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The Los Angeles Rams had to fight every down in order to go home with the win on Sunday, but a couple of red zone stands made by LA’s defense and a Herculian effort by Cooper Kupp helped the Rams get a 27-24 win over the Indianapolis Colts to improve to 2-0.
The defense wasn’t perfect — Darrell Henderson left the game with an injury, and Kenny Young was ejected — but LA gets to keep its perfect record for one week more. Here is a quick rundown of what happened on Sunday.
1st Quarter
After taking the opening kick 41 yards to set up great field position on their first drive, the Colts were able to move the ball down the field to the one yard line. Indianapolis called three running plays in a row and were not able to punch in the score, and on forth and goal Wentz dropped back looking for the end zone, but quickly was met with Leonard Floyd in his face and suffered a sack to cause a turnover on downs.
LA’s offense awarded their defense with a 9 play drive that led to an easy 16-yard Cooper Kupp touchdown. On the drive Stafford went 5/5 for 81 yards.
9️⃣ + = 6️⃣ pic.twitter.com/36ZYjzfBgh
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) September 19, 2021
Rams 7, Colts 0
2nd Quarter
The Colts went scoreless in the first quarter but started the second with three on the board after a 48-yard field goal. LA suffered their first turnover of the season and Stafford’s first interception in a Rams uniform when a tipped pass fell into the arms of Khari Willis.
Khari will be keeping this one.
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) September 19, 2021
FOX pic.twitter.com/Elii0rajE1
Following the Stafford interception, Wentz and company found themselves within in the Rams 10 yard line for the second time in the game, and for the second time in a row the Colts could not put any points on the board. A questionable shovel pass from Wentz found Troy Reeder for the interception.
FIRST CAREER INT FOR @troyreeder9 pic.twitter.com/C9447UMdlb
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) September 19, 2021
Both teams committed turnovers in the second quarter and could not get much going, Indianapolis and LA traded field goals to end the half.
Rams 10, Colts 6
3rd Quarter
The Rams started out strong to start the second half. Stafford completed a screen to Kupp who took the ball 43 yards, and running back Darrell Henderson took care of the rest, punching the ball in from the two yard line. Coach Sean McVay gave the ball to Henderson four times in a row to finish off the drive. LA’s defense would follow up with a three and out following the Henderson touchdown—forcing the first punt of the game for either team.
RUN GAME @DarrellH8 finds the endzone to get us going in the second half! pic.twitter.com/pe5JGhzBvK
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) September 19, 2021
Indy finally found success in the red zone against the Rams on an 11 play drive that finished with a strike to wide receiver Zach Pascal. They also were able to convert a two-point conversion the following play. LA nearly stopped them for a third time in the red zone, but some uncharacteristic play from the Rams led the first touchdown of the game for the Colts.
Zip it right in there for ZP.
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) September 19, 2021
FOX pic.twitter.com/tayt8bydWi
Rams 17, Colts 14
4th Quarter
Speaking of uncharacteristic football from the Rams, they suffered three three-and-outs in a row. The third one hurt the most though. Johnny Hekker’s third punt attempt turned from routine to baffling when ball hit a defender and rolled into LA’s end zone for an easy scoop and score for Indy.
Colts 21, Rams 17
Just how we drew it up.
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) September 19, 2021
FOX pic.twitter.com/7xRlrpFbVp
It did not take long for Los Angeles to take back the lead, however, as Stafford found his favorite target Kupp for a 44 yard gain and then followed it up with a ten yard strike for six.
Rams 24, Colts 21
MAKE IT ✌️ FOR COOOOOOP!@CooperKupp finds the endzone again! pic.twitter.com/dfVS2RAi6N
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) September 19, 2021
A successful field goal by the Colts gave the Rams the ball back 7:22 to go in a tie game.
Rams 24, Colts 24
McVay turned the offense so new addition Sony Michel who found some success against the Indy’s defense. The offense was not able to punch the ball in to take a six point lead, but a 38-yard field goal from Matt Gay gave LA a three point lead with 2:23 left in the game.
Wentz had a good game against the Rams but had to retire early after what appeared to be an ankle injury, giving Jacob Easton his chance to drive the Colts down the field. His second pass flew high though, giving Jalen Ramsey his first interception of the season.
The Rams took most of the time off of the clock and a desperation drive attempt by Eason fell short.
Final: Rams 27, Colts 24
What are your immediate thoughts as the 2-0 Rams prepare to host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 3?
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