Can Los Angeles Rams Gain 'Moral Victory' From Loss to Baltimore Ravens?
In the NFL, it's hard to argue that "moral victories" exist, but the Los Angeles Rams may have found one in Sunday's 37-31 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
The Rams wasted some opportunities to win this week, so perhaps that negates my argument, but it's hard to waltz into Baltimore and earn a win, especially considering the slow start Los Angeles had to this season.
Baltimore is a certified contender this year, holding dreams of earning the No. 1 seed in the AFC and reaching the Super Bowl. With a 10-3 record, it's hard to argue that those goals are unattainable.
Dec 10, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Los Angeles Rams tight end Davis Allen (87) leaps after a first half catch during the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
© Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
L.A., on the other hand, is just hoping for an invite to the postseason party. After starting the year 3-6, the Rams have reinserted themselves into the playoff discussion with a 6-6 record prior to Sunday's loss, and while that result does some damage to these postseason hopes, taking the Ravens to overtime shows that Los Angeles is a legitimate threat in the ever-evolving playoff picture.
The Rams put themselves in an early-season hole, but they have looked like a different team since their 3-6 start, and Sunday's loss doesn't change that fact. It's never fun to lose, but taking a team like Baltimore down to the wire (and having opportunities to win on the road) is at least somewhat of a positive as the playoff push continues.
Moral victories may be like unicorns and leprechauns, just examples of wishful thinking. But if you want to take a positive from a heartbreaking loss, that's the way to do it this week.
A few weeks ago, the Rams likely would have had no chance to challenge the Ravens on the road. Now, they are clearly operating with more efficiency, and even with a loss, that could not be more evident after Week 14.
