Los Angeles Rams Explain Costly Communication Error In Loss To Baltimore Ravens
A bizarre sequence unfolded as the Los Angeles Rams attempted to mount a late comeback in Sunday's overtime loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
With 16 seconds left in regulation, the Rams made it down to the Ravens' 18-yard line and were in striking distance for a potential game-winning touchdown. After an incomplete pass on third down, though, L.A. strangely called a timeout to avoid the play clock running out, despite the play clock being stopped. Lucas Havrisik eventually scored the game-tying field goal to force overtime, but it wasn't enough as the Ravens won 37-31 on a punt return in overtime.
Following the game, Rams coach Sean McVay and quarterback Matthew Stafford had slightly accounts of the sequence. McVay attributed the miscommunication to a faulty headset.
Stafford during Sunday's game.
© Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
“There were some issues with the headsets today where with 16 seconds left, you don’t want to have to use that timeout, but he couldn’t hear me,” McVay told reporters. “You’re going to have to go backwards, so then that limits some of your options."
On the other hand, Stafford attributed the error more to a misunderstanding on his end than on a technical issue.
"I didn't hear him good enough," Stafford told reporters. "It's my fault. I just got to hear it a little bit better. Same play actually got us kind of twice today, just hearing it through there."
Stafford had one of the best statistical games of the season, completing 23 of 41 passes for 294 yards and three touchdowns with no turnovers. However, it's hard to enjoy that performance after such a heart-breaking loss.
One thing's for sure, though, the Rams are confident in their ability to respond after such a game.
"We're going to respond," McVay said. "And it's OK to hurt right now. That was a gut-wrenching loss. Guys put a lot out there, but we're not going to let the Ravens beat us twice. I can promise you that."
