Los Angeles Rams celebrates after a landing by tight finish Tyler Higbee through the first half of an NFL soccer recreation between the Los Angeles Rams and the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photograph/Marcio J. Sanchez)
Los Angeles Rams tight finish Tyler Higbee runs previous Denver Broncos cornerback Damarri Mathis through the first half of an NFL soccer recreation between the Los Angeles Rams and the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photograph/Marcio J. Sanchez)
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay gestures through the first half of an NFL soccer recreation between the Los Angeles Rams and the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photograph/Marcio J. Sanchez)
Los Angeles Rams linebacker Bobby Wagner celebrates after an interception through the first half of an NFL soccer recreation between the Los Angeles Rams and the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photograph/Marcio J. Sanchez)
Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson passes through the first half of an NFL soccer recreation between the Los Angeles Rams and the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photograph/Marcio J. Sanchez)
Los Angeles Rams tight finish Tyler Higbee runs previous Denver Broncos cornerback Damarri Mathis through the first half of an NFL soccer recreation between the Los Angeles Rams and the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photograph/Marcio J. Sanchez)
Los Angeles Rams operating again Cam Akers scores previous Denver Broncos cornerback Okay’Waun Williams through the first half of an NFL soccer recreation between the Los Angeles Rams and the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photograph/Marcio J. Sanchez)
Los Angeles Rams operating again Cam Akers scores previous Denver Broncos cornerback Okay’Waun Williams through the first half of an NFL soccer recreation between the Los Angeles Rams and the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photograph/Marcio J. Sanchez)
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Baker Mayfield passes through the first half of an NFL soccer recreation between the Los Angeles Rams and the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photograph/Marcio J. Sanchez)
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Baker Mayfield bobbles the snap through the first half of an NFL soccer recreation between the Los Angeles Rams and the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photograph/Marcio J. Sanchez)
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Baker Mayfield goes on the sector earlier than an NFL soccer recreation between the Los Angeles Rams and the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photograph/Marcio J. Sanchez)
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Baker Mayfield warms up earlier than an NFL soccer recreation between the Los Angeles Rams and the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photograph/Marcio J. Sanchez)
From left, replay assistant Gerald Frye, again decide Greg Yette (38), subject decide Anthony Jeffries (36), umpire Barry Anderson (20), down decide Frank LeBlanc (44), subject decide Greg Gautreaux (80), line decide Maia Chaka (100) and replay official Denise Crudup, pose earlier than NFL soccer recreation between the Los Angeles Rams and the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photograph/Marcio J. Sanchez)
Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey cleats are adorned for Christmas earlier than an NFL soccer recreation between the Los Angeles Rams and the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photograph/Marcio J. Sanchez)
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Baker Mayfield warms up earlier than an NFL soccer recreation between the Los Angeles Rams and the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photograph/Marcio J. Sanchez)
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Baker Mayfield will get able to go on the sector earlier than an NFL soccer recreation between the Los Angeles Rams and the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photograph/Marcio J. Sanchez)
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay watches throughout heat ups earlier than an NFL soccer recreation between the Los Angeles Rams and the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photograph/Marcio J. Sanchez)
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Baker Mayfield runs on the sector earlier than an NFL soccer recreation between the Los Angeles Rams and the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photograph/Marcio J. Sanchez)
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Baker Mayfield watches throughout heat ups earlier than an NFL soccer recreation between the Los Angeles Rams and the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photograph/Marcio J. Sanchez)
Los Angeles Rams defensive deal with Michael Hoecht celebrates after sacking Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson through the second half of an NFL soccer recreation between the Los Angeles Rams and the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photograph/Marcio J. Sanchez)
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Baker Mayfield watches throughout heat ups earlier than an NFL soccer recreation between the Los Angeles Rams and the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photograph/Marcio J. Sanchez)
Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson warms up earlier than an NFL soccer recreation between the Los Angeles Rams and the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photograph/Marcio J. Sanchez)
Los Angeles Rams operating again Cam Akers runs through the first half of an NFL soccer recreation between the Los Angeles Rams and the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photograph/Marcio J. Sanchez)
Los Angeles Rams linebacker Bobby Wagner warms up earlier than an NFL soccer recreation between the Los Angeles Rams and the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photograph/Marcio J. Sanchez)
Followers watch throughout heat ups earlier than an NFL soccer recreation between the Los Angeles Rams and the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photograph/Marcio J. Sanchez)
A fan watches throughout heat ups earlier than an NFL soccer recreation between the Los Angeles Rams and the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photograph/Marcio J. Sanchez)
Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson warms up earlier than an NFL soccer recreation between the Los Angeles Rams and the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photograph/Marcio J. Sanchez)
Followers watch throughout heat ups earlier than an NFL soccer recreation between the Los Angeles Rams and the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photograph/Marcio J. Sanchez)
Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson passes through the first half of an NFL soccer recreation between the Los Angeles Rams and the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photograph/Marcio J. Sanchez)
Los Angeles Rams tight finish Tyler Higbee celebrates after scoring through the first half of an NFL soccer recreation between the Los Angeles Rams and the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photograph/Marcio J. Sanchez)
Los Angeles Rams linebacker Bobby Wagner warms up earlier than an NFL soccer recreation between the Los Angeles Rams and the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photograph/Marcio J. Sanchez)
INGLEWOOD — Working again Cam Akers was severe about treating the ultimate three video games of the season like that is the Rams’ championship.
It wasn’t the Tremendous Bowl and it was approach too late, however the Rams delivered their finest efficiency of the season in a 51-14 blowout victory in opposition to the Denver Broncos on Christmas Day at SoFi Stadium.
The trio of quarterback Baker Mayfield, tight finish Tyler Higbee and Akers helped the Rams construct a snug lead within the first half – they have been main 31-3 lower than two minutes earlier than halftime.
Akers, who had 147 complete yards, led the way in which with three dashing touchdowns and Higbee contributed 9 catches for 94 yards and two touchdowns.
Mayfield solely had 4 incompletions in comparison with the Broncos’ 4 complete interceptions on Sunday. He completed 24 of 28 for 230 yards and two touchdowns throughout his third begin with the Rams.
An opportunistic Rams protection assisted by giving Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson one other tough outing this season. Wilson had three interceptions and was pulled halfway by the fourth quarter. Rams rookie cornerback Cobie Durant recorded the crew’s fourth interception, versus Broncos backup quarterback Brett Rypien, and returned it 85 yards for a landing and a 37-point benefit with 4:08 left.
It was the primary time the Rams reached 50 factors in a recreation since they defeated the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs on the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in 2018. The Rams scored on their first eight of 9 complete drives Sunday, with the final one ending as a quarterback kneel to seal the lopsided victory.
“That’s what you need it to appear to be,” Rams coach Sean McVay mentioned. “To see it actually all come collectively in the present day was excellent.”
After the Rams have been eradicated from playoff rivalry with final week’s loss in opposition to the Inexperienced Bay Packers, Akers mentioned he needed to play spoiler and challenged his teammates to finish the season as in the event that they’re taking part in for a championship. Within the closing two video games of the 2022 season, the Rams can play spoiler in opposition to the Chargers and Seattle Seahawks, two groups within the combine for the postseason.
The now 4-11 Broncos aren’t within the playoff hunt, so the Rams doubtless prioritized “taking part in prefer it’s the championship” after their spectacular win Sunday. It was a much-needed victory for the Rams (5-10), who’ve had a disappointing season after hoisting the Tremendous Bowl trophy in February.
Akers was in want of championship-like performances as a result of his future with the Rams is murky after the crew despatched him house for a month in an try to commerce him earlier than the buying and selling deadline in November. Akers and McVay mended fences and determined to finish the season collectively. With Akers’ late-season surge, he’ll doubtless acquire consideration from different groups within the offseason if the Rams are nonetheless all for buying and selling him.
“He’s taking part in just like the man that all of us knew he was able to,” McVay mentioned of Akers. “I believed he was nice within the cross recreation, too. When Baker took some checkdowns, and he was capable of create on his personal, hold us forward of the sticks … however he ran powerful. I believed he leveled issues off. I believed he completed bodily.”
Akers’ second dashing landing versus the Broncos gave the Rams a 31-3 benefit with 1:06 left within the first half. His third put the Rams forward 41-6 within the fourth quarter. Akers completed with 23 carries for a game-high 118 yards.
The Rams hadn’t cracked 24 factors since Week 6 in opposition to the Carolina Panthers, and their earlier season-high factors complete was 31, which got here in Week 2’s victory in opposition to the Atlanta Falcons. The Rams entered Sunday averaging 16.4 factors per recreation, and solely the Broncos have been worse with 15.6 factors per recreation.
Rams center linebacker Bobby Wagner sacked and intercepted Wilson for the primary time in his profession. The 2 have been teammates for 10 seasons with the Seahawks and received a Tremendous Bowl collectively within the 2014 season. Wilson had three interceptions, together with one ultimately zone to Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey within the second half. Wilson completed 15 of 27 for 214 yards and one landing cross to tight finish and UCLA product Greg Dulcich.
“I instructed him that if we ever performed that I’d get him,” Wagner mentioned about sacking Wilson. “That was cool to try this. I used to be capable of choose him off as properly on Christmas. I recognize the current.
“He’s my brother. We have been collectively for an especially very long time. We went by plenty of highs and lows collectively and it’s at all times enjoyable going on the market and taking part in with him. He’s impacted me a lot.”
Mayfield had a sizzling begin after finishing his first 11 passes for 112 yards and one landing. His first incompletion got here within the second quarter, however he shortly made up for it by throwing a 7-yard landing cross to Higbee to present the Rams a 24-3 benefit with 9:42 left earlier than halftime.
Higbee set the franchise profession information for tight ends in receptions (299), receiving touchdowns (20) and receiving yards (3,063).
That was additionally Mayfield and Higbee’s third landing connection in a span of 4 quarters, together with the primary quarter versus the Broncos and the third quarter of final week’s loss in opposition to the Packers. Higbee didn’t have a landing within the first 13 video games of the season.
“To me, it begins with the run recreation and preserving them off balanced, so after we’re calling this cross recreation, plenty of it was simply the short recreation stuff, straightforward completions and taking what the protection was giving us,” Mayfield mentioned about his 11-of-11 begin. “It’s an incredible feeling to say that while you get right into a rhythm like that and also you’re staying forward of the chains.”
The Rams jumped to a 17-0 lead and recorded two interceptions in opposition to Wilson within the first quarter. Durant jumped in entrance of Broncos receiver Courtland Sutton for the primary takeaway, and Wagner had the second after a diving play to take the cross from his former long-time Seattle teammate.
Akers cashed within the second interception with a 2-yard landing run to increase the result in 17-0 with 4:45 within the opening quarter.
Three performs after Durant’s leaping takeaway, Mayfield linked with Higbee for a 9-yard landing cross and a 10-0 benefit with 6:19 within the first quarter.
Tight finish Brycen Hopkins had a 22-yard catch previous to Higbee’s landing. Hopkins was on the sector early and sometimes after McVay mentioned earlier within the week that he deserved to get extra taking part in time. Hopkins entered Sunday with solely three receptions for 31 yards this season.
Many inexperienced Rams gamers obtained taking part in time in opposition to the Broncos, together with defensive linemen Earnest Brown, Jonah Williams and Larrell Murchison, who recorded his first two profession sacks within the first half.
The Rams aren’t headed to the postseason, however they’re competing and plenty of younger gamers are making the most of the alternatives with two video games to go.
“We bought the correct folks on this constructing,” Wagner mentioned. “We’re combating and it exhibits.”
