For the third week in a row, the Los Angeles Rams looked like they were in position to cruise to victory. And for the third week in a row, they let their opponents back into the game with some costly, ugly mistakes and bad defense.
The Giants had a chance to win the game with a 54-yard field goal attempt in the final 30 seconds, but Mason Crosby’s kick missed wide right. Of all people, it was Crosby who couldn’t convert after the Rams signed and cut him a few weeks ago, handing Los Angeles a much-needed victory.
The Rams held on to win, 26-25, in what was a sloppy performance by the offense, defense and special teams unit. It wasn’t the blowout many people were expecting, but a win’s a win and they’re now in position to clinch a playoff berth with a Seahawks loss or Vikings-Packers tie.
Final score: Rams 26, Giants 25
Game notes
- Sean McVay admitted last week that Lucas Havrisik’s inconsistency plays a role in his fourth-down decision-making, and that was once again clear on Sunday. With fourth-and-3 from the Giants’ 21-yard line, the Rams went for it instead of trying a 38-yard field goal. The pass went through Puka Nacua’s arms and fell incomplete, but it was a good, aggressive call by McVay.
- After turning it over on downs on their first drive, the Rams got a quick three-and-out by the Giants and then scored a touchdown on their second possession to go up 7-0, Kyren Williams’ 13th score of the season.
- In the second quarter, Stafford threw his first interception since Week 12. It broke a streak of 170 straight pass attempts without an interception, which was the second-longest active streak in the NFL.
- A big play in the game came in the second quarter when the Giants went for it on fourth-and-1, but Tyrod Taylor fumbled the snap and the Rams took over on downs. Los Angeles scored a touchdown from Stafford to Kupp on the ensuing drive, going up 14-7 before halftime.
- Just before halftime, the Giants tried a 45-yard FG. Ben Skowronek jumped over the line and blocked the kick, but he was called for unnecessary roughness because he wasn’t within 1 yard of the line of scrimmage when the ball was snapped, therefore it was a penalty. Mason Crosby made the 31-yarder after the penalty, pulling the Giants to within four points.
- Puka Nacua continued his incredible rookie season, adding another 100-yard game on Sunday. It helps that he had an 80-yard reception, his longest of the year, but he’s been making big play after big play all season.
- Ahkello Witherspoon had a tough day, allowing a few big catches to Jalin Hyatt and Darius Slayton, including an 80-yarder deep down the field to Slayton. The Rams need him to play better during his playoff push.
- Lucas Havrisik’s job probably isn’t safe anymore. He missed two more extra point attempts against the Giants, continuing to struggle mightily as the Rams’ kicker. Don’t be surprised if Los Angeles brings in someone new.
- The Rams led 20-10 in the third quarter and 26-19 with under 5 minutes left to play, but as they have so many times this season, they let their opponent hang around. A 94-yard punt return touchdown by New York made it a one-point game after the failed two-point attempt, and then the Rams went three-and-out again, the fourth time they did so all afternoon.
- The Giants drove down the field in the final minutes and set up a 54-yard field goal attempt by Mason Crosby that would’ve won the game, but the kick missed wide left and the Rams held on to win.
It was over when…
… Crosby’s 54-yard field goal missed wide left. That kick was the determining play in the game after the Rams went three-and-out on the previous possession, giving the Giants a chance to win in the final 30 seconds.
3 stars of the game
No. 3 star: Kyren Williams — 20 carries, 87 yards, 3 TDs. 2 catches, 14 yards.
No. 2 star: Kobie Turner — 5 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 3 QB hits
No. 1 star: Puka Nacua — 5 catches, 118 yards. 2 carries, 19 yards
Play of the game
Puka Nacua broke off his longest catch-and-run of the season in the third quarter, going for 80 yards after breaking a tackle and sprinting down the sideline. He ran out of gas at the end of the play and went down at the 2, but Williams capped off the drive with a touchdown from 2 yards out.
What's next?
The Rams will return to the West Coast for a road game with the 49ers in Week 18, a massive matchup for Los Angeles with a playoff berth potentially on the line. The 49ers clinched the No. 1 seed in the NFC, so they won’t necessarily have to play their starters and can rest everyone against the Rams next week if they want.
