Rams game-ending FG covers spread, calls gambling into question

The San Francisco 49ers had the sport within the bag. They were up 10 with just over 90 seconds left in the sport. The Cooper Kupp-less Rams didn’t replicate the offense that led them to a Super Bowl two seasons ago, and wouldn’t rating quickly enough to search out one other drive beyond the one which began with 1:34 remaining in the competition.

In order Los Angeles drove down the sector, and the clock wound down, the Rams decided to kick a field goal as time expired to bring the sport to its final 7-point differential. That call flipped the sport within the Rams’ directions with bettors and the -7.5-point line in favor of San Francisco. In point of fact, the kick was meaningless. For individuals who bet on the sport, it made the world of difference. That begs the question — why did Sean McVay call for it as a substitute of getting his QB throw one into the top zone?

There are some theories floating around as to why McVay selected to kick the FG. First, was it simply to get his kicker practice? That’s a silly theory because Brett Maher needing another rep from 38 yards, after being within the NFL for a decade, is ridiculous. It’s different in a game? Alright, guess your practices suck then. That may very well be why Los Angeles went from champions last February to sucking ever since. Not to say, it was 2nd-and-10 after they attempted the kick. What coach not under game-tying, or game-winning circumstances, would call that move? Simply to get inside a touchdown and make the result look more favorable? If it’s a 38-yard field goal, you’re on the 21-yard line. You don’t trust Matthew Stafford to get you into the top zone? He could’ve connected with Puka Nacua for a sixteenth time against the 49ers.

Whether McVay knew a made field goal would cover the spread, flipping the winning bet with a meaningless field goal is a main example of one in all the several problems with skilled leagues being in bed with the sports gambling industry. This wasn’t quite as conspiratorial as script writers detailing the NFL season before it began, which CBS has turned into a industrial during its Sunday broadcasts, however it is suspect. Betting on games has grow to be more rampant within the NFL lately, evidenced by Broncos’ defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike’s suspension, while the league is doubling and tripling down on its usage.

How much different does a 10-point loss look in comparison with a 7-point defeat? Calling it a touchdown loss in comparison with a double-digit one sounds a smidge higher within the press. Beyond that, it doesn’t move the needle in any respect. You’re thinking that the Commanders care what number of they won by yesterday? They survived by the skin of their teeth. But they’re 2-0. That’s all Ron Rivera should care about. He shouldn’t care that his team nearly blew it on a fluky Hail Mary. Washington won by 2. Nobody in that fan base cares the way it got to that time now that the team is undefeated through Week 2 for the primary time since 2011. And in defeat, McVay’s have to kick a field goal isn’t aligned with that belief, and it’s cringeworthy.

I didn’t bet on the sport, and I haven’t bet on an NFL game since Super Bowl XLVIII, which was nearly a decade ago. This isn’t sour grapes. We’re in a world where sports gambling and skilled leagues are tied on the hip. One advantages from the opposite. And the Rams converting a rare field goal to finish the sport that doesn’t tie it or win it’s mind-boggling. The execution of it may need been as as innocent as lessening deficit of defeat. The domino effect is far larger.