In a high scoring affair, the Los Angeles Rams defeated the San Francisco 49ers 42-26 on Sunday afternoon to improve to 7-2.
The Rams’ high-powered offense was on full display, as they scored six touchdowns, accounting for over 400 yards of offense.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford continued his hot start, throwing for 280 yards and four touchdowns, further adding to his MVP case, as he continues to turn back the clock.
Sunday marked history for the now 37-year-old veteran, who threw his 400th career passing touchdown with a four-yard pass to tight end Davis Allen. Stafford, who is ninth on the all time passing touchdown list, sits just 19 touchdowns behind Chargers legend Phillip Rivers for sixth all time. He’s thrown 25 touchdowns this season — the most in the NFL thus far.
Stafford’s favorite target this season, wide receiver Puka Nacua, caught five passes for 64 yards and one touchdown in his second game back from injury.
Davante Adams has also had a huge impact on the Rams success as of late, as he caught six of his eight targets for 77 yards and a touchdown.
The Rams’ offensive effort wasn’t one-dimensional, either. Running back Kyren Williams had a strong day on the ground, rushing for 73 yards and punching in two scores.
However, it was LA’s defense that created scoring opportunities for their offense.
After forcing a three-and-out on their first possession, the Rams’ defense continued their aggression. Linebacker Nate Landman forced a fumble on the 49ers’ next possession, allowing the Stafford-run offense to regain possession and score another quick touchdown — putting them up 21-0 early in the second quarter.
Following these two possessions, as the 49ers were driving down the field, the Rams secured a critical fourth down stop in the red zone that kept the 49ers off the score board until late in the quarter.
Yet, despite the early lead, the 49ers began mounting a comeback towards the end of the second quarter, carrying that momentum into halftime as they came out of the locker room and scored a touchdown on their opening possession to cut the lead to one score.
However, the Rams’ offense would not let up easily. Stafford and co. kept up the pressure, as they proceeded to get into the end zone on their next three possessions, squashing any hope of a 49ers’ comeback for good.
It was a full team effort for the Rams, as the team played flawless football and exhibited true discipline — committing zero turnovers and zero penalties for the first time all season.
Additionally, due to the recent struggles of Joshua Karty, the Rams debuted rookie kicker Harrison Mevis, who went perfect on extra points (6/6), despite not attempting a field goal.
Despite the win, Los Angeles was dealt yet another injury blow — this time to the other half of their star receiving duo. Early in the fourth quarter, Adams seemed to pull his back running a route, causing him to exit the game and not return.
Head coach Sean McVay said after the game that Adams is dealing with an oblique injury, but had no other update to provide on the matter. Still, he doesn’t appear to be too concerned about its lasting impact. McVay compared the situation to Nacua’s chest injury last week, saying that Adams may have returned if the game was closer.
The Rams have potentially their biggest matchup of the season next Sunday, when they’ll host the 7-2 Seattle Seahawks.
The Seahawks look like a completely revamped team with quarterback Sam Darnold under center. Darnold’s connection with star wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who leads the NFL in receiving yards, will be one to watch, as the Rams begin to prepare in hopes of taking sole possession of first place in the NFC West.
The game kicks off at 1:05 p.m, and is available for viewing on FOX or streaming on the FOX Sports app.