Even Baker Mayfield was shocked at how his Rams debut ended.
After the quarterback led Los Angeles to a 17-16 win against the Raiders on “Thursday Night Football,” Mayfield said he was “completely shocked” by his opponent’s coverage choice when he hit Van Jefferson for a touchdown with nine seconds left in the game. .
The decision left Jefferson one-on-one with Raiders cornerback Sam Webb, who hauled in a great throw from Mayfield to give the Rams the lead.
“Honestly, I was surprised they lined up in 15 seconds in the presser,” Mayfield said after the Amazon Prime game. “I really thought they were going to come out and try to make a play, but they just stayed. I saw the weak side safety and Van is a great runner, go up and get him and he won it off the line and well did work.
Mayfield’s pass to Jefferson tied the score at 16 and set up Matt Gay for the game-winning extra point kick. The Rams trailed 16-3 early in the fourth quarter.
Mayfield’s 98-yard game-winning drive came after a tumultuous week. The former No. 1 overall pick was released by the Panthers at his request on Monday and returned to action Thursday after the Rams placed him off waivers.
The 27-year-old landed in Los Angeles on Tuesday night, practiced with the team on Wednesday and became an overnight hero for a struggling Rams team that had lost six before his arrival.
Mayfield went 22-of-35 for 230 yards and a touchdown with zero interceptions in his Rams debut.
After the game, head coach Sean McVay praised Mayfield in his victory speech before throwing him the game ball.
“See you on Monday to come in here 10 minutes early and help lead us to victory – Baker Mayfield” McVeigh said.
As Mayfield celebrated with his teammates on the scrimmage, the quarterback yelled, “Glad to be home, man.”
Mayfield also drew praise from Rams coach Matthew Stafford, who was placed on injured reserve Saturday with a spinal contusion.
Although Stafford is eligible to return in Week 17, the head coach McVeigh said “There’s a good chance” he won’t play again this season.
The Rams will visit the Packers on December 19th in Monday Night Football.
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