Eagles vs. Rams final score: Jared Goff throws for three touchdowns to Tyler Higbee as Rams cruise to victory
Eagles fall to 0-2 after blowout loss to Rams
The Los Angeles Rams put together a complete performance in a demolition of the Philadelphia Eagles, the second NFC East opponent they have defeated in as many weeks. Philadelphia was embarrassed on both sides of the ball, giving up 450 yards and 6.7 yards per play as Los Angeles scored 38 points on the Eagles. Jared Goff was excellent throughout the afternoon as the Rams just outplayed the Eagles on offense as Jared Goff completed his first 13 passes en route to finishing 20 of 27 for 267 yards and three touchdowns.
Los Angeles, using a running back-by-committee, got a huge fourth quarter from Darrell Henderson -- who finished with 12 carries for 81 yards and a touchdown -- as the Rams finished with 191 rushing yards on the day. The Rams also got three touchdown catches from Tyler Higbee, who has become Goff's favorite target as he was wide open as a result of play-action passes. Los Angeles executed the offensive game plan perfectly as Sean McVay went back to the 2017-18 form that earned the Rams 24 wins in two years.
Philadelphia put forth a putrid effort on offense, finishing with just a 60.4 completion rate on passes as Carson Wentz has three interceptions in his first two games (threw just seven all last year). The Eagles are averaging just 18 points per game in their two games this year and have failed to score 20 points in any of their contests. Miles Sanders finished with 20 carries for 95 yards and a touchdown, but the Eagles offense lacked big plays throughout the game.
Stay tuned for takeaways from this one as the Rams remain unbeaten on the year. Look for analysis in our live blog below.
Why the Rams won
Give credit where credit is due to McVay, who has put up points on a Jim Schwartz defense before -- but hasn't put on a clinic like this against him. Los Angeles came out firing on all cylinders after Miles Sanders fumbled on the Eagles' opening possession, running 23 plays for 181 yards (8.3 yards per play) and scoring three touchdowns to take a commanding 18-point lead the Eagles could never recover from.
Los Angeles only punted twice, but put on a clinic in the final quarter with 12 plays for 134 yards and two touchdowns to put the game away. Play-action passes and Jared Goff roll outs opened up a running game that went for 191 yards, reminding many Rams fans of the Todd Gurley days. An impressive performance by the Rams offense on a strong game plan by McVay.
Why the Eagles lost
The Eagles were outclassed by McVay, but the offense wasn't any better either. Philadelphia finished with three turnovers and failed to score over 20 points for the second consecutive week. Carson Wentz was inconsistent with high throws throughout the afternoon and Doug Pederson didn't take any shots downfield with speedsters DeSean Jackson and Jalen Reagor. This was the offense that put up 41 points on the Patriots defense in a Super Bowl before right? The defense was putrid as Los Angeles averaged 5.4 yards per carry on the ground (before kneel downs) and finished 7-for-11 on third down. Somehow Philadelphia got this game to within five, a game the Eagles had no business being in.
Turning point
The Eagles clawed their way back into the game and had a chance to take the lead before Carson Wentz decided to force a ball into coverage to J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, who has failed to record a catch in 11 of his 19 career games (former second-round pick). Philadelphia was facing a first-and-10 at the Los Angeles 21-yard line trailing 21-16 as the poor decision by Wentz led to a diving interception by Darious Williams. The Rams cornerback made the play with 8:06 left to play in the third quarter and the Eagles only mustered a field goal the rest of the game while Los Angeles added to its lead and pulled away for the win.
Play of the game
Give credit to Darrell Henderson for making the most of his limited opportunities. Playing the third wheel in the running back-by-committee behind Cam Akers (who left the game with a rib injury) and Malcolm Brown, Henderson took advantage of his chance.
The Rams were up 24-19 after holding the Eagles to a field goal and Henderson received the first carry of the ensuing drive, running for 40 yards before a touchdown-saving tackle by Darius Slay. The 40-yard run was a career high and a backbreaker for the Eagles defense as the Rams scored two plays later to take a 31-19 lead and seal the victory.
Quote
"I betcha they didn't think we were going to do that."
Sean McVay on the Rams going for it on fourth-and-1 from their own 29-yard line early in the third quarter. Jared Goff took the quarterback sneak and got the first down after the Carson Wentz interception. The Rams eventually got a field goal on the 16-play drive.
Up next
The Rams (2-0) will head back to the East Coast to face the Buffalo Bills in their first matchup since 2016. The Eagles (0-2) host Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals (0-2) and will still seek their first win of the year.
That will do it for this one. Not much to look forward to in the fourth quarter (outside of Sean McVay's genius) as the Rams go to 2-0. Carson Wentz and the Eagles have a lot of questions to answer as this team has regressed (fortunately they are in the NFC East). Stay tuned for takeaways from this one!
The Rams offense averaged 31.4 points per game when Sean McVay and this offense was clicking in 2017 and 2018. They could be better in 2020.
That Darrell Henderson run was the backbreaker for Philly. He's a game-breaker for a reason, which I never understood the limited usage to begin with. Big day for Sean McVay and the rams offense, who appear to be back.
2-0 looks in the cards.
The Eagles needed to kick a field goal at some point if they were going to win the game. Looking good for the Rams +2 bettors to this point.
Defense will have to be asked to make another stop and not allow points.
Carson Wentz has taken a few shots today, but he's remained composed and haven't thrown an incompletion since the interception. We'll see how the Eagles fare in the fourth, but the Rams have led throughout. Philly is driving again and offense looks solid. 2 turnovers have been a problem.
I'm waiting for the coverage stats, but Sean McVay has made it a point to target Nickell Robey-Coleman and match up Cooper Kupp with him. NRC, former Ram, is getting cooked.