INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — For the second time in three weeks, the Los Angeles Rams entered a game knowing a win would put them in a tie for the NFC West lead, but they struggled mightily on the primetime stage .

Philadelphia’s Saquon Barkley ran for 255 yards, the most the Rams have allowed for a running back, but it was the familiar struggles on offense and special teams that also loomed just as large in Sunday night 37-20 loss to the Eagles.

“The bottom line was we shot ourselves in the foot,” defensive end Kobie Turner said. “We really had to play gap-sound, but any time an opponent gets (314) rushing yards, it’s embarrassing.”

Barkley’s 255 yards is the most by a running back against the Rams, surpassing the previous mark of 253 by Dallas’ DeMarco Murray in a 2011 game.

The 314 rushing yards were the fourth most allowed in a game in franchise history.

“They’ve done way too many good things explosively in the running game for them to overcome,” coach Sean McVay said.

The Rams looked like they were going to get off to a fast start, but Kyren Williams fumbled the ball to the Eagles’ 17-yard line. It was Williams’ fifth fumble and third turnover in seven weeks, after having just three fumbles and two turnovers last year.

Williams gave the Rams a 7-3 lead with 1:02 remaining in the first quarter on a 1-yard run up the middle, but the offense went three-and-out on the next three drives.

After Barkley’s 70-yard run put the Eagles ahead 20-7 early in the third quarter, the Rams fought back and got within six when Matthew Stafford connected with Demarcus Robinson for a two-yard pass. But Philadelphia took control the rest of the way.

Stafford completed 24 of 36 passes for 243 yards and two touchdowns, but was under duress most of the night. He was sacked five times, a season high.

Stafford has been sacked 22 times in the six losses, compared to just four times in the five wins.

“The four of them rushed most of the night. They didn’t do anything that we didn’t expect,” Stafford said. “At half-time it was a one-goal game, but in the second half we didn’t do enough. We haven’t put ourselves in many favorable positions.”

Puka Nacua had nine receptions for 117 yards, but Cooper Kupp was held in check for most of the game before finishing with eight catches for 60 yards.

Rookie Joshua Karty went wide right on a 47-yard field goal attempt late in the third quarter, marking his third straight game with a missed kick. He made just three of his last six field goals.

“I thought we were ready to go,” McVay said. “The turnover in the first quarter really hurt us. When it was a one-possession game, they scored soon after the half. We matched it and then it disappeared from us.

Despite their struggles, the Rams are still competing for the NFC West title.

Arizona and Seattle are tied atop the division at 6-5, while the Rams and San Francisco are one game back at 5-6.

Three of Los Angeles’ last four games have been against division opponents.

“There are humiliating nights like this in football. It’s about how you respond. This team has the ability to respond,” McVay said.

___

AP N.F.L.: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl