The Los Angeles Rams (6-2) made quick work of the New Orleans Saints (1-8); defeating the NFC South opponent 34-10 at SoFi Stadium. One could argue that this game was over before it even started with New Orleans opting to start Tyler Shough over Spencer Rattler. But every game has to be played from the first whistle to the last. LA dominated in such case; totaling ___ yards of offense and forcing two turnovers to on defense. Here were the 5 game-defining plays of the Rams-Saints Week 9 matchup.
1. Tyler Higbee 1 yard TD, (Rams 7 – Saints 0), 6:18 remaining in 1st Quarter
After forcing a quick three & out on defense, the Rams offense went to work with a 6 min+ drive. On 3rd & Goal from the Saints 1, Stafford connected with Tyler Higbee off a play action fake. Higbee was wide open in the endzone after the fake handoff drew Saints defensive back Alontae Taylor to the line of scrimmage; leaving the 10th year veteran tight end for the game-opening score.
The game was still in its early fruition but Los Angeles had been inconsistent in the first half of the season with its touchdown success upon reaching the red zone. To score on the first trip of the game was a great sign that the Rams weren’t going to fall in a trap game to the Saints.
2. Puka Nacua 39 yard Touchdown, (Rams 20 – Saints 3), 6:25 remaining in 2nd Quarter
Midway through the second quarter, the Saints finally got on the board with a 39 yard field goal. Three plays later the Rams answered with their own scoring play. On 1st & 10 from the Saints 39 yard line, Sean McVay drew up another play action play out of 13 personnel. Puka Nacua ran an out and up towards the right-near pylon. Stafford dropped a patented dime of his to his #1 wide receiver with two defenders converging. Nacua hauled in the pass and managed to keep his body inbounds; touching the pylon for the Rams third touchdown of the game.
The strike to Nacua was the Rams third touchdown of the game (and before halftime); further emphasizing that the Saints would not be able to keep pace.
3. Nate Landman forced fumble, (Rams 27 – Saints 10), 4:11 remaining in 3rd Quarter
In the 3rd Quarter, the Rams had increased their lead to a 27-10 thanks to Davante Adams’s second touchdown connection with Stafford. Trying to gain second half momentum, the Saints were at midfield and handed off to Alvin Kamara on 1st down. He gained 3 yards but was met in the hole by multiple Rams defenders. Nate Landman was the last one and he brought the fatal blow; using the renowned peanut-punch to force the ball lose from Kamara’ right hand. Kam Kinchens recovered and set up the Rams with excellent field position near midfield.
4. Kyren Williams TD (Rams 34 – Saints 10), 12;40 remaining in 4th Quarter
After recovering Nate Landman’s forced fumble, LA used a lot of game clock – over 6 minutes – in order to manufacture another scoring drive. This time, Kyren Williams got to hit paydirt on 4th & 1 from the goal line in order to put the Rams ahead by three scores.
5. Kobie Turner TFL on 4th down (Rams 34 – Saints 10)
The final dagger in this one belonged to the defense. The Saints marched downfield into the red zone to try to and cut into their large deficit but Chris Shula’s defense held strong. On 4th & 2 at the LAR 7 yard line, Kobie Turner stuffed a designed run by Taysom Hill. LA got the ball back and by then there was little time left for NO to consider a comeback bid.
Those are the five defining plays of Week 9 between the Los Angeles Rams and the New Orleans Saints. What was your favorite play or moment? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
**Los Angeles will travel to San Francisco next week in a Week 10 divisional clash with first place on the line in the NFC West.**
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