Helene Elliott: To take next step, Rams need young guys such as Derion Kendrick to step up.
LOS ANGELES — Quarterback Matthew Stafford absorbed a gut punch Sunday and somehow came out the better for it, leading the Rams to a comeback win over Seattle. Cornerback Derion Kendrick, who had committed a blatant unnecessary roughness penalty that allowed Seattle to sustain a long possession and score a touchdown on its opening drive of the game, delivered a gut punch to the Seahawks with a fourth-quarter interception of a pass by backup quarterback Drew Lock, ensuring that Seattle wouldn’t extend what was then a two-point lead. The Rams’ ability to roll with the punches and give them back in kind was crucial to their 17-16 victory at SoFi Stadium. Not every jab and uppercut was a bruiser, but the cumulative impact of their pushback against the Seahawks (6-4) did enough damage for the Rams to end their three-game losing streak and led them to turn up the volume of their postgame music to deafening levels in their locker room.
Coach Sean McVay expressed the magnitude of the victory that propelled the Los Angeles Rams to a 4-6 record, emphasizing the resilience shown as the game unfolded. Despite facing adversity, the Rams maintained their focus and drew particular attention to the pivotal role played by the defense, enabling the offense to find its rhythm at crucial moments.
McVay acknowledged the reliability of defensive stalwarts Aaron Donald and linebacker Ernest Jones, pivotal in the previous game against the Green Bay Packers. To sustain their playoff aspirations, the Rams recognize the need for standout performances from players like Derion Kendrick, who rebounded after losing his starting position due to a subpar showing against the Dallas Cowboys.
Kendrick’s resilience and solid work ethic earned him a return to the coaches’ favor, impressing McVay with his standout performance. Despite a challenging season, Kendrick showcased his abilities, particularly in the recent game against the Seattle Seahawks. His interception, the first of his career, played a crucial role in narrowing the score to 16-14 in the fourth quarter.
The Rams had faced setbacks earlier in the season, with Kendrick not starting against Pittsburgh following his arrest on misdemeanor gun charges. However, Kendrick, displaying discipline and determination, worked his way back into the lineup and expressed gratitude for the encouragement received from teammates and coaches.
In a pivotal moment during the game, with the Rams trailing 16-14, Kendrick deflected a pass from Seahawks’ backup quarterback Drew Lock and subsequently intercepted a pass intended for Tyler Lockett. Kendrick’s impactful play contributed to the Rams’ defensive efforts in the second half.
The game’s outcome was sealed with a missed field goal by the Seahawks’ Jason Myers, providing relief for McVay and securing the Rams’ second victory over the Seahawks this season. McVay highlighted the significance of the defense’s performance, preventing the Seahawks from securing a potential game-winning field goal.
McVay underscored the importance of learning to finish games strong, expressing pride in the team’s ability to identify pivotal moments and secure favorable results. As the Rams continue their season, the experience gained from challenging situations contributes to their growth and understanding of winning dynamics, a sentiment McVay considers crucial for the team’s progress.
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