Week 11: Rams Outshine Chiefs 54-51

Nazrul Islam via Flickr

NFL

Rams Outlast Chiefs in All-Time Highest Scoring Monday Night Football Game

If you had high expectations coming into this one, they weren’t high enough. This game showcased two of the most high-powered offenses in the league competing at a playoff level. The L.A. Coliseum buzzed with excitement. The Rams and Chiefs took part in what became a boxing match of a game. The aerial attacks were on display big-time. The game also produced ESPN’s best Monday Night Football ratings in the last four years. Combined, the two teams scored the fifth most points in a single game in NFL history. This game was, understandably, one for the ages.

High-Powered Passing Attacks

Jared Goff and Patrick Mahomes combined for 891 passing yards. The top two passers of the season went at it in an absolute slugfest that made for an amazing game. Such heavy emphasis on passing, however, came at the cost of the run game. Both teams gradually phased the rush out of their offenses, with Gurley and Hunt combining for just 125 yards on the ground. Gurley’s reduced rushing volume marked his new season-low, while Hunt’s amounted to his second-lowest of the year. This game was a tale of two young star quarterbacks and both carried the load. Mahomes and Goff now hold down the top two spots on the passing yards list.

Rams

Jared Goff continues to prove why he’s worth the billing of an elite quarterback. His poise in the pocket, precision passes, and unexpected ability to scramble work together to create a top-tier quarterback. He sure played like one on Sunday too, passing for four touchdowns and 413 yards with no interceptions.

The Rams were without Cooper Kupp on Sunday, so Goff was forced to utilize his other weapons. Fortunately, he rose to the occasion. Goff threw for at least 50 yards to four different targets and for two touchdowns to another. Stepping up big in Kupp’s absence was Josh Reynolds. Reynolds caught six passes for 80 yards and a touchdown, showing that he can be an exceptional substitute for Kupp.

The other receiver to step up in big moments for Goff was tight end Gerald Everett. Everett seemed to have always been there when Goff needed him most — and Goff hit his target, as usual. Goff found Everett for two touchdowns. His first came with 9:38 to go in the fourth to take the lead 47-44. His second touchdown, however, was the biggest of the night. With 58 seconds to go, Goff fired a perfect strike to Everett down the right sideline. Everett had to tiptoe the sideline in order to stay in bounds and he did, in magnificent fashion, with a Chiefs player hanging on to his jersey. The touchdown ended up being the game-winner, with the Chiefs unable to clinch a win on their last-minute drive.

Chiefs

Patrick Mahomes, once again, brought the offensive fire for the Chiefs. His intangibles are like few others. His arm strength is elite and he can really get creative when moving around in the pocket. Patrick Mahomes, simply put, is must-see TV. He was a force again against the Rams, throwing six touchdowns on 478 yards passing. This wasn’t even the first time this season he’s thrown for 6+ touchdowns. His first such performance came against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2. In contrast with his six touchdowns, Mahomes also surrendered five turnovers. To some, these frequent turnovers dampened an otherwise excellent Mahomes performance.

Tyreek Hill, meanwhile, stepped up huge in prime time. The speedster was a constant problem for the Rams secondary, as they simply had no answer for his lightning-quick speed and route-running skills. Without Aqib Talib, it became exceptionally difficult for the Rams to keep up with the All-Pro receiver. They put Sam Shields in man coverage on Hill often — and let’s just say the 30-year-old couldn’t quite keep up with Hill. Hill caught ten passes for 215 yards and two touchdowns. The stat-line speaks for itself, really, but his impact on the game cannot be told by just numbers.

Every team needs that one big-play guy. The guy that can turn the tides of a game with a snap of his fingers. For the Chiefs, Hill was – as usual – just that. He broke off several big plays, notably one particular reception in which he burnt Sam Shields like bad toast for a 73-yard TD.

Two other huge difference-makers on offense were Travis Kelce and Chris Conley. The Chiefs passing offense mostly concentrated on the likes Kelce, Hill, and Conley. Kelce always seemed present when Mahomes needed him most. He put up a very solid stat-line, which would – in most circumstances – stand out as the top stat-line of the night. The KC offense, however, was humming enough for Hill to have a bigger night. That being said, Kelce caught ten passes for 127 yards and a touchdown. As always, he was a focal point of the offense.

Defensive Difference-Makers

Samson Ebukam LB (Rams):

Ebukam was the definition of a game-changer from the defensive side of the ball on Sunday. He scored two defensive touchdowns and forced an interception by Patrick Mahomes to seal the victory. It is difficult to have a bigger day on defense than he did. With both offenses firing on all cylinders, just one big defensive performance could’ve tilted the balance and Ebukam’s did the job. He got the game ball in the locker room after the game from HC Sean McVay and earned himself NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors.

Chris Jones DE (Chiefs):

Chris Jones wreaked havoc on the Rams backfield, managing seven QB pressures, two sacks, and six tackles. According to Pro Football Focus, Jones was the highest-graded player with a 92.1 rating. If there was anything keeping Goff from throwing for 500 yards, it was Chris Jones. His constant pressure was crucial to the Chiefs staying in the game.

Todd Gurley’s Injury Worries

If you were wondering why Todd Gurley’s usage and production dipped off, this could be why. Gurley suffered a minor ankle injury early in the game. He stayed in as a decoy for many snaps, however. The Rams tried to conceal that Gurley wasn’t at 100%. Late in the game, you likely noticed how McVay refused to run the ball even when the Rams needed to chew time. This may well have been the reason.

Food for Thought

This shootout featured nine lead changes from start to finish. While both teams found temporary relief in meaningful touchdowns, all such comforts were short-lived. This game was played like a boxing match, back and forth.

Standout Stat-Lines

Offense

• Tyreek Hill: 10 catches, 215 yards, 2 TD
• Travis Kelce: 10 catches, 127 yards, TD
• Chris Conley: 7 catches, 74 yards, 2 TD
• Josh Reynolds: 6 catches, 80 yards, TD
• Gerald Everett: 3 catches, 49 yards, 2 TD

Defense

• Aaron Donald: 4 total tackles, 2 sacks, 2 FF
• John Johnson III: 11 total tackles, 9 solo
• Samson Ebukam: 2 QB hits, 1 sack, 1 int
• Ron Parker: 8 total tackles, 7 solo
• Chris Jones: 6 tackles, 2 sacks, 3 tackles for loss, 4 QB hits

History in the Making

• The first time a team has scored 50 and lost
• First time in NFL history both teams scored 50
• 105 ranks as the third-most points scored in a single game in NFL history

Final Takeaways

• Goff and Mahomes are the future of this league…
• Although they gave up 51 points, the Rams defense can make big plays
• The Cheetah (AKA Tyreek Hill) cannot be stopped
• The Rams don’t even need Todd Gurley on all cylinders to win.

The Los Angeles Rams and Kansas City Chiefs will gain some well-earned rest in Week 12, with both teams enjoying the bye week. Both will also be traveling for away matchups in Week 13. The Rams are set to face the Lions in Detroit, while the Chiefs will travel to Oakland for a matchup with a Raiders team in turmoil.

Photo Credit: Nazrul Islam via Flickr

Follow Gabe Hougard on Twitter: @2loGabe

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