The Los Angeles Rams and New Orleans Saints participated in the Game of the Week. This NFC Championship rematch has been the topic of discussion all offseason thanks to a controversial no-call. Well, this game also shared it’s controversial moments too. However, it was the Rams that picked up the victory.
The Saints didn’t start off well on the road in Los Angeles by surrendering an interception. In Drew Brees’s defense, it would have been a completed pass but Jared Cook was absolutely hammered by Eric Weddle and John Johnson ended up with the interception. The Rams did drive the ball downfield, but were limited to a 24-yard Greg Zuerlein field goal.
The second quarter showcased the defensive prowess of both teams. It helped the Rams that Brees went out with a thumb injury. Teddy Bridgewater stepped in and didn’t do too bad all things considered. The Saints did tie the game at three with 11:06 remaining in the second quarter.
Yet another controversial call occurred on a Jared Goff fumble. The call was initially blown dead as an incomplete pass, despite Cameron Jordan returning the recovered fumble for a touchdown. The call was overturned, but since the call was blown dead, the touchdown didn’t count. The Saints weren’t able to capitalize off the turnover. The Rams took a slight lead entering halftime after Zuerlein nailed a 22-yard field goal. Rams took a 6-3 lead.
The second half produced even more defensive strength. However, Wil Lutz did manage to nail a 52-yard field goal with 9:49 left in the third quarter. The Rams answered by marching the ball downfield until they dished the ball off to Todd Gurley for a 4-yard touchdown run. the Rams regained the lead, 13-6 with 5:39 left in the third. A quick three-and-out and a good punt return by JoJo Natson put the Rams is great position. They took advantage of the situation with a 2-yard touchdown pass from Goff to Brandin Cooks.
The Saints trimmed the lead a bit after a Lutz 42-yard field goal. The Rams led, 20-9 with 10:58 left of the fourth quarter. The Rams wasted no time retaliating, Cooper Kupp fought for a 67-yard gain but was stopped inches from the end zone. The Rams increased their lead to 27-9 after Goff did a QB-sneak for a touchdown. That score turned out to seal the game.
The Rams will look to extend their winning streak by traveling to Cleveland to take on the Browns. The game will be on prime time, with kickoff at 5:20 p.m. PT on NBC.
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