the First Time Since He Had a Serious Heart Problem

Damar Hamlin, who had a tough time and is making a great comeback, is going to play his first game of the 2023 season on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. This news was shared by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport on Friday.

Hamlin, who is 25 years old, is going to play in a real game for the first time since he had a big problem with his heart on January 2 when they played against the Cincinnati Bengals. Another player on the team, Jordan Poyer, cannot play because his knee is hurt, so this is Hamlin’s chance to be on the team and play in the game.

Hamlin, who will officially return on Sunday, played in all three of the Bills’ preseason games. He was inactive for Buffalo’s first three games, largely thanks to the Bills owning one of the best-resourced and most talented secondaries in the league.

During the preseason, Hamlin played 73 defensive snaps and played 19 times on special teams. In Week 17 of last season, Hamlin collided with Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins during a play. The collision caused him to suffer heart failure and go into cardiac arrest.

CPR was then performed on Hamlin, who was lying on the field. He was taken by ambulance to the University of Cincinnati. Hamlin remained in critical condition at University Hospital for about a week. Hamlin was eventually transported to Buffalo, where, after further treatment, he was released on January 11th.

Shortly thereafter, Hamlin began his comeback. He was cleared to participate in soccer activities in April, participated in team practices in June, and participated fully in training camp in August before making his preseason debut.

Now, if all goes as expected, Hamlin will make his triumphant return to the regular season on Sunday.

Rams Signed Tight End Tyler Higbee to a two-year, $27 Million Contract

The Rams have signed tight end Tyler Higbee to a two-year, $27 million contract extension through the 2025 season. Ahead of Sunday’s Week 4 trip to Indianapolis, Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee received another payday.

Higbee and the club have agreed to a contract extension worth $27 million, with $17 million guaranteed and up to $30.5 million in incentives, according to sources on Friday, according to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport and Tom. Reported to Mr. Pelissero. The club then announced a new contract until the 2025 season.

The tight end is entering the final year of his contract. The extension will average Higbee’s new money at $13.5 million per year, making him the ninth-highest salary among TEs. In 2019, Higbee signed a four-year, $29 million contract extension ($7.25 million annually).

Higbee was picked in 2016 and has become really good at catching the ball in the team’s plays made by Sean McVay. He’s 30 years old and has caught the ball more times, gained more yards, and scored more touchdowns than any other tight end in the team’s history. In the three games they played this year, he caught the ball 11 times and gained 132 yards.

Now, in some not-so-fun news, McVay said Friday that Higbee will miss Sunday’s game against the Colts as a result of an Achilles tendon problem.

Tags Bills, Rams

NFL (American Football)

Rams Coach Sean Mcvay Talked About the Loss to the Bengals and Said, ‘We Made a Lot of Mistakes on Our Own that Hurt Us.’

NFL coaches say that doing well in the red zone and on third downs is very important if you should win games. But the Los Angeles Rams did not perform very well in those areas in their game on Monday night, and that is why they lost 19-16 to the Cincinnati Bengals.

The L.A. team had a very tough time on third downs, only making one out of eleven tries, which is not good enough (only 9%). They did not do much better in the red zone, where they only scored once out of four tries. They had to kick field goals instead of them to get more touchdowns, and that helped the Bengals stay in the game while they figured out their offense.

“There were just a lot of self-inflicted wounds,” McVeigh told The Associated Press on Monday. A penalty, a bad sack by Matthew Stafford, a dropped pass. The Rams probably committed it on third down and in the red zone.

On the Rams’ first drive, Tutu Atwell appeared to score a touchdown, but replays at the 2-yard line ruled him out of bounds. Stafford was sacked on the next play, and the Rams ultimately converted a field goal. An early mistake in the red zone set the tone for the rest of the game.

“I think the biggest thing for us tonight was we missed some chances in the red zone early in the game,” Stafford said. “If we can get some 7s out, maybe the rest of the game will be a little different.”

I thought Our Defense Kept Us in the Game All Night.

The Bengals, who were dealing with Joe Burrow’s calf injury, no longer looked like the dive-bombing threat they were accustomed to seeing early in the contest. If the Rams had gotten off to a good start and finished in double digits, Cincy might have been forced to play differently. In fact, repeated failures and mistakes allowed the Bengals to endure until they regained their form.

“I felt like I was already within striking distance,” McVay said. “I thought our defense kept us in the game all night, especially early on, when we had some looks and chances and had to make a field goal to do it. I thought it was a real shame that I wasn’t able to accomplish that.”

Stafford, the quarterback, threw the ball 18 times out of 33 tries and gained 269 yards with one touchdown (TD) as well as two interceptions. He was also tackled by the other team’s players six times.

When the Rams got close to the Bengals’ end zone, he only tried his best to throw for 1 yard and got sacked two times. At the beginning of the game, he was seen throwing very fast passes, but as more of his teammates got hurt, it became harder for him, and in the end, it looked like the Rams’ offense from last year before Stafford got hurt.

Tags Rams, Sean Mcvay

NFL (American Football)

Joe Burrow Was Really Happy With Ja’marr Chase’s Performance. He Said Ja’marr Showed Why He’s One of the Best by Catching 12 Passes in the Game Against the Rams

Cincinnati Bengals receiver Ja’Marr Chase wanted to catch more passes in Week 3, and he did, even if they were not long throws.

Before Week 3, Ja’Marr Chase had gotten hold of 10 passes for a total of 70 receiving yards in the first two games. But in the Monday night game they played with the L.A. Rams, he did even better. He got hold of 12 passes for 141 yards, which was his best performance yet on the pitch.

“Before the game, I promised my friend Jamar Chase that I would give him the football more often, and he really deserved it. He had a great game. He was so excited to play. He proved that he is actually one of the best players.

The team still performed well despite quarterback Joe Burrow suffering a calf injury. At first, I could not make the big plays I usually do, but as the game progressed, I got better. One of our star players, Jamar Chase, started catching short passes and started playing well against the Rams’ defense.

Joe Changed His Game. I Heard Some Good Things from Joe

“The best thing I can do is make him look good,” Chase said. “That is the best thing I can do, make him look good. He helps me look good. We make each other look good. Just be there for him.” The only thing I can do is be there for him.

The most explosive play of the game was one of the few moments when Burrow stepped out of the pocket, pretended to throw, rolled to his right, and hit Chase for a 43-yard double play.

Joe Changed His Game. I Heard Some Good Things from Joe — Ja’Marr Chase (Credits: WCPO)

The play that showed how well Ja’Marr Chase and Joe Burrow work together happened in the third quarter. It was third down, and we needed to get 10 yards to keep going. Joe threw the ball just right behind Ja’Marr, and Ja’Marr reached back to catch it for a first down.

If Joe had thrown it differently, the other team might have stopped us or even taken the ball. But Joe knew just where to throw it, and Ja’Marr made a great catch. After that play, we scored a touchdown.

“Joe changed his game. I heard some good things from Joe,” Chase said. “He threw the ball backward, so I would not get hit. He helped me avoid hitting Hughes. Good ball.”

It is a great ball. And even if Burrow isn’t close to 100%, it’s a sign that he can still make game-changing plays for the Bengals as they try to dig out of another early-season hole.

Tags Ja'Marr Chase, Joe Burrow, Rams