Goff’s five TD tosses lead Rams over Vikes
Jared Goff passed for career highs of 465 yards and five touchdowns, winning a scintillating duel with Kirk Cousins and leading the unbeaten Rams to a 38-31 victory over the Minnesota Vikings last night in Los Angeles.
Goff hit Cooper Kupp with two of his four TD throws during a 251-yard first half in which the third-year quarterback flawlessly executed coach Sean McVay’s offense. Todd Gurley then finished with 83 yards rushing and 73 yards receiving while the Rams (4-0) barely held off the Vikings (1-2-1) and Cousins, who passed for 422 yards and three touchdowns.
The Vikings got the ball back with 2:20 left, but rookie John Franklin-Myers stripped Cousins of the ball near midfield. The Rams recovered and ran out the clock.
Panthers sign Reid
Eric Reid’s return to the NFL created a buzz around the league yesterday, six months after he filed a grievance alleging collusion by the NFL to prevent teams from signing him because of his participation in racial injustice protests during the national anthem alongside former 49ers teammate Colin Kaepernick.
Some NFL players were excited about the 2013 Pro Bowl safety signing a oneyear deal with the Carolina Panthers, but were quick to point out they believe Kaepernick should be back in the league as well.
Reid, who filed his grievance in May, was mum during the hoopla, declining comment through the Panthers and not weighing in on social media except to retweet Kaepernick.
Jets can’t hear you
In each of their games this season, the New York Jets have had moments during which their sideline headsets briefly malfunctioned.
“It’s been three games, and I’m not making excuses, but three times our headsets failed us,” offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates said. “Not throwing anyone under the bus, but the button stopped working. We’ve tried to correct it.”
Bates stands on the sideline during games while calling plays and sending them through headsets to quarterback Sam Darnold. When the headsets fail, Darnold can’t hear anything from Bates.
It has been an occasional issue over the years for teams in stadiums around the NFL. The Jets have had to work around those issues at Detroit, at home against Miami and at Cleveland.
Rodgers practices
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ injured left knee has apparently improved to the point where he can take part in a midweek practice.
Green Bay’s star quarterback was limited in practice as the Packers prepare to face the Bills . . . .
The Tennessee Titans are without their top two receiving threats this season, releasing wide receiver Rishard Matthews after they couldn’t trade the veteran.
The Titans currently are without three-time Pro Bowl tight end Delanie Walker who broke his right ankle in the season opener . . . .
Denver Broncos tight end Jake Butt tore his left ACL during a walkthrough practice and is headed for injured reserve for the second straight season.