“I wish I would have had a better play call and gone for it,” Sean McVay said, according to the Associated Press, after the Rams’ overtime opportunity ended with a blocked field goal.
Los Angeles faced third-and-five at the Buffalo 30-yard line Monday night. McVay called a Kyren Williams run that gained no yards, then Harrison Mevis’ 48-yard field-goal attempt was blocked by Greg Rousseau. Buffalo won 37–34 on Tyler Bass’ 45-yard kick during its next possession.
McVay said the kicking unit had not performed well enough and had cost the Rams the game. He said he would evaluate the unit, while also taking responsibility for the conservative third-down call.
Mevis had missed a 50-yard attempt wide left in the first quarter. Los Angeles also allowed Ray Davis’ 70-yard return on the opening kickoff, which helped Buffalo reach field-goal range before its first offensive snap.
The Rams had created a chance to win in overtime through their defense. Nate Landman forced James Cook’s fumble, and Aaron Donald recovered at the Los Angeles 20-yard line. Matthew Stafford then moved the offense into Buffalo territory.
Stafford finished with 383 passing yards and three touchdowns. Puka Nacua caught 17 passes for 138 yards and a score, while Davante Adams caught two touchdown passes.
McVay expressed pride in the way his team battled, but regret over the finish. Los Angeles fell to 2–3 after Williams’ one-yard touchdown run in the closing seconds of regulation had extended the game.
