Atlanta Falcons (7-9) – Los Angeles Rams (11-5) : 27-24
It’s hard to be more catastrophic than the Rams’ first half this Monday. Two punts, a failure on fourth attempt, but above all two interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown. All this against a Bijan Robinson (22 races, 195 yards, 1 TD – 5 rec, 34 yards, 1 TD) on fire, and Los Angeles found itself trailing 21-0 at the break.
Not enough to bring down Matthew Stafford (22/38, 269 yards, 2 TDs, 3 int) and his teammates, who finally regained their senses after the break. 2mn46 from time, Stafford even found Puka Nacua for the equalizer at 24-all.
But the Falcons managed to finish, scoring a 51-yard field goal 21 seconds from the final whistle to win. Because of this failed first part of the match, the Rams lost and fell in the NFC standings. They will be in the playoffs, but with their current sixth place, they will have to go on the road for the first game.
Falcons defense, Rams special teams
This match will not have lacked variety in the way of scoring points. In the second quarter, Jessie Bates returned a Matthew Stafford interception 34 yards for a touchdown (14-0). The Rams’ comeback was helped by a blocked field goal, returned 76 yards by Jared Verse, to the opposing end zone!
But that wasn’t enough for a Los Angeles team that found itself in too big of a hole. If Stafford made mistakes, the defense also lacked bite, not managing a single sack and allowing a staggering average of 8.9 yards per carry to Bijan Robinson. Kirk Cousins (13/20, 126 yards, 1 TD) didn’t even have to force.
Sean McVay and his players will therefore have to put things in place for the final stages.
