Los Angeles Rams quarterback Baker Mayfield (17) drops back to pass against the Denver Broncos during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Baker Mayfield, Rams destroy Broncos in 37-point Christmas blowout

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 12/25/22

The Broncos were on the receiving end of an unpleasant Christmas surprise. A 51-14 blowout loss to the Rams in Los Angeles.

Rams quarterback Baker Mayfield and running back Cam Akers were like a pair of grinches for Denver, combining for five offensive touchdowns. Mayfield threw two while Akers rushed for three.

BAKER TO HIGS FOR 6️⃣!

@NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/mfOFwT4mX4
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) December 25, 2022

.@thereal_cam3 with our second TD in the first quarter!

@NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/lmDJnHjeu1
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) December 25, 2022

Russell Wilson did no favors for the Broncos' defense, throwing three interceptions and getting sacked six times.

BOBBY PLAYMAKER WAGNER WITH THE PICK!

@NFLonCBS | @Bwagz pic.twitter.com/5GPypmdhFx
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) December 25, 2022

The awful defensive and offensive performances complimented each other, culminating in the Broncos allowing 50 or more points in a single game for the first time in five years, per the Associated Press' Josh Dubow.

Most points allowed by Broncos since merger:
59 vs #Raiders 10/24/2010
55 vs Colts 10/31/1988
52 vs Chargers 12/22/2008
51 vs Rams today
51 vs Eagles 11/5/2017
— Josh Dubow (@JoshDubowAP) December 26, 2022

The Broncos have lost six of their last seven games. Although Denver is out of playoff contention, it would like to see potential building blocks for next season, and it appears to have few.

The Broncos (4-10) loss to the Rams (5-11) is fitting because Los Angeles shows it can bounce back from a lost season. The Rams' 2-1 record over their past three games is a small sign of improvement.

Also, Los Angeles gets some slack because they won a Super Bowl last season. On the flip side, Denver hasn't made the playoffs in seven years.

The complete landslide is unexpected too. Wilson and a talented young roster were supposed to guide the organization in a new direction.

However, the Broncos are completely off-course before the new year.

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