Rams takeaways: With all the stars present, offense can stay with elite such as Bills

The Rams’ Puka Nacua, who had a touchdown run and touchdown reception, celebrates a first down against the Bills in the second half. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

The Rams defeated the Buffalo Bills 44-42 on Sunday night at SoFi Stadium.

What we learned from a victory that improved the Rams’ record to 7-6:

Puka Nacua keeps getting better

Rams receiver Puka Nacua runs 19 yards for a touchdown after a short reception against the Bills in the fourth quarter. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Rams receiver Puka Nacua was sidelined because of knee injury early in the season, and his physical style leaves him vulnerable to other mishaps. But there is no stopping the second-year pro.

Nacua caught 12 passes for 162 yards and a touchdown, and also rushed for a touchdown.

It was the fourth time this season and the 12th time in his short career that he eclipsed 100 yards receiving.

“He was such an igniter,” coach Sean McVay said.

An igniter?

“Igniter is one of the highest compliments I can give somebody,” McVay said. “You elevate everybody around you.”

Cooper Kupp caught five passes for 92 yards and a touchdown. Tutu Atwell had three catches for 45 yards, including a crucial fourth-down catch for 11 yards that kept alive the Rams’ final scoring drive.

Matthew Stafford continues turnover-free play

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford throws on the run as the Bills defense pursues. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

With Bills quarterback Josh Allen passing for three touchdowns and rushing for three more, it’s easy to overlook outstanding play by Matthew Stafford.

The 16th-year pro completed 23 of 30 passes for 320 yards and two touchdowns. It was Stafford’s first 300-yard game since the Rams’ season-opening defeat by the Detroit Lions when he passed for 317 yards.

In the last four games, Stafford has passed for 10 touchdowns without an interception. This season, Stafford has passed for 19 touchdowns, with seven interceptions.

On Sunday, Stafford made adjustments at…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/rams-takeaways-stars-present-offense-110043234.html

Author : LA Times

Publish date : 2024-12-09 11:00:00

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