Eagles Beat Rams, but Lose Wentz to Injury

Angeles Rams lived up to the promise of a rare late-season matchup between teams averaging more than 30 points a game. The Eagles came away Sunday with a 43-35 victory, and the N.F.C. East division crown, in a game that was far closer than the final score indicated.

But the cost of the victory for the Eagles will not be known until they determine the severity of a knee injury sustained by Carson Wentz, their standout second-year quarterback, who left the game in the third quarter and did not return. Although his backup, Nick Foles, helped lead the Eagles to victory, an extended absence by Wentz could drastically alter Philadelphia’s postseason prospects.

For now, the Eagles can take some optimism from their ability to rally for a win under difficult circumstances, while also taking at least some time to celebrate their first division title since 2013.

It looked as if the Eagles, who needed a win or a tie to clinch it, would fail to secure the division crown for a second straight week after Wentz was injured. They promptly allowed the Rams to march 75 yards on just seven plays, and Todd Gurley’s 1-yard touchdown run enabled Los Angeles to retake the lead, 35-31.
Although Foles lacks Wentz’s big-play ability, he then led the Eagles 52 yards on 10 plays, and Jake Elliott’s 41-yard field goal closed the gap to 35-34.

The deciding play of the game was a turnover three plays into a Rams drive with about eight and a half minutes left in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Jared Goff — the No. 1 pick in the 2016 draft, when Wentz was No. 2 — was sacked by Chris Long and fumbled; Rodney McLeod recovered the ball at the Rams’ 34 and ran it back 9 yards.

From the Rams’ 25, Foles generated only 10 yards of offense, but that was plenty for Elliott, who kicked a 33-yard field goal that gave Philadelphia a 37-35 lead.

The Eagles tacked on a touchdown in the game’s closing seconds after the Rams tried to do a series of laterals but fumbled. Brandon Graham recovered the ball and ran 25 yards for a score.
Wentz was hurt late in the third quarter while diving into the end zone on a touchdown run that was negated by a holding penalty. As he was hit from both sides, his legs twisted awkwardly under him, but he held on to the ball.

Wentz remained in the game for four more plays, completing a 2-yard touchdown pass to Alshon Jeffery. Then he was evaluated in the team’s medical tent before being sent to the locker room.

Wentz completed 23 of 41 passes for 291 yards and four touchdowns. The only significant flaw in his performance came on the opening drive, when a tipped pass found its way into Kayvon Webster’s hands for an interception.

The Eagles improved to 11-2 and will travel to face the Giants next Sunday. The Rams (9-4) stayed one game ahead of the N.F.C. West rival Seahawks, whom they will play next Sunday in Seattle.