There were a lot of key plays made by the Rams in their 36-19 win over the Browns on Sunday afternoon. Puka Nacua scored a 70-yard touchdown in the first half, Demarcus Robinson had a 30-yard catch on second-and-20 and Russ Yeast broke up a fourth-down pass to halt the Browns’ drive in the fourth quarter.
However, if you ask Sean McVay, John Johnson’s interception with 6:51 left in the fourth was the play of the game.
“For him to make that play against his old team, be able to make a great return to put us in what would already be in scoring position. and then for us to be able to cap that off, I did think that was the play of the game and I think that’s where the turning point came into play,” McVay said.
"That was the play of the game."
🎥 Coach McVay on @iamjohnthethird's INT + his overall play. pic.twitter.com/sH8qN22i55
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) December 4, 2023
At the time, the Rams were only up 20-19, holding a one-point lead midway through the fourth. The Browns very well could have taken the ball and marched down the field for a go-ahead field goal or touchdown, but Johnson took advantage of an inaccurate deep ball by Joe Flacco.
You can be assured he was thrilled to come up with the pick against his former team, even sending a shot their way after the win. If not for that play, the outcome of the game could’ve been much different.