New Orleans Saints (4-8) – Los Angeles Rams (6-6): 14-21
So close and so far… With 2 actions in the opposing 10 yards 1 minute from the end of the match, New Orleans could still hope to get back into a tie.
But Alvin Kamara, then Derek Carr under pressure fails to get the first down or the touchdown. Behind, Los Angeles only needs a first down to ensure victory. It's good from the first try with Kyren Williams who makes an 11-yard run for the victory.
New Orleans lost, after two victories, in a match which took a long time to come to life.
Failures and a record
We are witnessing a first half of “almosts” and missed opportunities in New Orleans.
First the Rams came close to scoring a touchdown on a fumble returned by the defense. But the referees cancel the touchdown and New Orleans escapes by scoring a field goal (3-0).
Then, it was the Saints' turn to see an Alvin Kamara touchdown canceled for a penalty. A few plays later, the local kicker misses his field goal. When it doesn't want…
Finally, it is the Rams who miss on the following offensive series on a 4&4 in the 25 yards of New Orleans!
In this funny half-time, the Louisianans have the last word with a 54-yard field goal before half-time (6-0). For the first time in his career, Sean McVay did not see his team score a single point in the first half!
Rams offense finds key
McVay sees his players repair the anomaly from the start in the second half. The Rams insist on the ground with Kyren Williams and the runner ends up finding the fault for the touchdown (6-7).
After several punts, we had to wait until the very end of the 3rd quarter for the match to get lively again. On a deep pass, Demarcus Robinson received for 46 yards and placed the Rams within 3 yards of the locals.
The receiver continued his good momentum by receiving the touchdown on the following action (6-14) 6-14 and put the Saints up against the wall at the start of the 4th quarter.
A touchdown which has the merit of stinging the Saints. New Orleans is finally moving forward and can count on its strong man of the moment: Marques Valdes-Scanting. The receiver receives his 4th touchdown in 4 games on a 28-yard pass! With the successful 2-point conversion, the Saints then return to 14-14.
Except that the match is going in the wrong direction for the black and gold. Matthew Stafford successfully multiplies his passes and connects with Puka Nacua for the touchdown barely 3 minutes after that of the Saints. Los Angeles goes back in front 21 to 14.
The men of the NFC South will try to come back to the end with this 4th attempt but fail. If New Orleans sees its playoff hopes end, Los Angeles can still believe in it a little.
