“I Hate Watching Bad Weather Games”: Skip Bayless Blames Rain for Matthew Stafford and Brock Purdy’s TNF Struggles

Braden Ramsey | 13/12/2024
Dec 12, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) looks to pass the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter at Levi's Stadium.

Fans anticipated the NFL’s Week 15 Thursday Night Football matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers being an offensive slugfest. Unfortunately, it was anything but. The NFC West rivals were tied 3-3 at halftime. They were knotted 6-6 with 13:38 remaining in regulation. Things ended without a touchdown being scored in Los Angeles’ 12-6 victory.

Skip Bayless believes the first half’s rainy conditions were responsible for the stalled offenses. He took to Twitter/X at halftime to express his disdain for watching football be played in poor weather:

Amazon noted this was the first time the Rams and 49ers have both failed to score a touchdown through three quarters against one another.

The game ending without an end zone trip would seem to support Bayless’ claim of the rain impacting offensive efficiency. Regardless, fans took the opportunity to argue against him in his comments.

Another viewer expressed that the game coming on just three days’ rest – as most TNF games do – was more to blame than the weather.

Criticism of TNF contests has been common since it became a bigger staple of the NFL slate in 2006. While good defensive showings are appreciated, it doesn’t make the most entertaining television for casual fans.

According to J.J. Watt, it wasn’t a fun watch for future Hall of Fame defenders, either.

Los Angeles (8-6) improved their playoff odds to 50%, per Amazon’s telecast. San Francisco (6-8) saw their playoff likelihood dip to 0.1%.

Their awful showing against NFC West foes — 1-4, including 0-3 at home — has them destined to miss the postseason for the first time in four years (2020).

Post Edited By: Nidhi
Brock Purdy Matthew Stafford Skip Bayless

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Braden Ramsey

Braden Ramsey has always been a big NFL fan. He has written about the league for various outlets, and covered the sport at a number of levels throughout his life. His favorite team is the Baltimore Ravens. When he's not writing, Braden can be found enjoying comedy of all kinds and hanging out with friends.

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