New England Patriots (3-8) – Los Angeles Rams (5-5): 22-28
Matthew Stafford had never thrown a touchdown at Gillette Stadium. It is now done since the quarterback even had the luxury of throwing 4. Impeccable today with 296 yards at 18/27, the veteran made his star receivers benefit. Puka Nacua (7 receptions, 124 yards, 1 touchdown) and Cooper Kupp (6 receptions, 106 yards, 2 touchdowns) held their position perfectly. In defense, although too penalized, the young Californian guard continues to show good things. Kobie Turner (7 tackles including one for loss, 1 pass deflected) and Kamren Kinchens (8 tackles including one for loss, 1 pass deflected) continue their great season. Rookie Braden Fiske (3 tackles, 2 sacks, forced ball loss) is gaining momentum. The lights are green for Sean McVay's men who, however, suffered a little scare at the end of the match.
Opposite, Drake Maye was not unworthy, far from it. At 30/40, 282 yards, 2 touchdowns despite two turnovers, he gave up everything in the battle. The rookie found support at reception, distributing a minimum of 4 passes to 7 different receivers. Defensively, the Patriots simply lack talent. Matthew Stafford was little or not worried, the only satisfaction being the fact of having limited the Rams to 107 yards on the ground. With Maye, New England continues to lay a good foundation for the end of the season. Their future could well emerge if leaders make good decisions in the months to come.
Matthew Stafford found the Fountain of Youth
Both teams are struggling to find their feet at the start of the match. The first two possessions ended in a punt. Demario Douglas (WR) then wakes up the Patriots with a run then a nice reception. Drake Maye continues and ends up finding Kendrick Bourne (WR) for a nice touchdown. Despite a 19-yard run from Kyren Williams (RB), the New England defense is there and forces a new punt from the Rams. Drake Maye and his colleagues also showed a very good face before a penalty and a deflected pass by Kobie Turner (DT) forced them to punt in turn.
The Californian attack gets underway at the start of the second quarter. Sean McVay perfectly alternates calls between passing and ground play. Rookie Blake Corum (RB) shows up, Matthew Stafford works his connection with Puka Nacua and ends up throwing a touchdown towards Cooper Kupp. Kobie Turner continues his work, monopolizing two opposing linemen. Braden Fisken (DT) then has free rein to hit Drake Maye head-on, who drops the leather on impact. In ideal position, Stafford wasted no time and found Puka Nacua in the end zone. The Patriots reduce the gap with 3 points and LA fails to imitate them. 14-10 at the break.
The Rams are playing to scare each other
Stafford starts on the floor by finding Cooper Kupp for a 69-yard touchdown. Drake Maye and his attack work well before being stopped in a situation of and goal. Joey Slye scores 3 consolation points for New England. Unfortunately for them, the Rams do not loosen their grip. Indeed, Kyren Williams and Matthew Stafford continue their momentum and Colby Parkinson (TE) drives home the point. Luckily for the Patriots, the opposing defense committed several penalties. Drake Maye finally found his lineman Vederian Lowe (OT) who had announced himself eligible with the referees. The conversion kick is blocked and the Pats are still two possessions away.
The Rams rest a little on their laurels and find themselves punting. The Patriots then give themselves the means to believe in it. Drake Maye shows the full extent of his talent and handles possession masterfully. Unfortunately, after moving up almost the entire field, Ja'Lynn Polk (WR) is penalized for false start on the fourth attempt. Back within shooting range 28-22, New England offers itself one last round by forcing the Rams to punt. But with two minutes remaining on the clock, Maye was sacked and then intercepted. Cruel for the rookie who had a very good match until then. Matthew Stafford just has to kneel and mass is said. 28-22, the Rams are doing well!
