Rams defeat Raiders to snap losing skid

The Los Angeles Rams travelled to Allegiant Stadium to face the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 7, looking to bounce back after a difficult start to the season and improve on their 2-4 record. The Raiders entered the contest at 3-3 but had suffered 3 straight losses, hoping to take advantage of home-field conditions and strengthen their position in a competitive AFC West. With Matthew Stafford leading the Rams’ offense against Kirk Cousins and the Las Vegas attack, both teams had plenty to prove.

The Rams wasted little time getting on the scoreboard. Stafford guided the visitors downfield before connecting with tight end Davis Allen for a 3-yard touchdown pass. Los Angeles’ offense immediately looked improved from what they showed in the previous week against the Arizona Cardinals.

Las Vegas had opportunities to respond, but the Rams’ defense made life difficult for Cousins and the Raiders. Matt Gay had already missed a 51-yard field-goal attempt before eventually getting the home side on the scoreboard with a 30-yard kick late in the first quarter, cutting the deficit to 7-3.

The second quarter belonged almost entirely to Los Angeles. Stafford continued to find his receivers, and the Rams extended their lead when he connected with Allen again in similar fashion, this time for a 5-yard touchdown. Los Angeles’ 3rd kicker in as many weeks, Brandon McManus, converted his second extra point.

Stafford then delivered another scoring strike, finding Puka Nacua for an 11-yard touchdown. The completion was particularly significant for the veteran quarterback, who moved into the Rams’ all-time lead for touchdown passes. With McManus again converting, Los Angeles had built a commanding 21-3 advantage.

The Raiders struggled to find an answer as the Rams continued to exploit gaps in the defense. Stafford was exceptionally efficient, and Los Angeles added another touchdown before the break when running back Kyren Williams broke through for a 17-yard rushing score to complete the second quarter avalanche.

Gay managed to add a 27-yard field goal for Las Vegas just before halftime, but the Raiders still headed into the locker room trailing 28-6 after a dominant first half from the visitors.

The third quarter proved far less productive for both offenses. Los Angeles maintained its substantial advantage, while the Raiders struggled to turn their possessions into points. The Rams’ defense continued to limit the home side, although mistakes from the visitors gave Las Vegas opportunities to remain in the contest.

The Raiders finally found the end zone in the fourth quarter when Cousins connected with Tre Tucker for a 37-yard touchdown. Las Vegas attempted a 2-point conversion but failed, leaving the score at 28-12 but giving the home crowd a reason to believe a comeback was possible.

Shortly after, Nakobe Dean picked off Stafford in Rams territory, leading to a touchdown for Ashton Jeanty, bringing the margin back to just 10 points with plenty of time left on the clock.

Los Angeles, however, responded when it mattered. Blake Corum provided an important contribution on the ground, and after a time-consuming drive, eventually added another rushing touchdown for the Rams to restore a comfortable lead.

The Raiders refused to surrender, adding further points late in the contest to narrow the deficit to 35-21. Their second-half improvement made the final score considerably closer than the first-half performance had suggested, but it all proved too large to overcome nonetheless.

Ultimately, Stafford’s three touchdown passes and the Rams’ strong ground game gave Los Angeles the platform it needed to secure the road victory. Despite allowing the Raiders back into the contest late, the visitors did enough to close out a 35-21 win and leave Las Vegas with an important result.

Touchdowns
Los Angeles Rams: Allen 2, Nacua, Williams, Corum
Las Vegas: Tucker, Jeanty

Top Performers
Los Angeles Rams: Allen, Nacua, Williams, Corum, Stafford
Las Vegas: Tucker, Cousins, Dean

Injuries
Los Angeles Rams: Allen, Nacua, Williams, Corum, Stafford
Las Vegas: N/A

Crowd: TBC @ Allegiant Stadium