The Los Angeles Rams (11-3) are playoff bound after defeating the Detroit Lions (8-6)! America’s Game of the Week featured a high scoring affair between Sean McVay’s Rams and Dan Campbell’s Lions but it was Los Angeles that prevailed 41-34. The Lions clawed their way out to a 10 point lead (24-14) but the Rams offense stayed aggressive – scoring 20 unanswered points at one point. With 75 total points between the two teams, there were plenty of big moments. Here are the 5 key plays that solidified
the Rams win.
1a. Matthew Stafford connects with Puka Nacua on 4th & 4, (Rams 0 – Lions 7), 5:34 left in the 1st Quarter
The Rams knew going into this game that they wanted to capitalize on every possession. After throwing an interception on the opening drive, McVay trusted his MVP caliber quarterback to deliver. The Rams faced a 4th down at the DET 45. Instead of attempting a 62 yard field goal or punting, McVay kept his foot on the gas; trusting the Stafford-Nacua connection.
1b. Stafford finds Nacua again on 4th & 8, (Rams 0 – Lions 7), 4:14 left in the 1st Quarter
Three plays later, the Rams offense couldn’t convert again on 3rd down. This time, McVay could have attempted a 55 yard field goal, but passed yet again. Stafford hit Nacua along the near sideline for 10 yards to move the chains.
The two 4th down conversions ultimately set up a Kyren Williams touchdown run from the 4 yard line, tying the game at 7-7.
2. Nacua hauls in deep bomb from Stafford to set up field goal before halftime, (Rams 14 – Lions 24), 0:18 left in the 2nd Quarter
LA’s defense did not have any answers to stop the Lions offensive attack in the first half. Detroit scored 14 straight points giving them a 10 point lead just a few minutes before half. With two timeouts, McVay wanted points before the half. And right on cue, Stafford hit Nacua who beat DJ Reed up the far sideline. Though they couldn’t score a touchdown in the waning seconds, Harrison Mevis was able to drill a 37 yard field goal to give the team momentum going into halftime.
3. Colby Parkinson 26 yard touchdown [play stands], (Rams 27 – Lions 24), 2:26 left in the 3rd Quarter
Trailing by 4 points towards the end of the 3rd quarter, Matthew Stafford operated out of shotgun on 1st & 10. Without hesitation, Stafford looked left and then immediately turned to his right looking up the far sideline for… Colby Parkinson. Stafford laid the ball in perfectly to his tight end, who beat safety Daniel Thomas. The play was ruled a touchdown as video review could not give indisputable evidence as to when Parkinson gained complete control of the football.
4. Kobie Turner drags down Jared Goff for sack, (Rams 27 – Lions 24), 2:15 left in the 3rd Quarter
Los Angeles finally got some defensive support in the second half; forcing three consecutive three & out drives for the Detroit Lions offense. The second three & out was in large part because of Kobie Turner. The third year defensive lineman pulled down Jared Goff for the team’s only sack. It was a pivotal one that completely saw the Rams defense and the home crowd fired up.
5. Kyren Williams picks up first down to move chains before 2:00 warning, (Rams 41 – Lions 34), 2:37 left in the 4th Quarter
The Rams needed every play to seal their win against Detroit. Even though it wasn’t a highlight reel play, the offense was able to convert a first down with under 3 minutes remaining in the game. Knowing they needed to burn Detroit’s timeouts, the offensive line continued to generate running lanes for Kyren Williams and Blake Corum. Kyren powered through to pick up 6 huge yards. The conversion allowed LA to drain nearly 2:30 minutes of game clock before punting. With no timeouts, Detroit was only able to run one play before time expired.
What other plays stood out to you? What do the Rams fans think of Tutu Atwell’s shoe string catch?
