Rams Turn Historic Slow Start Into Victory Over Chargers
Los Angeles Rams overcame a record 15-play stall to defeat their city rivals 24-9, ending a winless streak for the Chargers.
By Andrew Yang ·
The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 24-9 on Sunday at SoFi Stadium, snapping a season-long drought and extending the Chargers to their worst start since 2000.
The Rams trailed 9-3 in the closing moments of the first half without recording a single first down. They had gained just 24 yards on their first 15 plays, a mark that stands as the longest such streak in the career of head coach Sean McVay. The team went without a first down on its first five drives, a feat McVay had not witnessed in his professional tenure.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford passed for 157 yards and one touchdown to lead the comeback. Puka Nacua caught 11 passes for 80 yards and a score. Running backs Blake Corum and Kyren Williams combined for three rushing touchdowns. Corum finished with 73 yards on the ground, including a 23-yard score late in the third quarter. Williams added a 19-yard touchdown run with 19 seconds remaining in the first half.
The Chargers remained winless after the loss, dropping to 0-7 on the season. Quarterback Justin Herbert passed for 257 yards but threw two interceptions. The team's defense failed to contain the Rams' offense, which operated without injured wide receiver Davante Adams. This is the only remaining winless record in the National Football League after the weekend's games.
Head coach Mike McDaniel retained play-calling duties despite the team's struggles. He called back-to-back successful flea-flickers in the second quarter to help move the ball. Justin Herbert has thrown an interception in all seven games this season. The Chargers' offense managed 295 total yards but could not match the Rams' late surge.
Injury updates show linebacker Daiyan Henley returning to the field after a shoulder injury in the first quarter. Safety Derwin James missed his fourth consecutive game and was placed on injured reserve on Saturday. For the Rams, cornerback Jaylen Watson left the game with a shoulder injury and did not return. Safety Trent McDuffie injured his back in the second half but remained on the sideline wearing his helmet during the final minutes.
The Rams have now won back-to-back games for the first time this season. They hold a 4-4 record. The Chargers host the Houston Texans next Sunday. The Rams travel to Washington for their next game on Sunday.
