The Los Angeles Rams pulled off an unbelievable comeback to defeat the San Francisco 49ers, 27-24, and earn their first win of the 2024 season.
The Rams trailed by as many as 14 factors within the third quarter, however a pair of speeding touchdowns by Kyren Williams helped the crew even the rating.
After the protection got here via with a key cease, a 38-yard punt return by Xavier Smith put the Rams in prime place to win the sport.
With 42 seconds remaining in regulation, Matthew Stafford received the ball at midfield and superior the Rams to the 49ers’ 25-yard line after defensive go interference was referred to as.
Williams then gained six yards on the bottom, which set the stage for rookie kicker Joshua Karty connecting from 37 yards to seal the victory.
It was the thirty sixth fourth-quarter comeback of Stafford’s profession, which tied Drew Brees for fifth all-time in NFL historical past. “It’s cool anytime you’re getting talked about with guys like Drew Brees who did such wonderful issues on this league for such a very long time. I really feel humbled once more to be in that very same breath. I’ve numerous respect for him and who he was as a participant,” Stafford mentioned of the accomplishment.
“Fourth quarter comebacks are nice. [It] means your crew can rely on you in these moments. They’re additionally not so nice [because it] means you’re down, so play higher than the primary three. It’s humorous. Soccer’s a humorous sport. Typically one nice quarter can erase three unhealthy ones, so take them at any time when you will get them.
“[It’s] robust to go on the market and play 4 good quarters. I moved on fairly fast. [I got] enthusiastic about it within the locker room after the sport, get house, see my 4 youngsters [and] they may care much less. They’re excited that we received, however they wish to inform me about one thing else they did. I transfer on fairly shortly. I’ll perhaps shoot again, give it some thought and discuss it with some buddies or household that evening, however Monday morning I’m right here engaged on the following crew fairly shortly.”
Stafford is in his fourth season with the Rams and the sixteenth general of his NFL profession. By means of three video games, he has thrown for 754 yards with two touchdowns and one interception.
Xavier Smith might be Rams’ full-time punt returner
Smith’s large punt return didn’t go unnoticed as he’ll proceed in that function for the Rams going ahead. “He’ll proceed to be the punt returner if that’s what you’re asking,” head coach Sean McVay instructed reporters.
“He did an excellent job. He had two ‘ops’ [opportunities] yesterday, one truthful catch after which one large return that’s clearly well-documented. He’s actually put numerous work in. It’s a cool reflection of the work paying off, him persevering with to only keep regular, after which having the ability to have the chance to ship in an vital second for the crew. He would be the punt returner shifting ahead. Comfortable for ‘X’.”
