The Los Angeles Rams took on the division rival San Francisco 49ers in their home opener in Week 3, searching for their first win of the season.
Even though both teams were missing key pieces, the Rams’ season was essentially on the line considering only six teams since 1979 have made the playoffs after starting 0-3, including just one since 2000. And none have won the Super Bowl.
But despite falling down by two touchdowns, the Rams did not give up and fought all the way back to earn a 27-24 win, their first of the season, to improve to 1-2.
Things weren’t pretty for the defense early as they struggled to contain Brock Purdy and Jauan Jennings. In the absence of Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel and George Kittle, Jennings had a career day with 11 receptions for 175 yards and three touchdowns.
Byron Young came up with a big strip sack of Purdy towards the end of the first half though and that got the Rams going a bit. After falling down 21-7 early in the third quarter, the Rams offense immediately responded with a touchdown drive.
Without Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp in the lineup, it was known that the Rams would rely on Kyren Williams and the run game. He had his best performance of the young season, carrying the ball 24 times for 89 yards and two touchdowns while adding two receptions for 27 yards and another touchdown through the air.
The Rams have scored six touchdowns in their three games so far, and five of them have been by Williams.
Nothing was stopping Kyren Williams from getting into the end zone. 😤
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— Rams Newswire (@RamsNewswire) September 22, 2024
Great move by Byron Young to get the strip sack!
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— Rams Newswire (@RamsNewswire) September 22, 2024
Kyren Williams up to four touchdowns on the season already.
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— Rams Newswire (@RamsNewswire) September 22, 2024
"Eff it, Tutu down there somewhere." – Matthew Stafford (probably)
via @NFL pic.twitter.com/boW6YWbpAW
— Rams Newswire (@RamsNewswire) September 23, 2024
Xavier Smith with a big punt return to give the Rams a chance to win it in regulation!
(via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/U5IOpoqTl9
— Rams Newswire (@RamsNewswire) September 22, 2024
Joshua Karty with his first career game-winning kick!
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— Rams Newswire (@RamsNewswire) September 22, 2024
Matthew Stafford made his fair share of plays in the passing game as well to bring the Rams back. The most notable was a 50-yard bomb to Tutu Atwell late in the fourth quarter to set up the game-tying touchdown.
After the defense got a stop to give the Rams one final chance to win it in regulation, Xavier Smith came up with a massive punt return to set his team up with good field position. It was the first return of Smith’s Rams career.
The Rams didn’t have any timeouts left so if it were not for that return, they may have taken a knee to send the game to overtime. Set up around midfield though, Stafford got the Rams into field goal range and rookie Joshua Karty connected from 37 yards to seal the victory for L.A.
It’s no secret that this was a must-win game for the Rams despite being so shorthanded, and they were able to go out and get it. McVay has struggled against Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers but he coached a phenomenal game on Sunday to help L.A. pick up its first victory over a division rival.
What’s next for the Rams
The Rams go back on the road in Week 4, taking on No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears. They have really struggled offensively so this is a prime opportunity for the Rams to build off their Week 3 win and get to 2-2 on the season.
