The Los Angeles Rams, reminiscent of their potent offense from past seasons, took an early 7-0 lead against the New Orleans Saints with a touchdown by Puka Nacua, his fifth of the season. Quarterback Matthew Stafford orchestrated a 14-play, 95-yard drive, converting six first downs. The Rams' aggressive play-calling paid off when they opted to go for it on 4th and 2 at the goal line, where Stafford found Nacua for the score. Cooper Kupp was targeted twice on third-and-goal but failed to secure a touchdown, leading to Nacua's touchdown and a subsequent field goal by Lukas Havrisik on fourth downs. The Saints attempted to answer back, but their fourth-down play resulted in a sack of Derek Carr by Kobie Turner, with both teams showcasing aggressive coaching strategies. Carr has been under pressure, holding the ball too long and getting sacked, while the Rams' defense has been disruptive.
Two third-and-goal incompletions to Cooper Kupp so far, only for Puka Nacua TD and Lukas Havrisik FG on fourth downs.
Cooper Kupp managers… So close to a TD https://t.co/IcMBGlvtcn
Can't believe the Rams are in a must-win game, honestly.
Rams and Matthew Stafford carving the saints up.
Derek Carr watching this Rams pass rush waltz through his o-line: https://t.co/SSfIu5hPmN
Welcome aboard 🫡 https://t.co/I95lz9N5TM
Derek Carr is doing a fine job of standing there until he gets sacked tonight
Get the damn ball out Derek Carr!
Both head coaches have been aggressive so far. The Rams' fourth-down attempt went for a touchdown. The Saints' fourth-down attempt ended with a Kobie Turner sack.
kobie turner hive 🤲🏾
Rams were covering tight there on third-and-5. Quentin Lake breaks up the pass. Kobie Turner takes down Derek Carr on fourth down, and the Rams offense will get the ball back.
Puka Nacua's fifth touchdown catch gives Rams early 7-0 lead. https://t.co/bFtQKKBwlp
Puka Nacua scores the first TD of the game 🙌 https://t.co/QItzm2vTHv
When you take Puka Nacua to score the First Touchdown and you have him in your fantasy football playoffs https://t.co/OhIL0xLKMr
The #Rams go for it on 4️⃣th down and get the TD from Stafford to Nacua❕ https://t.co/e4tS8Zfz9P
PUKA FOR 6️⃣ https://t.co/w4SpjWTNuF
ON 4TH AND GOAL 👏 Puka Nacua first TD scorer (+850) ✅ https://t.co/iv2aKnY1J7
.@RamsNFL the “sit route” at the goal line on 4th & 2! Precision to @AsapPuka #BaldysBreakdowns https://t.co/J3nRKV7DSD
THE YOUNGSTER, PUKA NACUA OPENS UP THE SCORING. 🔥 ✅ 1st TD Scorer +700 https://t.co/56pJBTKCrY
PUKA. The Rams drive 95 yards and take the lead! 👏 (🎥: @RamsNFL) https://t.co/l8KtAVWBb1
Stafford ➡️ Nacua as the Rams strike first! https://t.co/Abl3cBZEqw
PUKA. The Rams take drive 95 yards and take the lead! 👏 (🎥: @RamsNFL) https://t.co/l8KtAVX90z
Monster opening drive by the Rams: 14 plays, 95 yards and a TD. The Rams converted six first downs on the march. It's 7-0 Rams.
Cooper Kupp dropped the touchdown 😳 https://t.co/XRCWP5p5Uz
Touchdown Rams! #Rams 7, #Saints 0
Looking like the Rams offense from a few years ago 🔥
The Rams are going to go for it on 4th and 2.
The LEGEND @Chip_Patterson joining us on @VSiNLive as @1TimMurray and I wait for Davis Allen to find the end zone... https://t.co/1nitDlnMBp