The Los Angeles Rams scored 14 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to pull off a huge upset victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, 17-16. New Rams quarterback Baker Mayfield led an eight-play, 98-yard drive with 1:45 remaining in the fourth quarter down six points, and hit Van Jefferson for a 23-yard touchdown with just 10 seconds remaining.
According to Elias Sports Bureau, the Rams’ 98-yard TD drive was the longest go-ahead TD drive that began in the final two minutes over the last 45 seasons.
The Raiders controlled tempo all evening, but Josh McDaniels’ squad clearly lifted their foot off the gas pedal in the second half. Derek Carr finished with 137 passing yards and two interceptions, while Josh Jacobs rushed for 99 yards and a touchdown. Davante Adams made some splash plays as well, and caught three passes for 71 yards.
John Wolford got the start for the Rams at quarterback, but Mayfield replaced him after just one drive. The former No. 1 overall pick completed 22 of 35 passes for 230 yards and one touchdown, while Ben Skowronek caught seven passes for 89 yards.
Here’s a breakdown on how this incredible comeback transpired on Thursday evening.
Why the Rams won
Baker. Mayfield. Showed. Up.
Mayfield was waived by the Carolina Panthers this week and not only had to adjust to a new offense, but he also was dealing with a short week. Mayfield received the playbook on Tuesday night, studied it on the plane ride to L.A. and despite only having Wednesday with the team, he somehow had the chemistry needed with his receivers to lead a 13-point comeback. Mayfield has barely adjusted to the time change, but it looks like he has adjusted to his new offense. The defense helped the offense by never letting the Raiders get too much of a lead. The Rams had more passing yards, fewer turnovers and fewer penalties, which always helps with a win.
It was not all just Mayfield, he had help from Skowronek who lead the team in receiving with 89 yards and despite the run game not being as effective as the passing game, Cam Akers ended with 42 yards on the ground.
Why the Raiders lost
Las Vegas started the game out strong, but struggled to get first downs and could never get a lead comfortable enough to run away with it. Derek Carr finished with a rating of 36.9 compared to Mayfield’s 91.4.
The Raiders had a 13-point lead with just over four minutes to go in the game and the Rams driving. The Rams offense had yet to score a touchdown in the game, but the Raiders let up and once they did, they opened up the chance for a comeback. Mayfield saw his opportunity and made the most of it, coming back with quick play, accurate passes and confidence. The Raiders defense lost its steam and in turn, the game.
The Raiders appeared to be improving, but they continue to blow leads and their inability to close games is now becoming a pattern.
Turning point
The Rams finally got in the end zone and did so at the right time. Cam Akers’ 1-yard score capped off a 17-play, 75-yard drive that gave Los Angeles hope.
Play of the game
The play of the game section of the takeaways is now getting an upgrade to: Drive of the Game. Mayfield and the offense he just joined this week had 98 yards to go with 1:45 left in the game and needed a touchdown. With 10 seconds to spare, Mayfield completed the improbable game-winning pass, a play he calls one of the most memorable of his career.
Take a look at the strike to Van Jefferson:
What’s next
The Rams were facing elimination tonight, with a loss kicking them out of the playoffs, but after a wild comeback, they live to see another chance to qualify (though the chances are still slim). The Rams will face the Packers, another struggling team, next week in Green Bay. Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels will face his former boss next week when the Raiders take on Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots.