Los Angeles Rams 30 - New Orleans Saints 22
If you just looked at the box score and stats, you would think this was a close game throughout the night. But in actuality, the Los Angeles Rams were manhandling the New Orleans Saints all game. Whether it was Rams wide receivers DeMarcus Robinson or Puka Nacua catching dimes from quarterback Matthew Stafford, or running back Kyren Williams churning for chunks of rushing yards at a time.
First Half: Rams Kickoff the Night With Puka Nacua
Towards the end of the first quarter, Rams QB Stafford finds rookie Puka Nacua for a 2-yard touchdown. This was only the beginning as the Rams continued to do whatever they wanted offensively. Throughout the night, the Saints continued to show their ineptitude on offense; with their offense going for it on fourth down three times and converting on none of them.
Can't say the New Orleans offense wasn't moving, being that quarterback Derek Carr finished the night with 319 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception. Having wide receiver Chris Olave back in the lineup helped too; as Olave totaled 123 yards on nine catches.
Saints workhorse running back Alvin Kamara couldn't get anything going, in rushing or receiving. While on the other side, Rams emergent second year back Kyren Williams shined all night long. Williams had 104 yards and a score on the night. Although his longest run of the night was only 10 yards, he was dicing through the lines for good yardage gains on each carry.
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Second Half: Rams Continue to Pour It On
No better way to start off the second half than with a 41-yard bomb to Puka Nacua. Nacua tallied 164 yards and a touchdown as his yard count equaled all other Rams receivers combined. This isn't to say the other Rams receivers didn't play well, because former Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens wideout DeMarcus Robinson had a great game as well. Robinson had himself a day with 82 yards and a 4-yard touchdown catch at the end of the first half.
The Saints attempted a comeback by scoring 15 points in the fourth quarter making it a one possession game. But their efforts went to waste because of the previous scoreless drives, where they continued to go for it on fourth down and to not convert.
The Los Angeles Rams hang their heads high as they won five of their last six games, making them a sneaky good playoff team. And for the Saints, they continue their up and down 2023 NFL season. New Orleans isn't eliminated from the playoffs just yet, but they did make it a little harder on themselves with them playing division opponents back to back during the final two weeks of the NFL regular Season.
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