In the rematch of the NFC championship game, the Los Angeles Rams again defeated the New Orleans Saints. It was 27-9 for Sean McVay’s guys, who had luck against the Saints once more.
The NFL’s all-time passing leader, Drew Brees had to go out in the late part of the opening quarter after he injured his thumb. Brees hit Arron Donald’s palm while throwing the football, smashing the thumb awkwardly.
Following the match, the Saints’ QB was obviously displeased with the way everything happened, saying that he is concerned about the degree of the injury.
“Yeah, I am concerned. I’m hoping it’s not too significant.”
Brees was replaced by Teddy Bridgewater, and that only made things easier for the Rams, who didn’t catch their usual rhythm up until the third period.
Defenses were running the show at the Coliseum, and the first half saw just nine points. LA was up 6-3, with Greg Zuerlein executing two field goals, one from 24 yards and the second from 22. On the other side, Wil Lutz struck from 34 yards.
There was one touchdown, but the officials canceled it. The Saints’ DE Cameron Jordan returned the fumble all the way to the endzone, during the second quarter. At first, everything was ok, but after watching the video replay, the officials changed their decision. The guests were furious, and once again they saw the referees directly influencing the game, like in the NFC finals.
Todd Gurley and Brandin Cooks scored touchdowns in the third quarter, and until the end, Jared Goff carried the ball for one yard before entering the end zone to seal the game. Rams’ QB had 283 yards, 19 of 28, for one touchdown. Gurley rushed 16 times for 63 yards, while Cooper Kupp had 120 receiving yards on 5 receptions. Cooks had 74 in three.
Goff spoke briefly with Brees after the game, wishing a quick recovery to his rival.
“I told him I’m hoping for the best,” Goff said. “He’s a great player for this league, a face of the league, and somebody we need in the league.”
Bridgewater was solid on the field. Even though Brees’ backup didn’t throw a single TD pass, he was ok. He recorded 165 yards, completing 17 of his 30 attempts, and also suffering two sacks. If by any chance, Brees has to skip some games, the 26-year old will become the new leader of one of the biggest Super Bowl contenders.
Once joining the Saints, Bridgewater stated that he wanted to learn from Brees, and eventually replace him at the starting QB position. That came a lot sooner than he hoped for.
Alvin Kamara was way below the expected level of play. He had just 60 yards from scrimmage, 45 rushings, and 15 receiving. Latavius Murray rushed for 7 yards on 5 carries, and in general, that were the only rushing yards for Sean Payton’s guys.
Michael Thomas had 10 receptions for 89 yards.
New Orleans now heads for Seattle to face the Seahawks, in another tough challenge. Meanwhile, the Rams visit Cleveland and the Browns, in what was supposed to be one of the most interesting games of Week 3.
