Fox News Flash top sports headlines for December 15
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Baker Mayfield stunned the NFL world last week when he was inserted into the Los Angeles Rams’ game against the Las Vegas Raiders Dec. 8 and led the team to a miraculous comeback victory.
The Rams picked up Mayfield a few days earlier after the Carolina Panthers waived him. He received a condensed version of the playbook and, after only a few days, was quarterbacking a regular-season game and winning it.
Mayfield’s ability to take the field and do what he did impressed many, including teammate Bobby Wagner, a six-time All-Pro who won a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks.
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Los Angeles Rams quarterback Baker Mayfield (17) gestures against the Las Vegas Raiders in the second half at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., Dec 8, 2022. (Kirby Lee/USA Today Sports)
"There needs to be a lot of credit to him because he came in — I want to say maybe Tuesday — and had a 10-20 period practice on Wednesday and came out to perform how he did on Thursday," Wagner told Fox News Digital in a recent interview. "I think it’s a testament to him, his work ethic and being able to understand the offense in such a short time.
"I think having a somewhat normal week is going to be really good for him. We look forward to him doing it again. And I think us as guys who’ve been there for this whole season, it’s just embracing him and showing him we support him and just make sure that he feels that we have his back."
Rams coach Sean McVay said earlier this week Mayfield will make his first start with the Rams in their next matchup against the Green Bay Packers.
Wagner spoke to Fox News Digital on behalf of Bud Light. The two partnered on a contest to help fans find the "perfect present" for loved ones. Interested NFL fans could receive a game-worn jersey signed by Wagner and tickets to the Rams' game Christmas Day against the Denver Broncos.
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Baker Mayfield (17) reacts after a victory against the Las Vegas Raiders at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., Dec 8, 2022. (Gary A. Vasquez/USA Today Sports)
By that time, the Rams could still be in a position for a playoff spot. The team isn’t officially eliminated yet but is sitting at 4-9 with only a few weeks left to go.
"I think the biggest thing is to preach and try to make sure everybody stays present," Wagner told Fox News Digital of the mindset going into the last part of the year. "Obviously, you can’t do anything about what’s happened in the past, and you can’t do anything about the future. You have no idea. But what you can control is the present and making sure you show up and put your best foot forward and give everything you have on that day. I think you know that’s been kind of our messaging.
RAMS' BAKER MAYFIELD EARNS START VS. PACKERS AFTER WILD COMEBACK VICTORY
"We have this game coming up. Like, can we perform at our best for that game and then do it again the next game and do it again the next game and not necessarily worry about where you end up but worrying about putting your best foot forward and kind of see what happens. I feel like these last couple of games we’ve done that. Seattle didn’t work out how we wanted to but Las Vegas did, and we’ll just keep doing it."
Wagner signed with the Rams in the offseason from the Seahawks. In his first year in LA, Wagner has 111 tackles and five sacks.
Los Angeles Rams linebacker Bobby Wagner celebrates after a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., Dec 8, 2022. (Kirby Lee/USA Today Sports)
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Los Angeles and Green Bay square off Monday night. The Rams are 4-9.